The first impression should always be a good impression. This goes for the outside of the home too and it is a place, where there is ample opportunity to try out
your ideas of home decor.
The
gate is the first feature that demands one’s attention. It should really have
an aesthetic quality, whether it is small and compact or a large and fancy one.
It is important to keep it in good condition by regularly cleaning and painting
it. A lovely touch can be obtained by having a creeper growing round an arch with metal wiring above the gate, overhung with flowers such as Jasmine or Bougainville.
This should be regularly trimmed so that it will not come in the way visitors and the leaves and flowers below must be swept away.
Although
the mailbox is usually thought of as a utilitarian article, one could be
different and buy a good looking one or convert an aesthetic piece into a mailbox and set it outside. For those, who live in enclaves that are gated or
if there is a watchman, this will be a safer option as nobody could think of
walking off with it.
When
people call at one’s home, they usually wait outside the front door and gaze
about the place. To make this area pretty, one could place potted plants in special ceramic or terracotta containers over there. A wrought iron stand holding small
containers with bonsai plants or in the popular coffee-stump holders is good. A
cloth, terracotta or metal wall hanging is not very expensive and is at the
same time striking.
There
is an infinite variety of front doors to choose from nowadays. Antique ones
picked up from old homes. Temples and churches are popular. These can be done
up and fixed in place. Carvings of floral patterns or popular Gods and Goddesses
are often present. One can buy them in dark wood or in black and suede.
Many
people like to have attractive door handles and these are available in metals like brass and in many designs. It should match the appearance of the door.
Antique ones too are available at retail stores. A pretty festoon in a bright
red and gold with Gods and Goddesses or sprinkled with floral patterns would be
popular over the threshold. In ethnic handicraft stores, one may find
outstanding pieces or make one of their own if they are artistically inclined.
When
there is an open space or semi-open verandah, one can even have a mural made of
metal or terracotta on the wall next to the front door. Designer tiles with
individual or combined patterns are also a popular choice. So, one can make their
home complete by having good outdoor decor to make it more welcoming.
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