The First Impression Front Entry Decor

We have one chance to make that all important first impression when potential buyers come in to our homes. If we start with presenting an intriguing entry, it’s sure to spark that eagerness to see the rest of our space. We want to extend an invite that says “Come in - stay a while!”

Staging the foyer helps to make that key first impression. If potential buyers like what they see in the front entry, you’ll create that all-important excitement to see the rest of the home, as well.

Upon entry, the goal is to make things feel welcoming with a clear “pull” into the rest of the space. The front foyer really is among the most important rooms in your house.

DECLUTTER AND ORGANIZE

Assess the space with a critical eye, taking note of what we typically drop here when we come in, like shoes, bags, and coats. Take a fresh look at the furniture you have here, as well. If it’s too large or outdated, now is the perfect time to make a donation.

Bring in only the necessary organizational helps like baskets, cubbies, hooks and shelves if you have the room. Low shelving works great for shoes, and hooks are easy for bags and coats to hang on. Remember, you’re preparing a tidy space for potential buyers, not your own family.

This is the perfect place to practice the art of accessorizing. You can create a pretty vignette with bowels or baskets for keys and mail, clearly showing there is a place for everything. And nothing says welcome like a vase of fresh cut flowers. I just treated myself to some pretty yellow daisies the other day, and am loving the cheery greeting they make.

Best Tips For Staging Your Home For Sale

SELECT THE PAINT COLOUR

Create a calming entry space with neutral tones and avoid the bold colours that usually bring thoughts to potential buyers of needing to repaint. If it works with what you’ve got, I’m thinking of something like Benjamin Moore’s Colour Of The Year 2019 - Metropolitan. It’s a “stylish grey with cool undertones”.

Similarly, say goodbye to any outdated wallpaper. If you really want wallpaper, it’s come a long way and there are so many beautiful options that don’t look like you’re stuck in the ’80’s. No one wants a first thought of the work they’d need to do when they enter your home. Working with a colour palette that flows from room to room always gives that professionally decorated feel, and says this house is move-in ready.

AN ASIDE ABOUT FRONT ENTRY DOORS - COLOURS THAT SELL

The power of paint, simply choosing the right paint colour, is one of the simplest tools we have at hand to help us sell our home for top dollar. Talking about front entry staging is an appropriate place to make mention of our exterior front door colour. Paint it black and you could increase your selling price by as much as 2.9%. That’s a lot of money on the table for a coat of paint! Not every house can take a black door, but do your research, it will be worth it.

GREAT FOCAL POINT

Every room needs a focal point for great design. If your entry has a beautiful staircase or a chandelier, those are your entryway focus points to stage. If you don’t have those, no fear. Create your own with any one of these staging tips:

- update your lighting with an eye-catching light fixture

- hang a pretty clock, artwork or mirror on a focal wall

- add texture and warmth with a modern area rug

- put a tall house plant in the corner

- make a little vignette over a shelf or side table

- repurpose an antique dresser or console with drawers against the entry wall

- add a pretty lamp and hang some artwork or a mirror over it

FRONT ENTRANCE TABLE

Personalize and transform your foyer by adding a stylish table. One with storage options is best, and it doesn’t have to be big and lavish. Small spaces, like my own where we repurposed the base of my grandmothers pedal sewing machine, need a little something to display simple accessories and art, a small lamp or that vase of fresh flowers already mentioned. If the entry hall is narrow and really has no room for furniture, try mounting a 5” - 6” shelf on the wall. When you add a mirror above it, you trick the eye into thinking its a wider passage.

FRONT ENTRY BENCH OR SEATING

This is where we remove and put on our shoes, and a bench provides a perfect solution. It can also be a great place to add handy front entry storage for tucking away the extra footwear and outerwear that often finds a home on the floor. If your entry is too small for a bench, try a console table with two ottomans on either side, or a small occasional chair. You’ll be providing a place for those potential buyers to sit when they come in. Show them the ease and function of space.

I SEE THE LIGHT

Any space that celebrates the natural light is better. That’s particularly important during the daytime for a welcoming foyer. At night be sure the entry is well light with artificial lighting - that’s important for a nighttime showing. Good lighting also contributes to the safety factor. Buyers like to see the interior as soon as they walk in the door, and don’t want to be fumbling around in the dark. Light fixtures can add personality and style and will make a foyer look bigger. If you can’t add overhead lighting because your entry is on the smaller side, add wall scones or table lamps. We already talked about mirrors, and they will definitely bounce around any light in the space, visually expanding the look and feel.

Try these tips for a well dressed entry that says “wow” to every buyer who comes in. You’ll be well on your way to that “Sold” sign and moving forward with your life plan.

Contact Jill For Staging Help