Entry- a defined point of entrance, place of entrance, vestibule, passage, door or gate.
An entry to a home is often a visitor’s first impression of your home and family. It becomes a personal invitation to everything that lies beyond. This is the place where people move from the street to your private world, your home. The entry is a symbolic sign of welcome. Some people are more open with their welcome, creating a standing offer that says, “My door is always open to friends and visitors”.
The porch sets the mood and style of your home and the manner of the people who live there. The porch can inspire passing neighbors to stop and chat or become a quiet outdoor niche where family members can lounge with a good book or view the sunsets. The front porch is a house’s public face.
The entrance can augment the property value and many realtors encourage homeowners to enhance their entrance when they want to sell their home. The allure of an entry is an important point of transition. Beautifully enhanced it will draw or charm you into longing to see more.
A few signature elements announce “enter here” giving no mistake as to where you want visitors to enter. Planters, pathways, gates and shrubs give directional guides. A pair of large shrubs at the beginning of a walkway tells the visitor at a glance “this is the way”. This is especially important when the house’s architect doesn’t make a clear statement as to where to enter. A clear defined entry is appreciated by everyone.
Planters, either attached to walls, hanging from beams or railings or simply placed on the porch or somewhere along the approach are the easiest of all elements to enhance an entrance. Planters billowing with blooms can be very striking to blend or contrast with the front door or architecture. Other elements that are beautiful on the porch are rocking chairs, benches, statuary, bistro sets, and backer’s racks (decked out with collections or seasonal decorations) and hanging wall art, mirrors or clocks. Accessories are what turn a porch into an outdoor living room. Have fun and enchant your entrance!
