First Impressions: Creating A Welcoming Front Door..
Your front door is more than just an entryway – it’s the start of your home’s story. It greets your family after a busy day, sets the mood for guests, and offers buyers a glimpse of what’s inside if you’re looking to sell.
Whether you’re getting your house ready for the market or looking to update it for your family – a beautiful front door creates an inviting welcome that you’ll appreciate every time you come home.
The Power Of First Impressions..
In Manchester’s busy property market, first impressions are everything.
Research shows that the exterior of a property significantly influences buyers, with a standout front door being the star attraction.
But this isn’t just about impressing others. A beautiful front door makes your home feel special to you – especially when it’s designed to reflect your family’s personality and charm.
Show Your True Colours..
Colour is a reflection of your individuality, allowing you to express your personality while complimenting your home’s style and features. That said, the right front door colour can do more than just look good—it can enhance your home’s value on the market.
Studies have found that black is the UK’s favourite front door colour, thanks to its timeless elegance and ability to suit both modern and period homes.
If you find black too overpowering, opt for an almost black shade, like Railings by Farrow & Ball. Its deep blue-black tone feels elegant and timeless. I used this colour for our door canopy and carried it through to the staircase in the hallway.
Other popular choices include:
- Blue: Ideal for family homes as it invokes a sense of peace and calm
- Green: Symbolises nature and harmony, perfect for connecting the indoors to the outdoors.
- White: Perfect for a new home or fresh start, symbolising newness and cleanliness.
If you’re selling, sticking to these popular colours could help your home stand out in listings and during viewings.
A freshly painted door signals a well cared for home, whereas chipped or faded paint can leave a negative impression. This also applies to any porches, canopies or woodwork surrounding the entryway.
I chose Green Smoke by Farrow & Ball for our front door – a smoky green blue. This colour was popular in interiors during the Victorian era, giving our door an elegant and timeless feel. As green symbolises nature, it is a great choice for a front door as it beautifully connects the indoors with the outdoors.
Material Selection..
If you are considering a new front door, choosing a material that suits your lifestyle and your home’s architecture is important.
- Composite doors: Perfect for modern living – offering durability, energy efficiency, and minimal maintenance.
- Solid wood doors: A natural choice for period properties, bringing warmth and charm. While they require more upkeep, they have an unrivalled timeless appeal.
For a detailed look at both materials, check out my blog: Which Type of Front Door Should We Get?
The Beauty Of Stained Glass..
If your home has original Victorian or Edwardian stained glass, it’s a beautiful feature worth preserving. Damaged panes can often be restored or encapsulated for better insulation. For our home, I collaborated with a local specialist to design bespoke stained glass inspired by Victorian style.
We incorporated green, pink, and blue glass to reflect the colours found throughout our home. We also added a warm amber, which casts a golden glow on sunny mornings. This personal touch adds charm, history, and a sense of our family’s style to our front door.
The Finishing Touches..
A standout front door also needs beautiful surroundings. Consider adding these finishing touches to elevate your entryway:
- Doormat: Ensure it is clean and welcoming.
- Greenery: Frame your entrance with a selection of small trees, potted plants or shrubs.
- Hardware: Brass door handles, knockers, and letterboxes add a touch of elegance. We added a bee knocker – an iconic Manchester symbol.
- Lighting: Wall sconces with warm white light bulbs provide a welcoming glow. Choose a traditional lantern style for period homes. Motion-censored lights are great for saving energy.
Seasonal touches, like a festive wreath or colourful summer plants, can keep your door looking fresh all year round. But remember to remove decorations once the season is over to avoid looking dated.
Our Front Door Transformation..
When I updated our front door, it was about more than kerb appeal. It was about creating an entrance that reflected our family’s style and values.
By combining a smoky green-blue door with colourful stained glass, and brushed brass hardware, we created a space that feels warm, welcoming, and perfectly ours.
Your Front Door: A Small Change, A Big Impact..
Whether you’re welcoming buyers, guests, or your family after a long day – a well-designed front door sets the tone for your home. With the right colour, materials, and thoughtful details, you can create an entrance that feels special to you. It will also help your home stand out in the market.
If you’re ready to transform your space, I’d love to help you create something special.
Get in touch:
www.spacesbykelly.com @spacesbykelly kelly@spacesbykelly.com
07554 149880 – Let’s create spaces for living well.
Eddie – Monday 2nd November 2024. (Image used from Kelly).
