Front Entry Way Design Features

Tips on appealing features for an outdoor Front Entry Way

Posted on September 20, 2011 by LivabilityTeam

The Front Entry Way to your home sets the overall impression and tone for your family and your visitors when they arrive.

Front Porch Entry with Bench

Covered Front Porch with Bench

What feeling do you want to them to have?

Grand? - an expansive, luxurious sense?  - maybe columns and marble or granite accents
Warmth? - cozy and cute? - inviting decorations and warm, glowing lights
Green? - plants and flowers? - planters or pots at various heights
Modern? - simple and uncluttered? - brushed nickel hardware and light fixtures

What personality is reflected at your home's front entrance?
Impressions start at the curb! As a Realtor might say -  "Does your house have curb appeal?"

Qualities you might want to look for in a front entry way on the outside of the house include - -

  • A front porch area with a roof and covered area to stand (If it's raining, it's really hard to hold an umbrella, packages and unlock your door!)
  • Lighting or porch lamp (You can see where to put the key or looking out, you can see who is at your door.)
  • Space near the door for plants, decorations, chairs or a bench
These three items can portray your style - grand, warm, modern, etc.   Many new designs of hardware, lights, outdoor furniture and plants can add character and establish your home's personality.
What will the door mat outside your front door look like? How big does it need to be?  Is this in your new home budget? We have double front doors on our current house and found it difficult to find a door mat wide enough to look good in front of both doors at a reasonable cost.

Do you like to display door decorations?  Look to see if there is a way to attach a wreath or other decor to the front door.  If the doors are metal or have glass inserts you'll need to use over the door top hangars.  We had some beautiful front door decorations - but when you buy a home with double front doors you need two of everything! Again - this can be a budget busting issue!

Feng Shui home design advocates using your front door and entryway, and not always entering your home thru a side door or garage door. Creating an inviting feel starts at the street and front of your home in the various Feng Shui disciplines.

Front Entry Way Features

Covered Front Entry Way

This home in Calera, Alabama is a good example of a home with a covered front porch area to stand out of the rain and weather. It has space for plants and a sitting area to watch the street.

Many neighborhoods are being designed to encourage people to sit and spend time on their front porches instead of always staying in the backyard behind a fence. This helps people get to know their neighbors and makes the whole community safer!

What are your favorite features for a home front entrance?

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