They say that eyes are the window to the soul. When it comes to your home, it's the windows that are the eyes to its very heart.
If your property has a front porch or verandah, making this area as inviting as possible is a must. After all, it reflects on the rest of your home.
We've got a few ideas when it comes to keeping this space as attractive as possible. Of course, practicality is important as well – there's no point designing a street-facing verandah that is gorgeous but is lacking chairs!
Bird feeders
For a spot of charm, think about hanging a bird feeder from your porch, if there's space to do so.
Not only will this invite chirpy, feathered friends to your home, but it also offers an opportunity to teach young ones about local birds and give them a chance to feed these hungry creatures.
Colour your wood
Select a shade from the Resene wood stains range, whether it's something warm like Resene Meranti or a hue that's a little bolder, such as Resene Dark Ebony.
Before staining wood, be sure to wash it thoroughly.
Wicker chairs
White wicker chairs add a delightful touch to front areas, as well as offering the opportunity to actually utilise the space during evenings and weekends.
Whether it's a rocking chair or something that's more stationary, there is no shortage of designs on offer. From chairs that are square to those which have scoop-like seats, you're sure to find something that complements your home's natural design. If you have an old one but it's not the right colour, you can paint it using Resene Lustacryl to give it a fresh new look.
Don't forget to add a table, to make sitting back with a cup of steaming-hot coffee a simple luxury. Make the seats extra comfortable with some cushions, too.
Another option for a picture-perfect – not to mention relaxing – verandah is a swing seat.
A bright front door
Even if your home is painted a neutral shade, such as a beige or cream, there's no reason not to embrace a bright front door.
Shades such as Resene Havoc and Resene Jalapeno are rich, playful reds that will make your home stand out in your neighbourhood. However, they look fantastic with shades like cream, slate and even a fresh white, making them easy to incorporate into your property's exterior design.
If a bright red front door is a bit daring, think about a deep green or blue. This earthy tones look excellent if your home embraces lots of natural materials, such as timber – though there are no strict rules you have to stick to.
House numbers
Gone are the days when you simply head to your local DIY store to pick up some plastic or stainless steel numbers for your letterbox.
Sure, these easily-affixed pieces still have their place in order to help the postman (or postwoman!) find the right property.
However, many homeowners are choosing beautifully designed numbers, whether in numerical or alphabetical form, to adorn the front of their home, verandah or front fence.
Think about some polished brass or colourful numbers that will add some character to your home.
Tidy windows
Finally, don't forget about giving the windows a tidy up. There's nothing that looks more out of place than window sills with peeling or cracked paint, when the rest of the verandah is beautifully decked out.
Add a lick of paint to exterior window frames if they're looking a bit drab.
White window frames are a popular choice, and for good reason. They help define the home's key features in a sophisticated manner.
Resene has numerous shades of white, so you're sure to find one that's ideal for your home.
Get inspired ! 
