By Kathryn Weber
Because most people don't use their own front doors, it's easy to overlook maintenance or see the signs of wear and tear. With the holidays -- and holiday guests -- around the corner, now's the time to give your entrance the attention it needs
The holidays mean company's coming, and you want your home to look its best. The best place to start sprucing up is at the entrance, where visitors get their first impression. Adding some unique embellishments and a little polish can make it a welcoming one.
Get green
Few things look as good as a front door with beautiful planters. As pretty as flowers are, they can take a lot of care and have to be replaced frequently as the seasons change. To make your home's entrance look terrific, and make plant maintenance easier on you, choose shrubs instead of flowers.
Consider a pair of specialty or specimen shrubs. These are often trimmed in pompom shapes or have a unique style. If you want to use flowers, use smaller planters to make changing them out more convenient. A pair of urns make for a quick spot to place pots of mums or other seasonal flowers that can be dropped in and changed out quickly.
Get symmetrical
If shrubs are too much to care for, consider using a pair of elegant statues. Biltmore, the
More spit and polish
Because most people don't use their own front doors, it's easy to miss the signs of wear and tear. Stand outside the front of your home and give your entrance a good look. Remove dead and dying plants, polish fixtures or replace them altogether, and add a coat of new paint or varnish to the door. Consider a lacquer paint that has a rich, deep shine. If your door is wood, add a couple of coats of marine varnish to give it a deep gloss and protect the wood.
Go inside
Don't stop at the door; continue the revamp indoors. Try a new area rug and be sure to have a bench for guests to place purses on or sit down on to remove shoes. A small table or console is another nice spot to add attractive accessories and a handy place for keys and mail. Give your entry way more than one kind of lighting, too, so you can set a mood. In addition to an overhead light, consider adding sconces or table lamps on the console.
Available at Amazon.com:
Cut Your Energy Bills Now: 150 Smart Ways to Save Money & Make Your Home More Comfortable & Green
It's Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living
Copyright © Kathryn Weber, Living Space. All rights reserved.
AUTOS | HOBBIES | EDUCATION | FAMILY | FASHION | FOOD & RECIPES | HOME DECOR | RELATIONSHIPS | PARENTING | PETS | TRAVEL | WOMEN
Home & Garden - Spruce Up Entryway for the Holidays Ahead