1. A STICKING OR CREAKY DOOR
When making a front door more attractive, many of us focus on style, color, and hardware. However, making sure that the door opens smoothly without any jarring sounds is just as important.
2. LOOSE FLOORBOARDS
Wood is a common entryway flooring idea as it is simple to clean and fits a range of home decor ideas. That being said, floorboards can come loose with time in high-traffic areas such as an entryway – in both particularly old homes, or newer builds as the foundations settle. The good news is that, for minor issues, you can often fix them yourself with little effort.
3. OUTDATED LIGHT FITTINGS AND SWITCHES
Getting your entryway lighting right can fix multiple entryway mistakes, however, a good lighting scheme goes beyond simply layering. Having updated fixtures, light switches, and the right bulb temperature are all part and parcel of perfect entryway lighting, says David Nichols, a professional electrician and founder of Sparky Base.
4. PEELING PAINT
Entryway paint and porch paint see a lot of knocks and bangs as we come in and out of our homes. As a result, paint can easily be scuffed and chipped – especially if the wrong type of paint was used in the first place.
5. CRACKED OR LOOSE TILES
Entryway tiles are perfect for high-traffic spaces, but they are not as indestructible as wooden boards. Whether you dropped something on your way in and cracked a tile, or a tile has come loose with years of use, imperfect tile flooring can date any entryway.
6. AN UNTIDY PORCH AREA
Your front porch is as much a part of your entryway as the interior of your home. Even if you have a stunningly designed entrance hall, a worn-out porch area will subtract from your home's overall look. It also detracts from your curb appeal, adds Artem Kropovinsky, head of Arsight, a team of interior designers in NYC.
7. RUSTY DOOR KNOCKERS
In a similar vein to keeping a tidy porch, making sure your front door hardware is in perfect condition can also elevate your entryway and prevent it from looking dated. A rusty door knocker not only looks unappealing but also is impractical, adds years of age onto your home, and is sure to be noticed by guests.
8. DIRTY WINDOWS
There is nothing that dates a home more than dirt and grime. Even windows with intricate patterns, such as those in front doors, need a thorough cleaning to remove grime and allow more light into your entryway – it also helps to set a clean tone for the rest of your home too.
9. LOOSE OR RUSTY HANDLES
Any metal that is exposed to the weather, for example, door and window hardware not covered by a porch, is susceptible to rust. This brown patina quickly ages a home, however, and implies a lack of care for your home's features. ‘Opening and closing a door or window can be challenging if the handle is loose or rusted, and is sure to be noticed by guests,’ says Craig Ricks Jr., president of Acadian Windows and Siding.
10. BAD SMELLS
As with any area of the home, one of the biggest things that guests notice about an old entryway is a bad odor permeating the space. Although not visible, it can quickly date an entryway – especially if it is particularly musty. As with the rest of your home, one of the best ways to make your home smell nice is to give the area a good clean, says Alex Capozzolo, renovations expert.