Tired of the same old song and dance when you arrive home every day? A simple but effective way to change the rhythm of your home design is to renovate the front entry. This can be done in a BIG way, with lighting and raised ceilings and high-end finishes, or with just a few simple changes. It all depends on your budget and the style of your home. Here are 4 ways to jazz up your front entry.
Cut the Blank Wall
There is nothing as boring as an empty wall. Luckily there is a lot you can do to break up the monotony:
• Wainscoting
• Shiplap
• Wallpaper
• Update the baseboard and crown molding
• Custom cabinets, shelving, or a small bench or mud room area
Change the Flooring
It is remarkable how much flooring can change the ambiance of a room. When it comes to your front entryway, it is well worth the investment into high-quality flooring. One caveat: if you have an open floor plan in your home, be sure to keep the flooring consistent and let it flow throughout the whole space.
There is a lot you can do with natural stone, high-quality wood, and even tile (especially popular right now is a wood-grain tile with the hardiness of tile but the appearance of wood). If you do opt for tile, we recommend thin grout lines – both for aesthetics and convenience of maintenance.
Change Your Front Door
Your front door is the first thing people see when they come to visit. It is well worth investing in something that creates an impact, since this will leave a lasting impact on visitors (and will make coming home so much more fun). You can select wood, fiberglass or steel doors – just be sure that they are hurricane-rated and have a Florida Product Approval Number if you live in Florida.
In addition to changing the front door, you can also add sidelites, a transom, or even raise the height of your doorway. Just be sure to hire a Contractor that is licensed and insured, especially if you are making any structural changes to your home.
For more information and inspiration, read our article Your Front Door is Your Home’s Best Introduction.
Add a Chandelier or Cool Light Fixture
Light fixtures can really make or break a room. Case in point:
Imagine how this room would look without the light fixture, or with a different chandelier. It could completely change the style of the space.
There are a variety of fixtures out there, from traditional glass or beaded chandeliers to geometric light fixtures that add a touch of Art Deco. Be sure to take your time and select a piece that complements your home and makes you happy.
Nelson Construction and Renovations, a family business founded in 2006, is a design-build company that specializes in high-end remodels, home additions, and custom homes. With our headquarters in Clearwater, Florida, we serve homeowners all over Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. We are an award-winning member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
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