Create a Memorable Impression at Your Home
by Liz Hekimian-Williams
How will you create a memorable first impression to your home? Think outside,
original, creative and something you don't see just about everywhere. Wouldn't
that have your eyes taking note? Don't get too outlandish though! You have
to maintain that delicate balance between being memorable and being tasteful.
In other words, think about your idea relative to acceptability guidelines
of any deed restrictions there might be in place within your neighborhood or
if you might offend any overly sensitive or traditional neighbors.
Decorating the exterior of your home for a memorable impression should, above
all, be fun. Think about the image you want to portray to anyone who visits
your home. But also think about what's important to you, your values, the things
you enjoy about homeownership and your property but perhaps haven't yet developed
or emphasized enough. Don't forget that YOU need to enjoy the look and feel
of your space as well.
For instance, if you like birds or birdwatching, you can add a birdfeeder
and/or a birdhouse. These come in many different styles and your choice will
further "tell" a bit of a story about you. Folks are likely to feel
and imagine different things about you and your home when seeing your whimsical
little wood cabin type birdhouse complete with a little sign that reads "Gone
Fishing" on it, compared to seeing your inspirational angel birdfeeder
with wings outstretched holding out her gown with birdseed in it.
If you'd like to add any type of seating in your front yard or porch area,
let it be practical but also let its materials and design speak to your soul.
Think about making a more natural seat out of materials you have on hand or
can inexpensively obtain. One of the more memorable seats I recall was simply
made out of a tree trunk that had been laid down horizontally and placed strategically
within the owner's landscaping plan for use as a natural log bench.
Windchimes can be a memorable addition to your outdoor decor too because they
add both a visual element as well as an auditory memory. The more of our five
senses that are activated, the more likely we are to remember something. You'll
find that the sounds of windchimes can vary greatly due to the different materials,
shapes, and sizes that they are available in.
If you'd like a personalized and memorable novelty for your front yard consider
getting a custom engraved rock! You can now personalize stones with an image,
your family name engraved within the rock, your address and/or an important
word or quotation on it. Engraved garden stones, such as these, are among some
of the newer ways some homeowners are using to decorate their front yard to
create memorable first and long-lasting impressions.
Copyright 2003 Elizabeth Hekimian-Williams
About the Author
Liz Hekimian-Williams is owner of Giftsprings.com, an online
gifts and home decor shop where you can find many indoor and outdoor home decorating
novelties including custom engraved stones. http://www.Giftsprings.com
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