It’s officially peak guest season and if you’re like us, you’ll be wanting your Entrance door to look attractive From the moment guests enter. No matter what the occasion – whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party, or a book club gathering – there’s nothing better than a well-designed entrance that leaves a lasting impression.
Again, the entryway is the last place you see when you leave the house and the first place that welcomes you home – so you can make it work for you. Compromise: Tell it a story that will interest others, but also make it feel like a warm embrace that you’ll enjoy after a busy day.
If you’re eager to update your entryway but aren’t sure where to start, here are eight staples that make up the entryway, according to the pros.
meet the expert
- isabel runceway is the founder and creative director of Icys Interiors, a New York-based interior design studio.
- Laura Solensky She is an interior designer in her own namesake full-service interior design firm in Pennsylvania.
- Chantel Hartman Malarkey Is an interior decorator and lifestyle influencer based in San Diego.
statement light
Statement lighting is often reserved for living rooms and dining rooms, but not for Isabelle Runsaway, founder of Ease Interiors. According to him, Foyer is a great place to Update your lighting And make the place feel high-end.
“It could be as simple as changing bulbs for a more appropriate color, replacing fixtures and adding medallions,” she says. “Choosing the right lighting color for your space adds a level of warmth and sophistication and creates a relaxing atmosphere.”
Depending on your style, you can go big with sculptural light fixtures, make a subtle statement with some vintage sconces, or perhaps even invest in stylish table lamps that serve as conversation starters too. Let’s work.
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Any mirror, simple or show-stopping
For interior designer Laura of Laura Solensky Design, no entryway is perfect without mirror,
“Any size entry can have some type of mirror installed so you can check your appearance before leaving the house,” she says.
Additionally, mirrors help brighten up the space, making it a must-have for any small-sized, gloomy entryway.
Curated Artwork
Besides instantly taking the space from drab to design-forward, the artwork creates a welcoming mood that will make anyone feel comfortable.
And if you think that decorating your entrance walls requires a huge investment, then you are wrong. just frame your existing family photos Or print a few snaps from your phone to make the area feel more personal without breaking the bank.
large pieces
Ashley Montgomery Design / photo by laura miller
If there’s any guaranteed way to make a lasting impression on your guests, it’s by adding large-scale pieces.
“I love adding larger pieces of decor around the entryway because it allows for style in this space without crowding it,” explains interior designer and lifestyle influencer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey. Think about oversized lanterns, candles, etc. vase,
However, her rule of thumb is to avoid filling the space with too many small things. Doing this will only make your entryway feel cluttered and cramped. Instead, she suggests keeping this space open so there’s flow in your home.
storage solution
Apart from looking beautiful and well-built, the entry door of your home, most importantly, should meet the daily needs of your family.
Malarkey swears by a stylish entryway table or console. Not only is this a great place to add decor items that give a good first impression of your style choices, but you can also use it to store grab-and-go items.
Prints and textures
For a dose of fun, you can’t go wrong with textured walls and statement wallpaper—just ask Malarkey.
“I love a good print and a good texture! Anything that will make the space pop and draw your guests’ attention directly,” says Malarkey.
Runaways is also very Team Wallpaper but recommends keeping the general aesthetic aligned with the rest of your home.
“Depending on the client, it can be fun to use bright and bold wallpaper, but I also enjoy using more light colors to accommodate seasonal decor changes,” Runsway says.
stylish floor treatments
Just like your walls, your entrance floor Also worth noting. If your floorboards are looking a little old and tired, give them a nice refresh with a coat of varnish – or maybe even paint the floors if you’re feeling bold.
Of course, a runner or rug According to Solensky this is always a welcome entry, and for two special reasons. One, it is functional for wiping feet and preventing dirt. Two, it aesthetically infuses color, pattern, and personality into the space.
And if you have the budget to replace your floors, why not turn them into a dramatic feature? Malarkey’s suggestion: fun graphic tiles.
“I love adding something unexpected to bring drama to a space and really make a good first impression on guests,” she says.
personal items
After all, if a home isn’t personal then what is it? Let’s say you like reading. You can line your long entry hall with a built-in bookshelf,
Or perhaps you’re an aspiring plant-gardener. In this case, add trees, flowers and plants – and maybe even wrap some vines around your mirror to create a jungle look.
“Customizing the space with something unique about you or your family is always a great way to strike up a conversation when guests arrive,” Malarkey shares. “This can honor your heritage by showing off family heirlooms like paintings, and dishes, or even displaying something you love and are passionate about!”
