FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Creating an inviting and welcoming front door
Your home... It’s where you feel most comfortable, where you're surrounded by those you love the most. It’s a place where you can relax and have fun. It’s where you feel safe and secure. It’s also where you celebrate, gather and host!
The feeling of comfort and warmth, love and excitement starts the moment you walk through your front door. Your front door - it’s so much more than simply an entrance and exit. How many times have you been surprised with friends knocking on your door with wine to celebrate a big event, with a delivery of beautiful fresh flowers on a holiday, family dropping by to share in a delicious dinner. Your front door. It’s where you stand as you wave goodbye to your loved ones as they leave for the day, and where you stand to greet them with hugs and kisses the moment they arrive back home.
When it comes to the exterior of your home, it’s just as important to pay attention to the details as it is for your home's interior. With so much happening at your very own front door, there is no doubt that this sometimes overlooked space is very important!
Lighting your exterior spaces takes thought and planning. There are factors to consider that don’t necessarily present themselves when planning your interior lighting - factors such as safety and material quality.
Front doors and porches are definitely having a much needed moment right now. We are constantly seeing exterior inspiration throughout our social media and home magazines. So why the emphasis on your home's exterior? More than ever, home is top of mind. And while we spend most of our time within our home, our exterior spaces are becoming an extension of our home as a whole.
We see our home exterior as the first impression. It’s what people see as they pass by, what guests approach as they are welcomed into your home. It sets the tone for what's to come, and it allows you to show off your personal design style on an impressive scale!
Where to Start
When thinking about your home, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Factors such as the size of your home, style of front door, and your location are just three of the key elements that will have an impact on your selection.
Here’s a quick list of some things to consider when updating your home exterior:
1. Size of your home
The size of your home plays a huge role in the type of lighting you select. Just like inside your home, you want to ensure your exterior has enough lighting, and that the scale of your fixtures are correct. There are so many fixtures to choose from, so having an idea of the size of your home will help keep you on track when narrowing down your selections.
2. Function and safety
Besides adding a whole lot of wow to your home when the sun goes down, your exterior lighting is SO important in ensuring the safety of you, your family and your guests. Your exterior lighting should be enough that all steps and paths are lit, while also aiming for general illumination of the darker spaces surrounding your home. Not only does this help keep everyone safe and sound, it also helps people feel at ease and welcome when approaching (or, help turn away those who aren’t welcome!)
3. Location
Isn’t that what we always hear when talking about homes - “location, location, location!”. Well, we have a whole new reason to consider location when thinking about your exterior lighting. Your needs change vastly depending on where you are located. Consider this: the fixtures on a beach house on the beautiful salty, exposed coast will need to withstand must harsher elements than that of a suburban home, nestled in a community surrounded by lush trees. Good news: there is something for every home, with materials designed to withstand these factors.
Style & Design
Just like that of your interior, your exterior can be planned and designed to suit your personality, style and tastes. With such a selection of fixture options and styles, you have the ability to bring your vision to light.
When focusing on your front door, there are four main categories of lighting: wall, ceiling, post and landscape. Based on your home's size, and your desired look, your front door could consist of just one of these options, or a mix of all four!
Choosing the right option for your home isn’t as daunting as it may seem! Sometimes, your home's exterior tells you exactly what it wants and needs! For example, if you have a small, covered front door with very little space between the door and windows, you’re likely going to opt for a ceiling fixture. However, if the style of your home doesn't allow for covered porches or awnings, you’ll probably focus your attention towards wall lanterns.
Once you’ve narrowed down the type of fixtures you’re looking for, it’s time to look at the decorative and functional aspects! Exterior lighting comes in a huge array of finishes, styles and sizes, from traditional carriage lights to modern architectural fixtures.
Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for your outdoor lighting:
Style of your home:
You want your fixture to enhance and complement the style of your home. You probably selected your home because you fell in love with the way it looked. While you can add contrasting elements, you should consider the overall image of your home.
Fixture placement:
If you’re replacing fixtures that are already on your home, or looking for fixtures when your electrical has already been placed in your new home, knowing the placement is SO important!
If you ask yourself right now where exactly your fixture is located, you’d probably blank completely! While you may recall that you have one or two wall lanterns, you likely won't remember whether they face up or down, are mounted directly to the home or on a plate, or how high up they are.
So, why is this important? With so many selections and options available, it’s easy to purchase a fixture that will end up sitting way too high or low! More good news though: typically your favourite style will be available in a variety of sizes and configurations, so you’ll still be able to achieve the look you’re after.
Exterior lighting we love
Here are some of our favourite fixtures for that drool worthy curb appeal!