Home life

Beautify the front of your house: Easy ways to freshen up your house

Invest in new hardware Investing in new hardware will immediatly update your front door and need not cost very much. Choose chic brushed stainless steel, slightly oversized door numbers, with matching knocker and letterbox. Look at Architectural Components (www.doorhandles.co.uk) for modern and traditonal styles.
Lights and lanterns Pools of light from down-focused wall sconces or lanterns will give a warm and inviting welcome. Go for a pair for a sophisticated look, or a single, large decorative hanging lantern in a porch area.
Doormats Think beyond basic brown for a doormat - there are lots of pretty patterns in the shops (try Laura Ashley or Cox & Cox). If you have a porch, think about laying some new tiles - it'll only be a small area so will not cost much. Terracotta and slate are good for exterior use.
Colour Be clever about your choice of colour for the door - an olive green, duck-egg blue or deep grey can create a more modern and stylish feel than traditional red or navy, and remember windoe frames don't have to be white. Farrow & Ball (www.farrowandball.co.uk) has a wide choice of colours and finishes.
Bins and bags Don't let the view be cluttered by wheelie bins and recycling baskets. If you have the space, try to build a little shed or lean-to to house them, or shield them from view wirh a hazel screen. Try greenfingers.com