Many people take pride in their front door decor. After all, it’s the first opportunity to introduce yourself and your personal touches to guests. However, it’s a good idea to be conscientious of what you put up, for the sake of safety and aesthetics. Here are 13 things to avoid.
1. Add personality but Not Personal Details
First and foremost, safety should take priority. As such, avoid personal details in front door decor. This includes welcome mats and house numbers. For instance, welcome mats with initials are a great alternative for welcome mats with a full name or list of names. Additionally, house numbers should be clear and visible but not stand out, as this can alert intruders.
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2. Clear Pathways
Secondly, ensure walkways and paths are clear as this can prevent safety and tripping hazards.
3. Lights for Front Door Decor
Walkways often have safety lights to guide guests to and from the door at night. As such, front door decor includes lighting but it’s best to avoid bright or disorienting lights. Instead, install warm, soft lights to ensure safety and add to the ambiance.
4. Update Things in Need of Repair
Another important aspect of an inviting space is to ensure things are working properly. For instance, it’s best to replace old or broken door knobs, bells, and lighting. Keeping up to date on electrical forms of front door decor also prevents safety hazards.
5. Remain Neutral in Front Door Decor
Many people have strong opinions regarding political matters and may want to showcase their beliefs. However, incorporating banners or flags that display beliefs can make you and your family more susceptible to backlash or confrontation from passersby. Therefore, front door decor should be neutral, avoiding any controversial topics. However, colorful, uplifting, funny, or heartwarming banners and mats are ideal to help guests feel at ease in your home.
6. Use Friendly Reminders in Front Door Decor
A great way to invite guests and prevent unwanted visitors from solicitors is to include friendly reminders with tasteful signs. Some examples include:
- No Trespassing
- No Soliciting
- Please, remove your shoes
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7. Refresh the Space
Front door decor can include welcome mats, decorative wreaths, signs, lighting, various plants and ivy, or holiday decorations. However, leaving up the same items, particularly holiday decorations, can make the space look neglected. Therefore, swapping items for others occasionally can help the front door decor appear fresh and well-maintained.
8. Avoid Clutter
Leaving holiday decorations up year round, or adding to the space without taking anything away can make it appear busy and cluttered. Instead, add and take things away as seasons change and holidays pass. Additionally, your front door decor may look unkempt if you leave things along the front of your home that don’t belong like bike tires or tools.
9. Add Some Green (and other colors)
Plants, flowers, and wreaths are some of the most beneficial ways to decorate the front door. For example, studies have shown that plant exposure can have a calming effect and may help improve mental health. Furthermore, flowers offer a bright pop of color and encourage birds and butterflies to stop by for a visit. Meanwhile, holiday wreaths combine greenery, flowers, and in some cases berries, to create beautiful conversation pieces that can help highlight your essence to friends and neighbors.
10. Maintain the Yard
Although front-door decor is a great way to introduce yourself to new guests before they enter your home, your yard or garden is equally important. An unkempt and overgrown yard is another sign of neglect, so, it’s best to keep a well-maintained yard with ample greenery to make your home more inviting to guests. Moreover, a variety of greenery can ensure visitors like birds and butterflies.
11. Hide Trash Cans
Trash cans can be eyesores or give off unpleasant odors. Therefore, keeping them hidden as best as possible is a good idea. Some options include on the side of the house or in the garage.
12. Store Excess Items
Front door decor has endless possibilities but as previously mentioned, they are easy to overfill. Alternatively, you can store extra decor in decorative weather-resistant bins. Some options include stackable bins or bins with organizers.
13. Security
Wind can often blow light items over, or away altogether. Therefore, the front door decor should be securely fastened. Consider options like double-sided tape, zip ties, or bottom-heavy items.
H/t Redesign Daily
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