Front Step Curb Appeal!
Writing about this topic is about as big as the great outdoors itself, and can be a little intimidating. Taking one spot at a time, here are some thoughts for sprucing up your front steps!
A Bright Front Door!
Years ago I was watching a HGTV show and the decorator remarked that your front door paint color is the most important feature of outdoor decor. Most homes are painted with simple, neutral colors, but that doesn’t have to be true for the front door!
- Using a chip of your main house color, think outside the box!
- Some fun and interesting colors for a front door include eggplant, deep pink, teal, a crisp red, bright yellow, or navy blue.
- Make sure that you purchase exterior paint in a high gloss finish.
- Don’t be afraid! It’s easy to paint over a door if you hate your choice!
A Clean Front Entrance
Make sure your front door, steps, and side windows are clean! At my home, family and guests all come to the back door, so it’s easy to forget to keep the front tidy.
- Sweep away dirt, cobwebs, and leaves.
- Wipe down the door and threshold as needed.
- Clean side windows.
Door Knocker and Kick Plate
An attractive brass door knocker and kick plate will give your door a finished look. Polished pewter is also a nice choice.
- Try to buy products that will not tarnish.
- Purchase both the knocker and kick plate in the same finish.
- As you make a choice, keep the age and style of your home in mind, as well as the size of your door.
See Door Knockers for some online resources.
Doormat
Over the years, I’ve tried many different types of doormats, and have often been disappointed.
- The types with printed designs often fade in the sun or with foot traffic.
- Coir mats shed with use and their designs fade too.
- Hands down, my favorite doormat is made of heavy black rubber in a wrought iron pattern. These mats don’t fade, show no wear at all and can be cleaned off with a hose. The dirt gets trapped in the open parts of the design and is easily swept away. The best part is how attractive these mats look!
See Doormat Sources for some online resources for these mats.
Urns for Your Front Steps
Based on the design of your steps, you will need one or two containers to display seasonal flowers. Choosing urns is challenging.
- There are many choices varying in shape, material, and cost.
- Cement urns are very heavy and urns made of resin may not look as good as you’d like.
- Quality urns may need to be considered a true investment.
See Sources for Urns for online resources for urns and Flowers for Urns for ideas on filling them.
Final Touch - Add a Wreath!
I have collected a number of seasonal wreathes that I rotate on my front door throughout the year.
- Make sure that each wreath matches your door and the season!
- Very nice wreaths are available at Target and through Lillian Vernon.
- Be selective when you choose your wreaths and toss them when they are worn out!
After all of your efforts, stand at the curb with a smile! Your neighbors will smile too!
