5 lessons from Montreal entrances

The weekly micro-decorating newsletter * Issue 12 of 13, SS24 *
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Looking at the facade of a house is a bit like noticing a stranger in a crowd. There are so many details to take in at a glance. You can imagine stories behind the appearance, but with rare exceptions, those stories will never be told.

In Montreal, I enjoy wandering down narrow side streets in the Plateau and looking at entrances that feel inviting. The sidewalks are so close to the homes that you can almost touch the brick, so there's an intimacy to the experience, even if each dwelling is ultimately a mystery. The neighbourhood has a dishevelled charm that unifies it, but at every step you're greeted by a new staircase, a new doorway, a new set of windows, every one utterly unique.

In some areas the houses lean against each other like weary companions. Vines take advantage of the relaxed scenario, climbing everywhere:

An afternoon of looking at entrances gave me ideas about what makes an appealing one. I came up with five lessons:

Be present

Simply showing up is essential. Make a small gesture that says "Somebody lives here." A decorative wreath is a tried-and-true method:

Putting out a mat is another:

Taking good care of a door with a lot of history is an admirable way to say "This is home."

Be witty

Stickers about security systems and no-flyers alerts have their place:

But in a creative part of town, it's okay to be playful with your signage:

We may be looking in, but who is looking out?

A gathering of toys might be as effective as a watchful camera in creating a sense of barrier.

Be neighbourly

A spray of flowers doesn't just welcome you and your guests, it adds an exuberant touch to your street:

Even behind bars, yellow blooms make an impact:

It doesn't take much. Even a single dash of colour will do:

If you're up for more effort, setting up a little library is a great way to be hospitable:

You can even get fancy with the architecture, like the owner of this cloud-shaped book hotel:

Be stylish

Numbers are a necessary address marker. They're also a chance to add some pizzazz:

Paying attention to graphic possibilities of your digits makes for a pleasing moment:

What you add to the numbers – in this case, brass antlers – can take the style factor up a notch:

Why stop at numbers? The twin hooks that once gripped a daily newspaper can be repurposed as parking for a skateboard:

Even the smallest of props can enhance the sense of arrival:

Be yourself

Every neighbourhood has architectural elements that create some degree of uniformity. But if you customize with colour, you're making a bold statement about who you are:

It's one of the best opportunities to be an individual while still being socially aware:

Are you a renter? There's nothing stopping you from putting out a colourful chair:

Of course, there are all kinds of ways to show the full span of your affections:

The beauty of all five of these lessons is that they also apply to a person preparing to leave the house. How do you want to engage with the world today? Give it some thought as you get dressed and get ready – then stride forth and be amazing.

Thank you for reading.