An appealing entryway holds the key to positive impressions. Rapid Renovation Expert Naomi Findlay shares her top entryway renovation tips.

If  you’re thinking that buyers are only interested in the kitchen, bathroom or bedroom, you’re under-valuing your property’s overall appeal. You have to remember that most potential buyers are looking for their next home. And with such a large financial investment, most will also want to spend considerable time inspecting every aspect of their potential future property.

I’ve been a professional renovator for many years, and having completed more than 110 renovations, I’ve learned that you simply cannot leave any part of your property ‘unstaged’.

So in this post, I’m focusing on one part of a property that many novice property renovators miss: the entryway.

How do you get started?

The entryway has two integral components: the doorway and the entry foyer. For both parts, you need to consider tone when staging your property.

‘Tone’ is defined as the general character of your property. In this case, ‘tone’ becomes your best friend when it comes to staging your doorway and your entry foyer.

1. TURN YOUR DOORWAY INTO A GRAND ENTRANCE

Whether you have a large verandah, a modern portico or a single step tread as your entry, there’s always a way to merge design and drama. Here’s some of them:

• Profile of the door paint colour and paint finish (e.g. matte, glossy)
• Door hardware, including handles, hinges and knockers
• If you aren’t working with an existing door, consider playing with a scale and using an oversized door for impact and anticipation

2. SPRUCE UP YOUR FOYER FOR A SPLENDID WELCOME

In many cases, what you can do with the foyer depends greatly on the space available and on your target market’s lifestyle needs.

So consider these questions:

• Is there enough storage available?
• What about ample lighting?
• Is there enough room for guests to seat?
• What type of flooring will you use?

The above are only some of the things you need to consider when thinking about foyer design. So to get you started, here are some of my top tips in making a foyer to remember:

• Built-in closets are ideal for coats, boots and bags. If you don’t have this as an option, look for a fitting and practical piece of furniture that can be easily converted to meet this purpose. This could be a vintage robe or a funky ottoman with under seat storage.
• Light the space. Many entry halls are not flooded with light, and if yours is one of them, consider adding table lamps or pendant lights. Make sure that you have full control of the lighting via separate switches and dimmers so you can create a welcoming and ambient first impression.
• Animate your entry hall through rugs. To help withstand the traffic and daily dust and dirt, choose a rug with a heavy texture or a detailed pattern.
• Treat your entry like any other room. Just like any other part of your property, your entry foyer also needs some value investment. Bring it to life with flowers, art and candles. If you have a side table, consider adding a vignette for added aesthetic appeal.

WRAPPING IT UP

Improving your property’s entryway holds the key towards engaging prospective buyers – if you’re selling – or visitors, if you are staying. It represents an indirect invitation for them to come in and to experience the features that your property has to offer.

The Property Renovation Library | The Property Renovation Video Hub