“You never get a second chance to make a first impression”
First impressions, while often fleeting, can have a lasting effect. When it comes to property, a guest’s opinion of a home can quickly be defined before even stepping through the front door.
So how can you create a good first impression? Here are our top tips for adding a few loving touches to your home, creating an inviting atmosphere for friends and family.
- Light
Many people may feel hesitant to approach a property that isn’t well sign-posted or shrouded in darkness, especially during the winter months when it’s colder and harder to see. Use lamps to create a well-lit path, guiding people to your front door. Don’t forget to make sure the entrance way to your house is brightly lit too, creating a comfortable space for people to wait while you answer the door.
- Colour
The colours we use inside and outside our home – whether it be door colour or the different shades we paint our walls – can speak volumes about our personality and style. Whereas red boldly displays passion, yellow can fill a room with optimism and blue can create a calming atmosphere. What’s more, embracing nature-inspired design using neutral tones of greens and browns has been proven to aid wellbeing.
- Scent
Smell is significantly linked to memory, so be sure to give your home a lovely fresh aroma to make that important, lasting impression. Banish any bad smells resonating from bins or your four-legged friends by keeping diffusers in your main rooms. Try lighting a scented candle 30 minutes before guests arrive, to welcome them into a fresh living environment. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works for you, as every home is different.
- Storage
If you’re the type of household that leaves personal items, such as keys and coats, on the side in the hallway, why not buy some stylish storage to declutter? Encourage guests to hang up their coats on entry, by installing a beautiful coat rack and subtly hide shoes by storing them within internal bench cupboards. You can also detract attention away from clutter, using key centre pieces of art or flowers to fill the room with colour and flair.
For more design and interior top tips, be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram today, or contact us directly for expert advice on 0161 929 9681.