We all strive to make stellar first impressions, knowing that presenting oneself in a best possible light will surely be the precursor of good karma. But, did you know that your front door has to make a good first impression too as soon as that for sale sign goes in the front yard, if not a few days sooner? Often overlooked by homeowners (probably since a lot of us enter our homes from a back door or garage), front doors are what grab potential buyers’ attention, and your doors better hold their gaze for more than a second! Otherwise, these would-be buyers will speed down the street to the next door, and subsequently a house they like better.
*A House + Soul® staged listing
Here’s where House + Soul steps in to let you in on a little trade secret: anchor your front door by placing items on either side. Simple as that? Not quite. You’ll need to keep exterior home colors and architecture in mind when choosing how to adorn either side of your door, and take into account the seasons and amount of sunlight that hits the front of your house if selecting living plants or flowers. And, if questioning what color of flora to use, remember that good ol’ green plants complement almost any exterior. For a little guidance, check out some of the doors found around town below and never hesitate to reach out if you have a challenging door area to anchor.
Potted Plants (Evergreens, Ferns, Topiaries, Rose Trees & Flowers)
*Notice that most of the pots/planters are neutral, and the plants aren’t overly fussy.
Tasteful Benches (Chippendale, Farm and Iron Scroll Styles)*Keep bench colors neutral as well, and if incorporating upholstery, make sure it matches the house (e.g. the green cushions appear to be the same green as the trim in the second pic).
Streamlined Sculptures (Obelisks, Acorns and Urn Finials)
*Since obelisks are eternally chic, their tallness gets a pass, but typically keep sculpture height to about the same as the door handle or lock to not seem overpowering. 
Challenging Door Solution (Combination of Potted Evergreen and Round Garden Sculpture)*When tight on space on both sides of the door, place one potted plant to the larger side. This example gets bonus points though for also including a circular garden sculpture in the front side of the yard—clever!
*All Images by House + Soul®
Are there any other staging tips you’d like answered? If so, feel free to shoot any related questions my way, and I’ll do my best to cover them in future House + Soul Staging Secret posts.
Your House + Soul guru,
Leah
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House + Soul® founder and CEO Leah Fitzpatrick proudly holds REALTOR® status and hangs her license with Keller Williams Realty in Franklin, Tennessee. A passionate communicator and editor for nearly nine years, thoroughness to detail and unrelenting research tactics are her fortes—both of which translate well when tracking down houses and writing contracts in the Nashville area’s booming real estate market. She’ll also happily engage in any conversation about winemaking or vineyards, hiking, travel, cocker spaniels, art and interior design. Leah welcomes you to reach out to grab coffee with her should you want to discuss any real estate needs.
