How to Make an Inviting Front Entrance

Your front door and entryway welcomes you home, providing a transition from the outside world to your personal space and it's the location where visitors are greeted and where first impressions are made. In Feng Shui it's also believed that your front door is where all the energy that circulates through your home enters bringing abundance, new opportunities, and vitality. So it's important to make your front entrance as appealing and inviting as possible.

There is no better time than the beginning of spring to enhance your front entrance. Clearing away debris from a long winter, potting plants, and adding outdoor lights are all great ways to start.

Six tips to enhance your front entrance:

1) Create a clear pathway to the front door. Clear away the debris that may have accumulated on your front yard after a long winter. Make sure the path to your front door is clear of obstacles such as fallen tree limbs or overgrown bushes. Be sure the pathway to your door is in good repair. Are stepping-stones loose or cracked? If so, be sure to make those repairs as soon as possible. If you do not have a path to your door consider creating one by adding stepping-stones or defining a path with flowerbeds. A well-defined path is an excellent way to direct your guests, as well as energy, to your front entrance. Even if you use another entrance, like the garage, don't ignore the front door.

2) Make sure your door is well marked. Is your street or apartment number visible from the street or do people have to search to find the entrance to your home? By clearly marking your front door, you are not only helping people find your home, you are signaling to the world that you welcome new opportunities and abundance into your home and into your life. And changing or adding new house numbers to your home, is an easy way to refresh the look of your front entrance! Check out our front door Pinterest board for house number inspiration.

3) Enhance the entrance. Add potted plants or flowers on either side of your front door. The plants will accentuate the entrance, which is particularly good for hidden or recessed doorways (our front door Pinterest board also has some potted plant ideas!). If you live in an apartment, consider what you can do to make your door welcoming such as adding a doormat or art. If enhancements aren't an option, be sure the area is clean and well-maintained. 

4) Brighten your front entrance with lights. Add a light on either side or above your door. Also consider lighting the edge of the path to your door with small solar lights. This will lead your guests right to your front entrance as well as ensure everyone’s safety.

5) Create systems to keep it clutter-free. Make sure your front door can open at least 90 degrees without hitting any obstructions such as shoes or furniture. The space just inside your front door should be free of clutter – not the dumping ground for everyone's stuff! To keep the area clutter-free limit the items kept by the front door to essentials like coats and shoes. Store seasonal or infrequently used items elsewhere. Use hooks for coats, hats, and bags, and consider getting a shoe rack. Place pretty baskets or bins under a table or bench for quick storage of loose items. Finally, designate a spot for mail. For entryway inspiration, check out this board.

6) Welcome yourself home with a loved object. What’s the first thing you and your guests see when you enter the front door? Be sure whatever greets you is beautiful and peaceful. If you can, create a foyer by adding a table with a mirror or artwork above it. Keep fresh flowers on the table so you are always greeted by beauty and pleasing smells. If you don’t have space for a table hang your favorite piece of artwork or photograph on the wall where you will see it whenever you enter your home.

A pleasing entryway will lift your spirits every time you leave and come home – a great way to set foot in the outer world each morning and usher in positive energy when you return to your inner world.