The Home Front: Now’s the time for a front porch refresh – Vancouver Sun

It all starts with your front door Distroscale

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The entrance to your home holds such importance, and its often quite an overlooked space. Postmedia sat down with two style experts to hear their tips on how to make your front entrance sing.

Because your front door is a relatively small area compared to the rest of your home, you can have fun with it and make it a personal style statement, says Benjamin Moore colour and design expert Sharon Grech.

A bold colour that contrasts with the body of the house is an easy way to add curb appeal, she says. If the homes cladding is on the lighter side, then try a brighter or more saturated hue and vice versa.

A front door with big impact. French Canvas paint by Benjamin Moore. Photo by Benjamin Moore /PNG

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I prefer a door with a touch of sheen, so my go-to finish is a soft gloss.

If you are painting your front door, take the opportunity to update the hardware with a stylish option. A new lock set and a beautiful door knocker make a stylish statement, says Grech.

A fresh coat of paint for any furniture at your homes entrance is a great way to extend the life of these pieces that might otherwise feel quite dated.

If you are painting, do it as soon as possible so that when good weather rolls around, your outdoor space is prepared, says Grech.

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If you have a larger porch, a seating area is a wonderful and practical way to add curb appeal to your home, says Grech. She suggests creating a quiet reading area with cushions in your favourite colour and a couple of chairs, so you can use this space for entertaining.

Porch furniture is a great way to add personality to your homes entrance, says colour and style expert Sharon Grech. Photo by Benjamin Moore /PNG

A fun, practical and pretty doormat is an easy, cheap way to add personality to the entrance of your home, says Lydia Thammavong, head of design, style and trends at home improvement retailer RONA.

A wreath on your front door that you change with the seasons will also make your front entrance feel attractive and distinct, she suggests. Or, update your mailbox and address signage for an instant refresh. For the address numbers, go for a font that is clean and modern looking and make sure theyre at least four inches tall to be well visible from the street. These are small upgrades that are often forgotten and will help give your house a more contemporary look.

Exterior lighting has a significant impact on your front entrance, says Thammavong. You can use sconces on either side of your front door to create symmetry or a semi-flush light if you have a covered porch. Go with what best suits the style of your home. Lighting your pathway also upgrades the general look of your house, day and night: It makes your home feel more welcoming.

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The Home Front: Now's the time for a front porch refresh - Vancouver Sun