5 TIPS FOR ENTRYWAY DESIGN
They say you have one chance to make a first impression. The entryway to any home is a place to welcome guests, provide functional storage and share an introduction to the story the home will tell. When considering an entryway, here are our top 5 design tips.
1. Know your audience. Is your entry typically used strictly for guests, or does it need to do double duty as your family's main entrance? This will dictate how much function your entry needs to serve.
As an entrance mainly for guests, this entrance has just enough room to hang a coat or leave a pair of shoes.
This home has a second entrance from the side of the home and the garage that is mainly used by family. That space holds all the mudroom organization, while the front entry welcomes guests with a barrel ceiling and hidden storage in a closet.
2. Make a statement. We like a moment in the entry that sets the tone - a piece of art, a killer light fixture, a bold wallpaper - something that feels special and introduces the story that the rest of the house will tell.
An impactful ceiling, a trio of art pieces framed in panel molding and a special light fixture set the tone for this home.
3. Provide drop zones. Do you need a place to leave mail or keys? A pretty bowl or basket on a credenza is a simple solve. Guests often need a place to set their purse and an intuitive spot for coats. Hall closets with hangers are nice, but I find most folks don't mind dropping their coat on a bench or popping it on a hook for a casual visit.
Even just a bowl or tray on a credenza can make dropping small items more intentional.
4. Make storage special. If your entry needs to accommodate both guests and your everyday life, make sure your storage is pretty. Think beyond basic organizational pieces - a cool vintage dresser can easily hold gloves and mittens, a credenza with doors can have baskets inside for shoes.
This vintage dresser could be a great entryway storage piece. With baskets inside the drawers for organization, it could keep a variety of items easy to grab on the way out the door.
5. Accessorize. Don't underestimate the power of candles, a lamp and flowers or greenery.
This wallpaper and mirror combination set the tone for this home. The acrylic table fades into the background while also providing helpful functionality. Topped with a few accessories and this entrance offers a warm welcome.