October 26, 2016 The art of ‘front of house’: Because first impressions matter

Architects of residential properties in the heart of Sydney are noting subtle changes in demand around the idea of the dream house and are increasingly responding to those changes. In particular, given the hot property market in the NSW, focus on resale value and ‘kerb appeal’ is more important than ever. No surprise then that builders in Sydney have also noticed growing interest in the design and construction of the front entrance and front of house area. Clients are starting to become aware of trends originating from the less known parts of the world, such as small Italian towns, reinforcing their global potential. With the front of house area acting as the first impression of a home, there’s no doubt regarding the importance of front door and front of house aesthetics.

Optimum Opulence

Residential architects in Sydney have noticed an increasing trend of luxury front porches, emulating the front door of a mansion. Opulent designs can feature extra-large steel framed doors that open clients up to a range of wonderful custom designs.

Portici- Straight from Italy

If you have been fortunate enough to walk the picturesque streets of Bologna, Italy then you would be well aware of the famous Portici, or to translate into English the arches. Home builders nsw are inspired by architectural designs from around the world and the Portici look is no exception. This approach allows for the front porch to make a grandiose but embracing statement. The large arch offers a great reprieve from the rain and creates an opulent statement.

What’s your number?

House numbers or names are a great way to give your house a point of difference. Home builders in Sydney are constantly on the hunt for new playful ideas to set their properties apart from the rest and the one below is a unique example. Home owners usually play around with the size of numbers or might opt for letters that spell out the number. It’s even possible to put your family name overhead which dates back to old traditions.

The Georgetown door

The Georgetown style is a classic look, perhaps best known in the example of the front door of the English Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street. It is known for its luminous shine and exemplifies an ongoing trend for ultra shiny, classically styled doors. While home builders in nsw might need to put in some solid effort to gain the exact same perfection as that of the Prime Minister’s door, it is certainly possible! These doors are often made and finished by specialists in the field, with highly sanded timber followed by the application of two generous coats of oil based exterior undercoat topped with at least another two coats of specialised exterior timber paint.

Of course the front door itself is the just one front of house aspect that will need some attention. The entry way following the door can play a big role in creating impact for your visitors, both on arriving outside and on first entering the interior. This interior space is often overlooked by home builders in NSW.

Don’t give too much away

Many homeowners, particularly those that live in major cities, place privacy as a high priority on their dream home wish lists. This explains why for open plan homes in which the entrance gives directly onto the living area, metal screen dividers are growing in popularity. The metal screen rose to prominence during the 1950s and 60s and is becoming sought after again. However, the metal screen is not for everyone, so instead home builders are taking a modern take on the old tradition and aim to work in different types of material such as frosted glass with a simple pattern to add interest and opulence.

The fly screen

Continuing the trend of pretty patterns, the fly screen can also surprisingly deliver in this respect. The traditional flyscreen is known to be clunky, boring and inflexible, often found at the back of the house leading to the backyard. While it appeared that the fly screen in the front door area was on the decline, with designs like these how can you resist? They offer security, keep flies away and are a great addition for warm summer months when you would like to let a little breeze inside. The fly screen is a step away from the traditional wooden door but is ideal for contemporary apartments and units.

Exterior appeal and landscaping

Homes with generous land at the front arguably have an unfair advantage when it comes to creating front of house impact.

An impressive exterior staircase can be a great introduction to the home; they push the house further back on the property resulting in a great visual statement and an added level of privacy.

By adding a feature light on each step this can make the space appear larger and more spread out than it is. In this example, each timber board has a slightly different hue, giving the exterior depth and texture. Downward facing lights increase the visibility of each step and eliminate glare.

Landscaping and articulation of the exterior frontage are also a great way to add appeal. With the heritage or classical style home still a sought after style as reported by many home builders in NSW, a symmetrical, formal front approach complete with gravelled or bricked path, trimmed hedges and potted ornamental trees is an elegant, beautiful solution. Water features such as fish ponds and fountains, along with classically inspired sculptures, remain a common wish-list item for such homes.

According to residential architects in Sydney, in more modern homes, depending on the style deployed, the opportunities for experimentation are endless. With design in these instances often dictated by site, the results can be diverse and dynamic: sweeping driveways, considered landscaping and well placed lighting all make for a powerful impact. As shown by the international example below, the right materials used thoughtfully can even turn a garage door into a design statement.