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Increase Your Home’s Value with an Attractive Entrance

When considering what boosts home value, many homeowners think about square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, upgrades, pool, property size, etc. But what about curb appeal? Curb appeal is how attractive your home looks from the street. Almost any real estate professional will tell you that curb appeal is essential when selling a home. "Homes with high curb appeal tend to sell for an average of 7% more than similar houses with an uninviting exterior, according to a joint study by the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington" (magazine.realtor). A study from the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics also estimates that curb appeal alone could account for up to 7 percent of a home's sale price (nytimes.com). Additionally, a study done by Michigan State University found "a home with landscaping and effort put into curb appeal can increase perceived home value by 5 to 11%" (landmarkhw.com). 

The best place to start when boosting your home's curb appeal (and value) is the entrance. The entrance to your home is more than just a point of entry. Think of it as a room rather than a transition area. Your entrance is the one area where you can share your tastes with not just those who come to visit but with all who drive by. However, the entrance is more than just an outward arrangement; it is a first impression and a precursor for entering your home. You want your entrance to be bright and inviting, as well as set a cohesive tone with your interior decor. Paint, lighting, and plants are great places to start to create an inviting and aesthetically pleasing entrance. 

Paint 

To give your front entrance an instant new look, paint the door a different color from the rest of the house and the trim, making it a focal point (nytimes.com). According to Scott J. Sottile, a partner at Ferguson & Shamamian Architects, "It's something that causes the eye to stop, so you say, 'Yes, that's where I'm supposed to go.' It can be a strong, contrasting, or fun color, like a bright red or yellow. Or maybe it's a lush green, to blend in with the plantings" (nytimes.com).  

Even if you choose a subdued color, changing the sheen can make the door appear unique (nytimes.com). Selecting a finish such as high gloss can make your door stand out. You can also further plus your entrance by painting the ceiling a subtle shade, such as light blue or yellow, so there is just a pop of color (nytimes.com).  

Lighting 

Front door lighting offers both function and beauty, and it simultaneously adds safety and sets the mood. As Beth Webb, an interior designer based in Atlanta, explains, "You don't want a blaring security light when you come through the front entry. Exterior lighting is so incredibly pivotal. You want that soft glow" (nytimes.com). 

Webb suggests a sizeable hanging lantern for general illumination while making a statement or a pair of wall-mounted lanterns (nytimes.com). Scale is an important consideration when choosing decorative fixtures. Fixtures that look large in a store or inside your home can sometimes appear small when you move them outside. Depending on the size of the house, bigger is often better (nytimes.com). 

Additionally, look for ways to add accent lighting. Think about your entrance lighting as layers. Options for adding lights include step lights above stairs, fixtures that wash textural walls with light, landscape lighting, and candle lanterns (nytimes.com). You can even tuck landscape lighting into pots and planters by your front door. Choosing battery-powered LED lights with built-in timers provides worry-free nightly illumination. 

Plants 

Placing a few containers planted with greenery around the entry, such as boxwood and bougainvillea, brings life and softness and is an easy way to make the area more attractive (nytimes.com). Choosing plants that smell good, like jasmine and rosemary, creates a pleasant, inviting aroma. "One way to add containers is to install a matching pair of tall pots or urns on either side of the front steps. For a more casual approach, cluster two or three pots of various sizes to one side of the front door" (nytimes.com). 

In Summary 

With care and attention to details such as paint, lights, and plants around your entrance you can create an aesthetically pleasing look that makes your home more attractive and increases its value.   

Sources: 

landmarkhw.com 

magazine.realtor  

nytimes.com