Nothing says welcome home more than an inviting entrance. Take a step outside your front door. Does your entrance say welcome? Is the front door appealing? Is there a mat for people to wipe their shoes on? Is there a doorbell or doorknocker for people to let you know of their arrival?

To find out just how welcoming your entrance is, pretend you are a visitor. What do you see? Take some photos. Things tend to look differently in photos.

One of the easiest ways to dress up a home’s entrance is with paint. Could your front door use a new coat of paint? How about your porch? Before you get the old paint cans out of the garage, consider if it is time for an update.

Instead of black or brown, maybe you could try a bolder color for your front door. Red, blue or green can make a real statement and pull visitors’ eyes immediately to your front door. Add some new hardware to your door and a new coat of paint on the porch floor, and your entrance will really pop.

Lighting is a must in any entrance. Is your entrance well lit? If not, perhaps it’s time to add some lights, or at the very least, replace the ones you have. Exterior lighting comes in a wide range of styles and finishes. Brighter, more energy-efficient lighting will do wonders for your entrance and your pocketbook.

Accessories are another good way to dress up an entrance. A welcome mat is a must to keep dirt out of the home. A wreath will help dress up any space, as will statuary and plants.

Depending upon how large of a space you have, you might even be able to add some furniture. A bench works great for visitors needing someplace to rest their bags while they wait for you to answer the door.

If you have a path leading up to your front door, you might want to examine that area too. Is there anything you can do to add interest, such as installing lighting or planting some flowers. Anything you can do to dress up the walkway will add to the welcoming feel of your home.

There are hundreds of things you can do to make the entrance of your home more welcoming, and they don’t have to cost you a bundle. A new wreath or doormat can really perk up the space. For further ideas, browse online or consult a professional.