First impressions count – How to create an entrance to be proud of.
It’s undeniable that we all make judgements within a few seconds of meeting people, and the same is true for property. So the importance of the first impression is something not to be neglected. It becomes even more important when you’re renting out your holiday home, for obvious reasons! You need to wow your guests from the moment they walk in to your property.
So today I’m talking about entrances with FIVE POINTS on how to provide both a functional space for your guests ‘arrival’ while also making it impressive with the wow factor!
1. First off - the front door
While we might not all have a beautiful front door like this one from Marianne Cotterill of @mapesburyroadlondon, there are still things you can do to make a pleasant and enticing initial view. Paint your door a welcoming colour, change the hardware to something more unusual - there are a number of great door knockers out there at the moment, from lions to bumble bees!
Tidying up your outside area should really go without saying, but put in a bit of effort with some nice evergreen plants that don’t need a lot of maintenance and they’ll look great year-round. You might also want to get a sign made with the name of your property - this also ensures that the guests find you a bit easier, while also giving a feeling of professionalism and high standards.
2. Check what the first thing is that people see when they open the door.
It should be something attractive - think about a piece of artwork or unusual wallpaper, a nice coat hook, a welcome sign, or if you have space for a sideboard, then dress it with a bowl for keys, some fresh flowers or an information book.
You may also have some attractive flooring - make the most of those original floor tiles, or get a doormat that’s slightly different to the norm. You could even get one personalised with your branding!
How cute is this doggie doormat from Rex London?! If you have a dog-friendly holiday home, this would be perfect!
3. Think about practicalities.
What do people need to do when they first arrive? A place for keys/phone/belongings, a place for their coat and shoes, an umbrella stand with brollies to use while they’re there? A mirror and a small sideboard or shelf will suffice - make sure you don’t overload it with ornaments, but also don’t leave it empty. Here’s a few fab examples!
4. Experiment with wallpaper and colour
The entrance and hallway of a property is not somewhere people hang around for long, so this allows a bit more of an adventurous take on decoration. Use wallpaper to add a fun element, but if you are worried about scuffs and scratches, use painted panelling on the lower half of your walls as this will keep them more protected, while still having the wallpaper on top. Or use a bold colour choice to give your guests the wow factor - it’s the unexpected that will make their jaws drop as they walk in.
5. Make the most of the lighting
An impressive light fitting in your entrance way will ALWAYs be noticed, it helps the guest to look up and around the space, taking it all in and creating a sense of awe.
It’s an item which is often left untouched so I always suggest choosing something impressive. It sets the tone for the rest of the property - if they’re wowed in the entrance way then they are already feeling that feeling and will take it through to the rest of the property too.
With lighting, always ensure there is plenty of it in your hallway too. So maybe have a desk lamp on the sideboard as well as the impressive overhead light. Different levels of light help to create an ambience while also giving the professional feel to your interior design.
Overall, I think that if you neglect to think about your entrance/hallway, then you are missing a trick! This is the ONE place where that first impression is made - it is SO VITALLY IMPORTANT! Take the above ideas and create a wow space for your guests to arrive. You will see the difference in the reviews they leave, believe me.
Have a bit of fun with the design - think colour, wallpaper, accessories - but also take into account the practicalities of a hallway and what is required. Do both of these and you are onto a winner, and on course for an increase in bookings, occupancy and income! Entrance ways can make or break your guests reviews - give them something to shout about and you will reap the rewards!
If you’d like help with the interior design for your entrance (or indeed the rest of your property!), get in touch. I can work with you to really give that great first impression for your guests!
You could also join my Membership - The Curate Collective - a group of like-minded, ambitious holiday rental owners, who love and appreciate the role that interior design and creativity can play in benefitting both ourselves and our business. If this sounds like you, you can sign up here! I’d love you to be part of it!
Photo Credits: 1: Marianne Cotterill @mapesburyroadlondon; 2a: Paul Raeside 2b: Future PLC/ James Gardener; 2c: Katie Lee; 2d: Doormat from Rex London; 3a: @simshilditch; 3b: Roger Oates; 3c: Lavender Julep; 3d: Future PLC/ David Brittain; 4a: Future PLC/ Dan Duchars; 4b: Future PLC/ Rachael Smith; 4c: Dominic Blackmore; 4d: Rain on a Tin Roof Blog; 4e: Home of Jayson Home’s Devin Kirk; 5: David Giles.