We all know that first impressions are important. This first word, first feeling, first look, and yes even smell can make a great impression on a person or be the beginning of a downward spiral that can be hard to come back from. This time we’re talking about the first impression someone has when they walk into your home.

Of course, curb appeal can be important. You want your home to appear inviting and well cared for, but the real first impression is the moment you open that front door and greet your visitor. First, they see you. If they already know you, then this doesn’t matter because you’ve already gotten that first impression out of the way. They already know that you’re exhausted from chasing toddlers around or you haven’t showered yet. Likely, if they’re meant to be in your life, they don’t care about any of that. If they are someone new you have invited over, they definitely notice you first. But in the same instance, they are seeing your home for the first time.

A person’s home reflects deeply who they are, what’s important to them, and how they live. When you open that door, you immediately invite someone into your life. Interior Design is about telling a story. It’s a story about you, your life, and everyone that lives with you. The moment a visitor walks inside for the first time, you start telling them your story.

You should have a rug or a runner and a beautiful entryway light. Some homes have grand entrances with beautiful vaulted ceilings that were just part of the floor plan and others have ho-hum entryways with low ceilings and builder-grade everything. This is my home!

Here are some before and after shots of my entryway.

I added a fun yet classy runner, a new attention-getting light fixture, painted the ceiling and door a moody, dramatic black. I’m still waiting on a new handle for the door but quite honestly, those few things made such a difference. I did it all for under $400!

The next thing you NEED to make an amazing first impression is a signature scent. I came across these amazing room sprays from Aesop and they are to die for. So addicting. I want to spray them every single day in my home, but they are a bit on the pricey side so I only spray them a couple of times a week or if I’m expecting a visitor even if they’re just dropping something off and chatting in the foyer. Everyone always comments on how wonderful my home smells and I like to cook and I have a dog and two teenagers, so there’s that.

Bottom line is, as soon as you open that door people notice things about you and your home right away. Get it right the first time.

1. Great light fixture - It doesn’t need to be expensive. I got this capiz pendant from World Market!

2. A rug is a must! - This runner is a dupe for a more expensive antelope rug from Ballard Designs. I got it from Amazon, of course, and I love it.

3. Dramatic ceiling or walls - Either wallpaper your foyer walls or paint the ceiling or walls a moody, dramatic color to add extra interest. I used Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black on the ceiling (flat sheen) and the door (high gloss).

4. Your home should smell heavenly, but subtle! - Either get a fabulous earthy, woodsy, nature-smelling spray or reed diffuser. Try these sprays or scented oil or candle from Aesop. Their scents are absolutely divine and I promise you will get compliments on how your house smells. Do not go to Bath and Body Works and get a marshmallow caramel scented candle. Please, just don’t.

5. You need a mirror and something to warm up the space and make it inviting. Things to warm up your space could include plants, anything with pineapples (they are a sign of welcome), a bench or a coat rack, or an umbrella holder. These lamps from Target would make a fun foyer addition.