Knobs that Greet!

Have you ever thought about what kind of impression your front door, or even your door handle/knob, says to your guests? Most of the time your front door is the first impression someone has about your house, you, and what to expect when they walk through the door. The feeling of your door knob leaves a tactile impression, subtle, but important. Your door also has a lot to do with your curb appeal. You would be amazed at how many people drive by your home and look at your door. What are they seeing?

I love that you can create such a dramatic statement about yourself, with something as simple as your door knob. I love the colors, architecture, materials, and the stories behind doors. We have some friends who own a winery, Icicle Ridge Winery, just outside of Leavenworth, WA. The business is family run, and at one point or time the entire family, including the grandkids, have been involved in the business. The house used for their tasting room was built by Louie, the Grandpa, and is a work of; love, time, and incredible craftsmanship. He was involved in every step of the building process; from falling and peeling each log, to setting them in place, and building the furniture, cabinets, handles, knobs, and doors. I guarantee you have never seen such an amazing house with all its details. The love and care put into the house only adds to your wine tasting experience, as does the welcoming family. The Wagoner family puts that same amount of love and care into their wine, the property, their business, and your experience. You spend and hour with them, and you will leave feeling like you are part of something bigger, part of a family. So back to doors, the doors at Icicle Ridge Winery are amazing! The are hand carved, arched doors, with very cool hand made iron hinges and handles. They truly set the tone for the experience you are about to have, and once again say so much about the person who took all the time and love to make them!

What does your door say about you? Is it looking a little unloved or in need of a face lift? Well, changing that impression is actually not that difficult, and can make all the difference! A paint color or stain that coordinates with your home and surrounding landscape is a must. Choose some hardware that is not only functional but says something about you! Think about how you would want to greet your guests if your couldn't be there. Would you want your door to say; we are fun and whimsical, we care about craftsmanship, we love history and want our home to carry a story, we love color, we are minimalist, we have kids and are proud of it, or stay away... we don't like company? I hope not the last impression, but the point is, you have the power to choose what kind of impression you are making!

I hope I have inspired you you take a second look at the entrance to your home. I would love to see pictures of your front door! I would love to hear the story behind how your door came to live at your house! Do you have an interesting door knob? I would love to see it too!

For more information about Icicle Ridge Winery, their amazing house, or their wine tasting hours please visit: www.icicleridgewinery.com

Photos courtesy of: warrenbedellphotography.com (door), www.baltica.com (silver knob), www.countryliving.com (pile of knobs), and www.atticmag.com (wall of knobs)