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FIRST IMPRESSIONS (Part 1)

Welcome to the first edition of my "Inspire me" blog.

I thought it appropriate that a first attempt at creating a blog on Interior design inspirations (or any blog on anything for that matter) should be about first impressions! When it comes to houses, the entranceway is where first impressions are created and all experiences that follow on through from there are an extension of what you start here!

Entrance spaces come in all shapes and sizes. I like to associate the reception room (or entrance hall) to the opening paragraph of a book. I would expect to get a taste of what lies ahead and a feel for the writer's style in those first few lines, just as I look for personality when I first walk in the front door of someone's home. Sadly, this is an area all too often neglected in favour of bigger more functional rooms but it needn't be a long arduous process... Rather it should be a fun creative challenge for you to be adventurous and make a bold statement! So if you want to know more... Here are 5 tips to help you get started on your own style summary:

1. Start with your front door. A fresh coat of paint perhaps... A doormat and a plant on the exterior, well dusted cobweb-free interior for that fresh looked after feel.

2. Make it flow. A great entrance is a well-appointed one, where clutter has no place to go! Think storage baskets, drawers, trays for keys and even a mail sorter if you must; a box for the dog leash and one for your gloves. An arrangement of matching baskets or a set of boxes on a hall table look so much more attractive and you'll always know where to find your things when you're looking for them!

3. Inviting Lighting! Lighting sets the mood for making your visitors feel welcome. Bright and happy or soft and romantic. Stay away from spotlights (interrogation room) or underexposure (the dungeon). Here is a perfect place to hang that great big pendant light or chandelier you’ve always wanted to have and do try your best to add some lighting on a feature hall table arrangement or as a set of wall sconces at around eye level to help distribute the direction of the light and draw attention to elements of specific interest.

4. Smell the roses! People do not want to smell your dirty socks or beloved pet's breath! Scent is one of the most important contributors to a long lasting memory. This is where a fresh bouquet of fragrant flowers would have the biggest impact. Alternatively, aromatic herbs on the front porch, or an arrangement of scented candles on a tray on that all essential hall table can all double up as a visual statement that fills your entranceway with pleasant fragrance... Unless you have time to whip up a fresh batch of cookies every time the doorbell rings!

5. Exit gracefully. Work in a mirror somewhere suitable so that you may take a last glimpse on your way out to ensure your hair rollers are not coming with you to work! If you have the space I highly recommend some form of seating too. If not for yourself, then for your guests to sit down while they tighten their laces. Even though not essential, it will certainly add a sense of comfort and grace.

I've used the image above to show you how easy it is to make a statement that exudes personality. The wallpaper featured is an Andrew Martin design. (one of my favourite brands) If you are based in NZ I am happy to reply to supply enquiries. The other images in the thumbnail gallery above I found on different blog sites and digital libraries and shared them here as examples of effective variations on the "making an entrance" theme.

In part 2 I will complete the "First impressions" chapter with a design board comprising a composition of my own favourite picks and information on where to find them.

C U Soon...

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