Do you know you have 7 seconds to make a good first impression.  Yes, that is how quickly we formulate an opinion about a person, place or thing.

So how does the front of your home measure up?  If it is a little less than you would hope, I offer some great advice for you in today’s article.

A great way to evaluate how the front of your home really looks to a visitor, is to take a photo.  Whenever I show my clients a photo of the home, they quickly identify areas that are in need of design help and fixes.

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Clear Clutter: Move stray hoses into a hose caddy and store gardening tools in the garage or shed.  We don’t want you or a guest tripping on clunky items around the entryway.

Spring Clean: It is time for spring cleaning.  Look closely at your window screens and windows.  I clean my windows and screens every spring and it instantly lifts my mood and improves the view to the garden.  You can also power wash the concrete or pavers around the house.

Good Lighting: Landscape lighting will guide visitors to your front door and dramatically accent your landscaping.  Select the same finish as your porch light and vary the sizes. Spots lights, up lights and path lights will create a warm inviting feeling to the front of the home.

Freshen It Up: How is your garage door and front door looking?  If you have a western exposure at the front of the home, I would imagine the paint is looking a bit tired.  No need to paint the whole house at the same time, but do give a fresh coat of good quality outdoor paint to the garage door and front door to give a clean, inviting feeling to your home.

Dress Up Your Doorway: Space permitting, please add some seasonal color in a decorative planter or urn at the front door.  For a formal look, create symmetrical design with two planters flanking the front door.  An informal design would be best served with a single planter, balanced with garden decor on the other side of the doors, such as an armillary or statue.

Personalize It: Add a monogrammed door mat to announce you live in the house.  There are many available online, that are beautiful and functional.  Regularly clean the mat so that guests have a great first impression.

Did you know that outdoor rooms are my specialty?  I love to create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces for you to enjoy.  Please call so we can discuss your design project.  661 430-0127

Tami Smight Interiors, a full-service interior design firm, has been gracing southern California homes with warm, accessible designs since 2004.

As a certified professional interior designer, Tami Smight shares expert design tips, tricks and trends in her column. Check out her articles in our SCV “Your Home Inside And Out” section.