5 Steps for Beautiful Entry
Ideas for sprucing up your home's curb appeal this Spring
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How does your front entrance look these days? Has that snow and salt stained doormat seen better days? Still have leaves from last fall lurking in the corners of your porch? At the height of spring, many entries can use a little sprucing up.
Photo by sonjalovas
Whether you have a Southern-style porch or just two feet of concrete, the size of your entry shouldn’t hold you back. Here are my favorite tips to building an entry that really says “Welcome Home.”
Photo by RLBolton
1. Look at your home’s color scheme — details and all.
Photo by reallyboring
Brick color? Siding color? Trim color? Even gutters matter.
Snap a few photos while you’re at it; you’ll need them at the nursery!
Pay special attention to your entryway colors.
Front door color?
Wooden door or painted?
All these details matter when choosing your color scheme later.
Take a stroll around your home and analyze the current landscaping scheme. What kinds of plants and flowers have you selected previously? Carefully note any patterns in color, shape, and plant type. What space do you have available in your entry? Even the smallest porches can accommodate two small pots of flowers; the largest porches have space for several, depending on pot size and flower size.
3. Visit the nursery.
Photo by Francis Bourgouin
Armed with images of your home and notes on landscaping, browse your local nursery for entryway flowers. Keep your eyes open for plants that will add a pop of color without detracting from the overall landscaping plan. For ease of flower care, think right plant, right place. Shady entries call for hardy plants that don’t need sunbathing. Well-lit entries call for plants that thrive in the heat.
4. Get planting!
Photo by brianjmatis
With your chosen pots, chosen flowers and potting soil, you are ready to beautify that front entrance. If you have chosen heavy pots, move them to the right spot prior to planting. Start with a healthy layer of potting soil and gingerly remove your plants from their original containers. Never pull a flower by its stem. Tap the sides of the container if it is stuck. Then, place your plants in the pot with care. Surround with additional soil.
5. Make sure to maintain your new entryway.
Photo by Jeni Rodger
Swap out your welcome mat, scrub your storm door, and don’t neglect your new additions! Water the flowers regularly and replenish potting soil as needed. If you notice wilting, evaluate the lighting and relocate the flowers if necessary to preserve life.
Your entry provides the first impression for visitors. Now go make a beautiful impression, not just for your guests but when you come home each day!
Amanda Searle, Broker Associate
Magnolia Properties | www.IntownJacksonville.com
