First Impressions Count…
Quite often your garden isn’t the first thing people see so you need to make sure that your good taste and flair is exuded from the very moment someone sets eyes on your humble abode.
Making an impression on tenants, buyers or guests, the importance of a first impression is often underestimated.
Here are my top tips to ensure a favourable lasting impression is sustained…
1.Paint the front door a bold solid colour, glossy back will work for all properties from the tastefully traditional to the more modern
2.Absolutely never use plastic door bells, instead opt for polished aluminium or stainless steel to enhance that chic effect
3.Plants add that little bit of extra panache – contemporary containers with artificial foliage for the busy working wonders or evergreen plants with large leaves for those green fingered goddesses who really want to make a statement
4.External mood lighting always propels sophistication. Hiding lights behind rocks and shrubbery and including ambient lighting in plants are all tricks of the trade used to achieve the perfect after hours effect
5.Hanging lanterns from trees when you are expecting guests is another finishing touch that can really make a difference
6.Use hedges to your advantage – hiding bins, securing boundaries, emphasising the air of mystery from the road!
7.If you have any traditional brick or stone work it ought to be cleaned regularly by using brick acid or getting it sandblasted and then sealed, for that fresh and nurtured look
8.Ensure external woodwork is repainted every five years, especially if it is exposed to sunlight frequently. Keeping on top of this will prolong it for life
9.Think about the positioning of all external lighting and shrubbery to make sure a picture perfect view is achieved from inside the house
Before any of the above are put into practice there are a few essentials that must be abided by.
You need to check the deeds of your house (even if it is free hold) before doing any exterior renovation work, as minor as it may seem. For instance, deeds to houses on some streets stipulate that all houses must have black front doors (dating back to when they were lease hold).
Before altering windows, doors and painting any brick or stone work you must check with English heritage if your house is a listed building – even adding a burglar alarm may cause a problem!
Uniformity can be a good thing so take into account the style and colour of your neighbours’ fences, for example. If you want to be adventurous, experiment with the colour of your front door.
Tags: door bells, foliage, front door, garden, lanterns, lighting, lights, mood lighting, plants, renovation, shrubbery