When was the last time you actually entered your house at the front door?? Has it been awhile . . . maybe you need to take another look and see if it really is inviting. Take a look here for great tips and tricks to make any foyer a place of welcome.

Your entrance starts on the outside, so be sure to add a welcome mat, sturdy and generously sized, rubber backed if it is going to get wet (nothing worse than a rotting mat.)

Be sure to consider updating your door hardware and adding a kickplate, available in a variety of finishes. The kick plate protects the door from weather and wear.

Personalize your door with a door knocker that makes a statement, or perhaps you'd prefer artglass as an option.

Once inside be sure there is an attractive rug (not a bath mat, please!). A console table or small chest is always a good idea for a place to set your keys, handbag, wallet or even the mail if needed. Be sure to include creative storage for these. For example a basket for mail and a small bowl for keys.

Add a lamp for a cozy effect, size will depend on the table or chest. Often a plant in one corner gives real life to a space, be sure it is either a well designed silk, or healthy live greenery.

If you have the space you can add an umbrella stand, especially great on foul weather days, and in a pinch you can have a coat rack. Most of us have out coat closets too loaded to allow anyone else to hang one, this solves that dilemma!

Perhaps you have a staircase nearby and adding a bench is a good look as well as functional, it doubles as a place to stash whatever you bring in, or change shoes coming in or out.

Check your overhead lighting, is it too dim, out of date, too small?? All of these can be fixed by a quick update or addition of higher wattage bulbs.

Be sure to include artwork that suits the rest of the house, and your personal style. Remember this is everyone's first impression and you only get once chance. MAKE IT COUNT!!

Melissa Galt, Lifestyle Designer, Speaker, & Author, is the owner of Melissa Galt, Inc., a full service interior design firm based in Atlanta. She has been decorating clients