The front entry of a home is the first thing someone sees and will give the first impression of your home. The front entrance welcomes anyone to your home as well as shows off your personality. There are several things you can do to enhance the front entrance of your home such as adding planters, accessories or a pop of color to your front door. Here are five enhancements you can do to make your front entrance shine by John Gidding, former host of HGTV’s Curb Appeal. 
1. Accessorize With Texture
This is a great way to add interest to your front entry space by adding textures. Changing up the materials used to create a wreath for your front entry is a great way to do this. Wreaths can be made out of many materials such as driftwood, outdoor fabrics or any other material you choose. “Think beyond traditional floral wreaths and get creative! These add personality to a front door and can be hung using non-damaging adhesive strips,” says Gidding.
Adding planter boxes is another way to bring life to the space and depth. Make sure to choose a plant that is perfect for your climate and also check to see if the plant likes sun or shade. If you have a Hamptons beach house look, then you do not want to use boxwoods for your planters. You will want to choose a plant that fits with the architectural style of your home.
2. Add a Splash of Color
“Painting the front door is a fun DIY project that can elevate your home’s exterior and create a more inviting entrance for guests. Most architecture can support a brightly colored door, so stepping outside of your comfort zone with a jewel tone is a great way to add a pop of color,” suggests Gidding.
Just a friendly reminder that a dark colored door can get very hot in a warm climate. When painting your front door, you do not even need to take it off the hinges. You can just paint your door as long as you cover floors, and tape off the hardware. A good tip is to paint the first coat, let it dry and sand it with a fine grade sandpaper. After you do this, apply a topcoat to complete the look.
3. Upgrade Your Hardware and Fixtures
This is an easy thing to do and gives a totally new updated look to your front entry. Replace your door hardware and replace any light fixtures in the space. “Whether you opt for a new metal finish or upgrade to a smart lock, your door hardware should complement the architecture of your home,” adds Gidding.
Another great idea is to add house numbers which can be a way to add another decorative look. Gidding says they should be in a visible location and they are at least 4 inches high. The color should also pop against the background they are installed on.
For light fixtures, make sure to choose something that goes with the architectural style of your home. If you have a traditional home, you will want to choose something like a classic lantern style or if it is contemporary, a good choice would be a circular style in matte black or steel. “Adding an oversized light fixture is not only on-trend, but draws attention to your front door and creates a more welcoming space. For a cohesive look, make sure the metal finishes on all hardware and fixtures match,” instructs Gidding.
4. Give the Door a Thorough Cleaning
“Most people don’t think about washing their front door, but a grubby door doesn’t create a good first impression. Cleaning a door is easy and will help extend the longevity of your front door and keep it looking fresh,” says Gidding.
A good way to do this is to start by vacuuming or wiping away any loose dirt or cobwebs.. You will want to start at the top and work your way down. Once this is done, take a mixture of mild dish soap and water and wash the whole door down using a soft cloth. After making sure that the door is well rinsed, take a dry soft cloth and dry the door off to prevent smudges.
5. Replace it
“In some cases, it’s just time for a new, better-performing front door. It not only provides a fresh look to boost your curb appeal, but a new front door can also have a huge impact inside your home by allowing more light in and keeping the elements out. And it’s easier than you might think – a new front door can be installed in one day by a qualified contractor,” Gidding says.
There are several things Gidding says to look for to know that you should go ahead and replace the front door. An obvious indicator is its performance and its style, it might leak cool air or hot air into the home. You will want to replace your door with an energy efficient one. There are many front doors now that are made out of other materials than just wood. These doors are designed not to rot, warp or crack and they are very low maintenance.
