While an outdoor entrance provides an attractive and unique curb appeal, it can also serve as a warm welcome for visitors. Here’s what you can do to keep your outdoor entry area looking pulled together and appealing, no matter what the season.
Whether you place a dwarf spruce or Norfolk pine in a planter or plant arborvitae or another upright conifer tree in the ground near your steps, you’ll want some greenery to tie the look together. It also helps keep a bit of color going during the cold season. As a bonus, you can decorate your evergreens with holiday lights and other embellishments during the celebratory season.
Even if all you’ve got is a set of steps leading to a tiny landing, try to find room for a chair or a bench. This is functional as well as welcoming because it provides a place for people to sit and remove outer footwear before entering the home or to sit and relax for a minute or two before going inside after a long day at work. If you’ve got the room, a small bistro set made from weather-resistant materials adds a delicate touch and provides a fun way to enjoy a casual family meal or round of beverages.
Exposed aggregate walkways do double duty by serving as a highly attractive introduction to your home and providing a slip-proof surface that helps keep household residents and guests safe from potentially harmful slip-and-fall accidents. You can get as creative as you like with these and use aggregates in a variety of colors or simply stick with an understated, monochromatic look. For instance, you can use agate aggregate for a multicolored effect and oyster shell aggregate for a lustrous look. Add ground-level solar lights along the sides to show it off after dark.
Other ideas for creating a fabulous outdoor entryway include hanging a decorative door with features such as carved floral accents or stained glass, putting down rustic outdoor rugs in front of the door, and placing accent items such as basketry or statuary on each side of the door. Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to put some personality into it.
