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The entrance to any home is the first impression your guests get when they come to visit. The entrance is your chance to let the world know what kind of person you are as well as what kind of home and household you have. If you are selling your property, then creating a welcoming entrance area is particularly important. Many people concentrate in the interior of their homes as that is where most of their time is spent. However the public "face" of your home will always appreciate a little attention too.

So what do we mean by entrance area? In general terms, it is the physical space that is immediately outside your main access door, and the space immediately inside that door as well. Homes are constructed in many different styles, from apartments to grand mansions, and while each may have a different entrance, they all have a main access point. One of the first tips to remember is to keep your entrance in the style of the rest of your home, architecturally and aesthetically. If you have a palatial Georgian town house, trying to create a rustic veranda will look out of place and awkward.

A good trick when you are thinking of redesigning any part of your home is to try and look at it as a prospective purchaser would. If your entrance is directly onto the street outside, then go and stand on the other side of the road and see your home in its natural context. This will give you a good grasp of the scale of your design (a row of small terraced cottages will have less space to work with than a detached family home). While you are across the street, look at how your neighbours have dressed their entrance areas too; if you live in a conservation area, there may be legal planning restrictions on the changes that you can make structurally. There may also be restrictions on things such as satellite dishes or aerials placed on the front of the building and you should always check with your local council before installing any semi permanent features or repainting the facade.

No matter what kind of entrance you have, keeping the access as uncluttered as possible is the safest way to improve the overall feel. Having obstructions around the entrance sends out a subconscious message that you do not want anyone to cross your barricades - not at all welcoming! Make a clear path to your door, and if you must keep other items nearby, try to arrange them neatly, or use some kind of camouflage technique such as a decorative trellis to screen your possessions. A door mat is always

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