DEB'S TOP THREE: STYLISH FRONT DOOR

Creating a stylish front door can really add to the curb appeal and character of your home. I've done a few front door makeovers and I think if you consider these 3 things you can create a stylish area.

1. A BLACK FRONT DOOR

Painting a front door black is a classic look, that tends to go with many different styles and colours. The image above (from House Beautiful) shows a black door with a window. This is something else to consider if you want to add more light on the interior of your entry.

This is a similar door from Pella with a window.  

2. EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Adding some beautiful exterior lighting also enhances the look. This sconce is similar to the one shown above, from Circa Lighting.

3. ADD URNS OR GREENERY

If you have the space to add two urns or stylish planters on either side of the front door it adds symmetry and balance to the area. Like the image above, the greenery on either side of the door adds so much to this house. The height and colour really works to create a charming area. A stylish planter or topiary from Restoration Hardware (this is 'preserved' boxwood but can only live outside in the summer). Check with your local garden store for a suitable exterior greenery for your area.

BEFORE & AFTER: AN ENTRY GETS A NEW LOOK

In a past renovation I gave this entry a full makeover. Here is the before picture from another angle (coming in the front door).

This was one I did myself, so I spent a couple weeks one summer lifting the old floor, removing the wallpaper (the walls and border are paper), taking down the blinds and getting a new light fixture. The floors in here were a pain to remove, there was carpet over old vinyl that had been cemented down. For such a small space most of my time was spent removing the old vinyl floor. Finally I removed the vinyl and discovered the original wood floors underneath. They were in rough shape but nothing a coat of paint couldn't fix.

Here is another look at the corner of the room from the living room, which shows a similar angle to the after picture.

I gave the floors a coat of black paint and the walls, trim and ceiling in white. Some simple decor (and big hooks on the wall you can't see from here). A sisal rug, big mirror framed in black and small table (that I painted flat black) made all the difference. And here are the results:

NARROW CONSOLE TABLE

Often people have small areas, like an entry, where they need a narrow piece of furniture. I find a narrow console table can work well in an entry, by a back door, or in unusual spaces where you can't fit an overly large table. I've had this white console table in my own home/s for about 8 years and I've used it in an entry, bedroom and now by the back door. Originally I painted it white, and it works well in many different areas because of the size – it's a very versatile piece of furniture. From time to time I think about selling it but then I realize how often I use it. Here it is now:

And here it is years ago in my house in Toronto:

A painted white console has a very specific look. I also really like the look of these two wooden consoles, both with a mid century modern vibe!

Classic front entry

In my column 'Ask Deb Nelson', I get a lot of questions on how to create a great first impression at a front entry. Often an entry can become over run with stuff, when people enter the door they drop everything. Having the right storage solutions can help that, but the key is keeping clutter to a minimum. To create an attractive, welcoming front entry, you can add a few key elements. Typically a great overhead light fixture (depending on your ceiling height), a mirror and a rug are all great starting pieces. Here are a few suggestions to create a classic looking entry that would suit a traditional home.