Spruce Up Your Entrance

You've just moved into your new home, congratulations! You are probably so focused on getting things just so on the inside that you've completely forgotten about the outside right? The interior of your home is important, but the exterior more so because it's what people see when they first arrive. The key is to create a lasting impression from the moment your guests pull up and the trick to doing that is by enhancing your entrance.

"'Improvements to your property are definitely steps in the right direction", says chief executive of Greeff Christie's International Real Estate, Mike Greeff. "Creating a memorable entrance does not only boost curb-appeal but it will also be advantageous when you are wanting to sell".

As expensive as things are these days, sprucing up the entrance to your home does not need to cost an arm and a leg - all you need is some creative inspiration and a bit of DIY.

Show Them The Way

One of the most underrated yet most efficient ways to improve your curb-appeal is by laying down a clearly marked foot path. It is essential that when you design and build your path that you get the width correct - more often than not, pathways can be too narrow so ensure that you leave enough room for two people to walk side by side.

There are various kinds of walkways, just choose what suits you and your home best. If you're stumped on which design to go with, here are a few ideas:

• Stepping stone walkways
• Flagstone walkways
• Brick walkways
• Gravel walkways

Keep It Clear

Trim down overgrown trees and bushes that block the view of your home and walkways. Instead of having plantings spilling over, opt for flowers and plants that you can grow inside quaint-looking containers. These are easy to maintain, easy to re-arrange and bonus, they do not block the view of your home.

Tip! Install low-cost, low voltage outdoor lighting. This not only adds to the safety and security of the home, but it also adds accent lighting to the house and can illuminate a pathway.

A Popping Point of Entry

Having a door that stands out from the rest of the house is a definite wow-factor. Adding a punch of colour to your door is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to revamp a tired-looking entry. A bold, colourful door also sets your house apart from the rest and makes it easy to find which is a bonus - if guests can find your home easily, it's already a memorable experience.

People often pick colours for their front door that they wouldn't pick for their interior walls and it's where many homeowners often feel they have a little more freedom to go wilder with colour.

If you need some inspiration, here are a few colour guidelines:

Bright and bold: if you want to have a statement front door, choose vibrant colours like pink, turquoise, red or yellow. These colours create a stunning entrance to your home and will even brighten up the greyest of days.

Neutrals and Greys: if you're not feeling quite that adventurous and would prefer to play things safe then opt for your favourite variation of grey, black or green. These colours albeit subtle, are classic, sophisticated and timeless.

Replace The Hardware

It's time to toss out all your dingy and out-dated hardware ie. house number, overhead lighting and mailbox. These are just a few elements that that can add style and interest to your home's exterior curb appeal and if they are tatty and rusted, it may not be conveying the aesthetic you would like.

Tip! These elements work better collectively so instead of having a mix-and-match aesthetic, rather go for a similar style and feel. For example, if you have more of a traditional home, go for oiled-bronze finishes as it adds to the old-world charm of the property. Should you have a contemporary home, brushed nickel suits it best and will give it a more modern look and feel.

The important thing to always consider is the style of your home. If you have a traditional home, choose classic, timeless finishes that will complement your home. If you have a more contemporary-styled home, opt for modern finishes that will add a bit more pizzazz.

The great thing about sprucing up your entrance is that it does not require a team of workers, a crazy amount of time or a lot of money. Choose a Saturday, grab your inexpensive essentials and voilà, your grand entrance has been made!