Making a Grand Entrance

First impressions are important, especially when welcoming people to your new custom home. The front entrance gives visitors small details that convey a sense of welcome as soon as they arrive – whether that is accomplished via a beautiful bed of fresh flowers, a brightly colored door, or a comfortable porch swing. While each home’s entrance is a reflection of the personal preferences of the homeowner, everyone can benefit from creating a beautiful entrance that delivers on the promise of hospitality.

Many people overlook the importance of the front door, which can reflect the quality of the design from the first moments. Whether made of natural wood, painted a bright color, or made of etched glass, front door choices are typically based on the architectural style of the home.

Windows and Glass: For homes built on waterfront property, opening the front door to reveal an expansive window and beautiful views is a great way to introduce the property. A glass front door can provide a “sneak-peek” to the landscape beyond, allowing guests to begin to enjoy the views before they even walk through the front door.

Porte-Cochère: In Florida, it rains regularly – making the addition of a traditional porte-cochère highly beneficial. Porte-cochères were most prolific in 17th, 18th, and 19th century Europe, as they were originally designed to shelter horse-drawn carriages from bad weather. When providing shelter for vehicles, this unique feature can infuse architectural interest to a custom home – not to mention, keep homeowners and guests dry during surprise summer rainstorms.

Purposeful Utility: An entrance can be quite beautiful, but the ones that are also useful are most desirable. Consider ways to shelter visitors from the sun or rain, give them a place to sit, or place any bags they may have carried up to the front door. Chairs or a small table can make an entrance feel cozier and more welcoming for visitors. You will also wish to design the same details in the foyer, just inside the front door. People may wish to remove shoes or put a gift down on the table.

Soft Stepping: Many luxury homes have high-quality flooring, such as marble tile or cherry hardwood. If you want to create a welcoming grand entrance, consider adding a soft rug immediately inside the front door. Carpets are a fantastic way to display your style while allowing your family and guests to walk softly and pamper their feet.

Seasonal Landscaping: Flowers and greenery are appropriate ways to greet guests anytime, whether spring tulips or poinsettias and evergreens. The foyer of the luxury custom home can effectively bring the outdoors in, providing a visible place to celebrate the seasons according to your preferences – sophisticated or whimsical, elegant or rustic.

Works of Art: A uniquely personal way to create a stylish entryway is by adding works of art that inform guests about your tastes and artistic preferences. An entrance is an ideal space for hanging images, providing wall space for paintings, photographs, or print galleries.

A home’s entrance should reflect the look and feel of the residence, introducing the house’s aesthetic as soon as friends, family and guests walk through the front door.

Architects Know How to Make a Grand Entrance

Working with CMSA Architects gives you access to decades of design experience here on the Florida Gulf Coast. From the front entrance to the back patio and every room in between, we are committed to bringing our clients’ dream to life. If you are considering building a luxury custom home in Sarasota or Manatee Counties, make your first call to the professional architects at CMSA – learn how experience and professionalism make all the difference.