You know the saying: You never have a second chance to make a first impression. "The outside of your home is the first thing guests see," says Christopher Breining, owner of HomeStagers, Inc., in San Francisco. And like it or not, the outside speaks volumes about what's inside — and about its owner. A welcoming entry, such as this one designed by Pamela Berstler, helps set the tone for the rest of the house.Breining suggests a quart of glossy paint in a bold, cheerful color for the front door (we suggest red), new hardware (or a little elbow grease to clean and polish the existing knocker, lockset, porch light, house numbers and mailbox), a fresh coir or seagrass mat, and a trio of seasonal potted plants on the landing to dramatically brighten and refresh your home's entry and make visitors feel welcome. This small investment pays personal dividends, too, giving you an emotional boost and a dose of house-pride with each homecoming.
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