A welcoming holiday home exterior starts with more than lights and wreaths. The two things every guest uses on the way in are your front steps and your front door, so upgrading the entry door and the stair railings makes the house look better for the season and safer in winter weather. Here is how to make both part of your holiday preparations.
Make the Entry Door the Centerpiece
Your entry door sets the tone for the whole house. It is where the wreath hangs, where the photos get taken and where every visitor pauses. A faded or dented door undercuts the rest of your decorating.
A well-made new door improves curb appeal and adds security. Today’s entry doors are built from durable materials with solid locking hardware, and they seal tightly against the frame, so the house is better protected from cold drafts as well as from intruders. Choose a color and style that suit the house all year, and your holiday decorations will look better against it.
If you want to keep the door you have, a storm door with a full glass panel is worth a look. It shields the entry door from snow and wind and lets you show off the wreath behind the glass. See the options for storm doors.
Check the Stair Railings Before Guests Arrive
Safety should come first during the holidays, when family and friends of all ages are coming and going, often after dark and often on wet or icy steps. Take a close look at your stair railings. Grab each one and push. Does it move? Is there a railing on both sides? Is it at a comfortable height for an older relative?
Replacing loose or rusted railings gives guests the stability they need in winter conditions. It is also a chance to add some elegance to the front of the house. Aluminum and wrought iron railings come in a variety of designs, and they give you a sturdy place to wrap garland and lights.
Finishing Touches for a Holiday Home Exterior
Light the path
Make sure the walkway and every step are well lit. Decorative lights look festive, but guests also need to see where they are putting their feet.
Keep the landing clear and dry
Shovel and treat the steps before guests arrive, and keep decorations out of the walking path. A door canopy over the entrance keeps snow and rain off the landing and gives visitors a dry place to stand while they wait at the door.
Decorate what you already have
A wreath on the door, garland along the railings and planters with evergreens on either side of the steps are enough. Simple decorations on a tidy, well-kept entry look better than elaborate ones on a worn one.
Upgrades That Last Beyond the Season
The decorations come down in January, but a new door and solid railings keep working every day. They improve the look of the house, make the entry safer year-round and appeal to buyers if you decide to sell, since people notice a well-kept, secure entrance.
Get Your Entry Ready
If you would like a new entry door or railings in place for your next gathering, talk to Aladdin Inc, a family-owned company in Wallingford. Call (203) 776-9996 or contact us to discuss styles and timing.