A home entryway is a gathering place, both of loved ones and frequently used everyday items. As we say farewell to visitors, we hug and make plans to see each other again soon. And as we arrive and walk in the door, it’s the place we throw our keys or purse, kick off our shoes and unleash the dog. Needless to say, the entryway sees lots of coming and going, often resulting in a disheveled area – one where you inevitably seem to lose the keys. Ready to create the perfect entryway? Here are a few tips and tricks on designing an entryway that’s both fashionable and functional.
Elevate Your Doorway with New Hardware
As one of the first decorative elements someone sees, be sure to elevate your entryway foyer with a unique entry door hardware set. From doorknobs to doorknockers, complement your home’s exterior architectural style and interior decor.
Hang a Few Convenient Hooks
Often referred to as a place to hang your hat, a home’s entryway requires a few hooks. Whether you attach them directly to a wall or place them along a wood panel half wall or built-in cabinets, decorative coat hooks can reflect your home’s overall style while lending a convenient place to hang hats, scarves, outerwear and more.
For a more kid-friendly entryway, install individual wall hooks lower and designate one for each child. This way, your kids know exactly where to store their jackets and hats (while learning good cleaning habits, too). Of course, if you are the parent of pets and plants, hooks are perfect for hanging leashes and plant baskets as well.
Incorporate Shelving and Storage
If you need a bit more organization than a few coat hooks, shelving goes a long way in an entry foyer. For example, you can hang open shelves in a tight entryway to make the walls feel deeper. If your entryway is more spacious, consider installing a tall bookcase or etagere to showcase family photos and accommodate catch-all trays and more. If you need floor space, install cabinets or shelves higher along the wall, with a nearby stool to reach those rarely used hats or accessories.
Add a Comfortable Accent Chair or Supportive Bench
Seating offers lots of functionality to an entryway. Some form of seating invites you and your guests to rest and provides support as you remove shoes or wait for others to meet up to head out for an activity.
For more spacious foyers, place an accent chair or two flanking a side table or console table. If you have a more compact entryway, keep it minimal with a long narrow bench like a country-style church pew or a row of folding theatre seats. Above all, consider seating with an open and airy leg design, making the most of your space and allowing you to store a shoe basket or drying mats beneath. Another space-saving option is to transform an existing coat closet into a settee, complete with interior coat hooks and baskets.
Maximize Narrow, Vertical Spaces
Entryways tend to have awkward narrow walls or spaces, making the space challenging to work with. However, instead of fighting or ignoring these thin areas, make the most of them by going vertical! While you may not find a perfectly sized console, you can optimize the wall by hanging a vertical mirror or a floating upper shelf with coat hooks.
For a vintage and boho-inspired style, add a slatted train rack with a built-in rod. Not only is it highly functional, but it offers a sleek design and says a lot about the family and people living inside.
Hang a Mirror for Last-Minute Checks
In your entryway, be sure to have some kind of mirror. Whether it’s a round framed mirror hung above a console table or a full-length style that reflects natural lighting throughout the space, mirrors offer a way to give yourself a last-minute, final check as you depart for the workday or even date night.
In general, mirrors can also make a narrow space appear wider. So if you have a tight hallway or vestibule, consider adding an oversized mirror to open up the space. You’ll be surprised how much larger your entryway will appear!
Establish a Focal Point
One of the most useful tips in designing a fashionable and functional entryway is to establish a focal point. This can be done in several ways, using a console table with a mirror mounted above or a bench below a collection of artwork or photos. Ultimately, the focal point is there to welcome you home with charming decor and details or send you off with a little inspiration.
Since the entryway is a smaller space in relation to the rest of the home, this is where you can have a lot of fun. When it comes to entryways, it’s one space that beckons you to go big. A focal wall with a dramatic wallpaper or bold splash of paint makes a wonderful addition to the area. Just make sure that your focal point of this area complements and sets the stage for the rest of the home’s decor and color palette.
Design a Practical, Gorgeous Entryway or Mudroom
Although your home’s main entrance is meant for guests and visitors, mudrooms are also a similar practical space. A growing trend among home buyers, mudrooms offer a convenient place between the main living quarters and say, the garage or backyard, which allow family members to remove and store outerwear, umbrellas and more. While it can still be aesthetically-pleasing, its main function is to prevent dirt, germs and more from being tracked inside.
Ready to transform your front entrance into a personalized space that feels welcoming and practical? Whether you have an entryway, a mudroom or both, all of these fashionable and functional tips will help you create a perfectly inviting and charming space for visiting family, guests and others.
