A door into your world
Elizabeth Clarke finds out how to create an impressive home entrance.
Looking to create a killer first impression? It’s all about getting your front yard and facade just right.
‘‘When you take in a home’s frontage, it’s always in the context of nature and neighbouring houses,’’ says interior designer Martine Cooper.
‘‘You don’t need to blend in with everyone else, but you don’t want to stick out for the wrong reasons either.’’
The professionals share some of the most important elements to consider when creating a memorable first impression.
Statement front door
A killer entrance requires a fabulous front door.
‘‘It gives us a hint of what’s to come inside,’’ says Cooper, adding that choices now go beyond a timber stained or painted door. ‘‘Commercial and hospitality projects are inspiring our choices. Different colours, profiles and panelling are all trending.’’
Glass is also a popular choice. Cooper says some frosted options can look ‘‘tacky’’, but unfrosted glass can cost you some privacy.
‘‘The only time clear glass works is when there’s full privacy from the street front provided by tall fences, landscaping or a tucked-away location.’’
Fabulous fence
‘‘You can add instant value to your property with the right front fence,’’ says designer Sarah Elshaug.
‘‘It enhances street appeal, should be in keeping with your home’s architectural style, and be a colour that is cohesive with the neighbourhood.’’
Privacy is crucial, so the fence height should be informed by the height of the bedroom windows overlooking the street and passing foot traffic.
The material choice is important too.
‘‘Consider how materials will work in the context of any design constraints,’’ Elshaug suggests.
Delicious garden
‘‘Not only does an edible garden reduce food miles, reduce packaging waste and increase the vegetation carbon sink, it also creates an aesthetically pleasing garden,’’ says Liz Hall of Studio Apercu.
‘‘Also, enjoying fresh produce straight from garden to plate is tasty and inexpensive.’’
Like any garden, good planning is crucial, and while maintaining it takes time and effort, Hall says it’s worth the benefits.
Beautiful bricks
Bricks are always a popular choice, and for good reason, says Hall.
‘‘It’s a versatile material for front steps, ground pavers, garden edging and decorative garden features,’’ Hall says.
‘‘Bricks bring colour, texture and contrast, and aged bricks add warmth and personality and kerbside appeal.’’
But when determining your facade, you want to make sure it suits the home’s overall architectural design, landscaping and the area, she says – and ‘‘don’t be too trenddriven’’.
Hall says the biggest mistake people make when using brick is thinking, ‘‘it’s just the garden, we’ll do it ourselves’’.
‘‘Unless you have experience laying bricks, and [if] you want your brickwork to last, engage a professional,’’ she says.
A facade to remember
When choosing a material palette, look for harmonising mediums that work with the streetscape.
‘‘Consider what the cladding will protect your home from, then bring all your exterior materials together on a tray to ensure they work together from a colour and textural perspective,’’ Cooper suggests.