Like it or not, first impressions count. What's more, their influence over people's perceptions can last a very long time irrespective of change in circumstances or even people understanding to be wrong. Some people even suggest that once a person has created an opinion about something or someone almost nothing can change it. So be careful what kind of impressions you'll leave with important others – friends, family, colleagues, even your neighbours.

For example, people's impressions of one's home influence the way they perceive that person. So, if you don't want to create a negative image among your friends and house guests take some time this weekend to spruce a bit your home. If you're short of free time, refresh only the areas your guests see first – entry area and doorway. There are lots of things that can be mended, improved or simply refreshed in any entry area – fix a ripped screen or paint the front door. All of these fixes will make a noticeable difference.

If you feel you can't think up of anything, find below several ideas to help you started with sprucing up your home image.

Be Energy Efficient

Do more about both the environment and your home budget with energy efficient light bulbs. Though installing less energy demanding bulbs isn't so obvious green act like planting a tree or cycling to work, its cumulative effect is enormous. I know that you have more than a few light bulbs in your home and changing all at once is tedious task. Thus do it in stages by starting from the front porch, doorway and entry way!

Make a Porch Lattice

Well, you won't actually produce it (it would be great if you could, though) but you will have to install it. You can hide outdoor appliances and other large items under the new porch lattice. It'll also add curb appeal and extra color to your home. Though it can take up to a day to assemble, paint, attach and screw it, at the end of the day when you look at how great your front looks you'll understand it was worth the effort.

Paint the Front Porch

There is another great way to add curb appeal and extra colors to your home – paint the front porch or simply give it a fresh coating of paint. If you don't want to paint the whole porch, tape the parts you intend to skip and give the rest a fresh new look. Start with making sure the surface is clean and dry. Use a latex porch and floor enamel colored paint of your choice. Enamel paint is durable, holds to abuse of weather and sun, lacks strong smell of oil-based paint and dries quickly.

Hang Curtains

A window without a curtain looks so alone, so sad and abandoned... Or at least that is how I feel. But it's still great idea to hang curtains to cover glass window panes. It looks so much sophisticated and what's more important, welcoming!

Throw in Colorful Welcome Rug

Place a bright rug on your doorstep to welcome guests. You can buy one or make one yourself, it's up to you. There is lots of info on the internet how to make a rug. Alternatively, many online retailers offer a wide range of energetic rugs at a discount. If you have enough space in the entry way why don't you put a small sofa there? Your guests and you, of course, will feel more comfortable when entering/leaving and have to take off/put on shoes. Though keeping your sofa clean might be a problem, there are hundreds of articles online providing high-quality ideas to tackle dirt and stains.