Curb appeal is important from the street all the way to the front door. And while people often revamp landscaping and outdoor lighting to give their entry better curb appeal, they often overlook the front door, yet this is where close-up first impressions are made. You don’t necessarily need to replace your door unless it in a state of disrepair. Here are eight tips for freshening the look of your front door so that it says ‘welcome’ once again.

1. Clean the door and glass. Your front door can get very dirty and you may hardly notice, especially if you typically enter through the garage or back door. Wipe down the door surface and hardware and clean the glass. Doing this on a regular basis will not only keep the front door looking fresh, it will give you an opportunity to check for peeling paint, surface cracks or worn weather stripping.
2. A fresh coat of paint. Worn paint will look dull no matter how much you clean it and a fresh coat of paint may be all that’s needed to add a little pizzazz to you entry. Consider a new color if the old one doesn’t do much for the look of your house. Keep in mind that the color of the front door should be different from any other color on the home’s exterior, such as siding, trim or shutters. Choose a deeper coordinating shade or something with a little more drama.
3. Change the hardware. Hardware choices have never been so varied: Handles and lock sets in polished or brushed nickel, antiqued bronze, shiny brass or black iron, let you can accent any decorative style. Accent the new hardware with new address numerals in a matching style.
4. Hang a decorative wreath or garland. A seasonal wreath or garland is a great way to welcome everyone who comes to your door. It’s easy to change a grapevine wreath as the season changes by swapping out floral picks and accents inserted right into the wreath. But beware, having a wreath of poinsettas on your door in July is worse than having no wreath at all.
5. Install a decorative glass panel. Replace ordinary plain glass on your door with stained glass or beveled glass to add interest and sparkle to your entry. This is an easy way to accent a favorite color, theme or style.
6. Decorate your front porch. Create maximum impact by decorating the porch and walkway leading to your front door. Add to curb appeal with appropriately sized shrubs and perennials along the walkway or add potted planters, plant stands or hanging baskets in season for color and cheer. Accent the space beside your front door with a metal wall plaque or decorative iron wall art.
7. Hang decor from your doorknob. A painted wood ornament, crystal or glass ornament, tied cluster of bells or gathered sheath of dried lavender tied with ribbon will bring a personal touch to your doorknob.
8. Upgrade your front door light. If your front porch light has been around for a long time, chances are it could use some updating. Craftsman style, modern lanterns and traditional brass or bronze exterior lights let you accessorize your home in any style. If you’re not replacing the light, be sure that the old one still works and that it’s free of dust, cobwebs and dead bugs.

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Front Door" courtesy of smoMashup.