Seasoned home sellers know that first impressions can make or break a deal.

They understand, says Martin Schultheiss, CEO of the Harcourts Africa property group, that exterior appeal is crucial to whet prospective buyers’ appetite. Homes that look tired and unkempt from the street will likely attract only the most intrepid bargain hunters, he says.

“However, once sellers have spruced up the garden and exterior of the house the next big hurdle is the entrance.

“It sets the tone for the rest of the house - and while it would be a rare buyer who decides to buy a house on the spot because he likes the entrance, it is unfortunately much more common for uninspiring entrances to squash buyers’ enthusiasm.”

With space at a premium in most apartments, townhouses and even family homes, most sellers don’t of course have grand foyers to work with, but by keeping a few basic guidelines in mind they can make the best of what they do have and create a stylish and welcoming entrance to their homes, he says.

Tips for making the most of small entrances include:

- Keeping it simple. Clutter or sumptuous decorating can make a small space look even more cramped. Pack away personal belongings and the odds and ends that invariably land near the front door, such as bunches of keys, post, schoolbags and shoes, and try to create clean, elegant lines. A small table with fresh flowers in a glass vase or a single piece of sculpture may be all that is required in small spaces.

- Keeping it bright. Light paint on the walls reflects available light and can create an airy atmosphere. Light shades of a “warm” colour, such as a soft yellow, can create a cheerful yet welcoming ambience.

- Using a well-placed mirror to visually create more “space” and to reflect more light. If an entrance is really dark – and the seller’s budget allows it – a basic tubular skylight will make a dramatic difference by bathing the room in natural light.

Schultheiss says larger entrances naturally offer more scope for decorating, but the same basic principles apply. “What is important is that decorating and furnishings are kept to scale – and that the theme seamlessly blends with the rest of the house.”

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