Winter is quickly getting behind us and as the weather warms up people are starting to leave their homes where they've been tucked in all cozy for winter and visit friends. It's the perfect time to evaluate your entryway and make sure it is functional for you and welcoming to your guests that will be coming to visit this spring. An entryway can be refreshed without much cost and you'll feel like you've got a whole new space.
The entryway to your home is an expression of the people who live there. It offers a subtle first impression for guests and it is the space that welcomes you home after a long day. The purpose of the entryway is functionality, but the space can also be amazingly stylish, and create a relaxing entry into your home. It sets the tone for your style beyond the entryway...glamorous, rustic, modern, mid-century, or whatever your personal decor style is. The entryway should be purposeful and well thought out. There are so many options and fun ideas for entryways. Since these spaces are typically small, there are several things below to consider. The entry to your home should reflect the occupants in a fun way that represents the small details of your life through design, yet functional to meet your needs.
These are some entryway essentials you'll want to consider-
A small table
Your entryway is the central entrance to your home and will function better if there's a common place for 'catch all' items such as keys, cell phone cords, spare change, mail, and other miscellaneous items. Positioning a narrow table in the entry way provides stylish function that keeps everything organized. Tables that have drawers are a good option, but you can also use the placement of baskets, suitcases, or trunks to organize things too.
A mirror and lighting
Not all entryways have a window to let light in, so think about using a mirror to offer some additional reflective lighting. If your fortunate enough to have a window the mirror simply enhances the light your entryway receives. Adding a mirror provides the perfect opportunity for a quick glance to make sure your lipstick is in place before heading out the door, or answering the door. You can select many styles of mirrors. The photos below offer some ideas that you may find helpful if you're thinking about a mirror in your entryway. Mirror Tip: Placing small press on words to the mirror in a slanted manner also adds a touch of personality to your entryway. You can select a scripture that is meaningful to you, or the words 'Welcome to our Home', or 'Be our guest', there is no end to what you can create for 'mirror words'. The words should not be so large that they distract, or placed right in the middle to block the view, but placed simply on the top or lower portion of the mirror. A slanted angle usually is the most appealing, so it doesn't add a harsh angle to the mirror.
Adding a small lamp to your table allows ambient lighting in the evening and if you do have a window in the entryway, not only will a lamp make your home feel extra cozy, but create beautiful interior curb appeal. Simple ceiling lighting; a small two bulb chandelier, or any type of hanging light will add to the style of your entryway. You'll really give your entryway a feeling of warmth if you add a dimmer switch to the ceiling light, again adding to the interior curb appeal seen from the outside.
Coat rack
This is an absolute necessity for coats, sweaters, umbrellas, and even a blanket for some added color and texture to your entryway. This also keeps coats that are saturated with moisture from snow or rain from dripping all over the floor. If you have children that are heading out to school each morning, or your always on the go; having your coat, a sweater, or scarf always handy as you head out, will save you a lot of time on those busy days!
Storage
Let's talk storage. Extra storage is a great feature of the entryway. There are many options available including stylish bins, baskets, decorative boxes, suitcases, and trunks. A large basket on the floor is perfect for umbrellas. A smaller basket works great hanging on the wall, or above a small table to hold mail, keys, and other small catch all items. Metal bins can be placed overhead as small individual storage compartments with a few decorative items, or placed on the floor to neatly hold shoes. Easy opening vintage chests and suitcases can also be tucked under a bench or table to store seasonal items like boots and gloves.
Bench or Seating
Your entryway won't be complete without some type of bench or even a single chair to sit on. This is a great place to change shoes, or sit down and quickly go through the mail when you come in for a quick sort of what to keep and what to trash. A bench or seating also provides a great opportunity to accent your entryway decor style. There are ideas in the photos below of some seating options for all sizes of entryway. You'll know what you like when you see it! Adding a pillow and throw will add a pop of color and personality.
Welcome Mat or Rug
After you've created this warm and welcoming entryway space you'll want to do all that you can to keep it clean and organized. Placing a welcome mat outside the door...keeps the inside clean saving you from constantly wiping the floor of your entryway, or washing the rug if you place one. There are many styles of welcome mats. If you want to create your own welcome mat, simply search the internet for personalized doormat...you'll be surprised at all the selections. There are companies that will even put your photos on the doormat...now, that's personalized!
A rug offers texture and warmth to your entryway. Often circular rugs provide a more spacious look then one with a hard edge. A rug can offer a pop of color to a neutral entryway color pallet without taking over. It's also perfect for catching all the dirt that comes in and can easily be shaken off just outside the door!
The Small Details
Ok, you've thought out your entryway and covered organization, storage, and style...so what other details can make the entryway extra special? Fresh flowers are always a welcoming touch. Also, placing a small dish of wrapped candies or chocolates guests can help themselves to is a very thoughtful touch. Don't forget, a small box of Kleenex, or a basket with packages of Kleenex are always handy.
You're on your way to creating a warm entryway with organization and style. Since entryways are usually smaller spaces they are inexpensive to refresh and redecorate often. Changing up your entryway can make the whole space feel new, without a lot of effort of cost...just fun!
The entryway to your home is an expression of the people who live there. It offers a subtle first impression for guests and it is the space that welcomes you home after a long day. The purpose of the entryway is functionality, but the space can also be amazingly stylish, and create a relaxing entry into your home. It sets the tone for your style beyond the entryway...glamorous, rustic, modern, mid-century, or whatever your personal decor style is. The entryway should be purposeful and well thought out. There are so many options and fun ideas for entryways. Since these spaces are typically small, there are several things below to consider. The entry to your home should reflect the occupants in a fun way that represents the small details of your life through design, yet functional to meet your needs.
These are some entryway essentials you'll want to consider-
A small table
Your entryway is the central entrance to your home and will function better if there's a common place for 'catch all' items such as keys, cell phone cords, spare change, mail, and other miscellaneous items. Positioning a narrow table in the entry way provides stylish function that keeps everything organized. Tables that have drawers are a good option, but you can also use the placement of baskets, suitcases, or trunks to organize things too.
A mirror and lighting
Not all entryways have a window to let light in, so think about using a mirror to offer some additional reflective lighting. If your fortunate enough to have a window the mirror simply enhances the light your entryway receives. Adding a mirror provides the perfect opportunity for a quick glance to make sure your lipstick is in place before heading out the door, or answering the door. You can select many styles of mirrors. The photos below offer some ideas that you may find helpful if you're thinking about a mirror in your entryway. Mirror Tip: Placing small press on words to the mirror in a slanted manner also adds a touch of personality to your entryway. You can select a scripture that is meaningful to you, or the words 'Welcome to our Home', or 'Be our guest', there is no end to what you can create for 'mirror words'. The words should not be so large that they distract, or placed right in the middle to block the view, but placed simply on the top or lower portion of the mirror. A slanted angle usually is the most appealing, so it doesn't add a harsh angle to the mirror.
Adding a small lamp to your table allows ambient lighting in the evening and if you do have a window in the entryway, not only will a lamp make your home feel extra cozy, but create beautiful interior curb appeal. Simple ceiling lighting; a small two bulb chandelier, or any type of hanging light will add to the style of your entryway. You'll really give your entryway a feeling of warmth if you add a dimmer switch to the ceiling light, again adding to the interior curb appeal seen from the outside.
Coat rack
This is an absolute necessity for coats, sweaters, umbrellas, and even a blanket for some added color and texture to your entryway. This also keeps coats that are saturated with moisture from snow or rain from dripping all over the floor. If you have children that are heading out to school each morning, or your always on the go; having your coat, a sweater, or scarf always handy as you head out, will save you a lot of time on those busy days!
Storage
Let's talk storage. Extra storage is a great feature of the entryway. There are many options available including stylish bins, baskets, decorative boxes, suitcases, and trunks. A large basket on the floor is perfect for umbrellas. A smaller basket works great hanging on the wall, or above a small table to hold mail, keys, and other small catch all items. Metal bins can be placed overhead as small individual storage compartments with a few decorative items, or placed on the floor to neatly hold shoes. Easy opening vintage chests and suitcases can also be tucked under a bench or table to store seasonal items like boots and gloves.
Bench or Seating
Your entryway won't be complete without some type of bench or even a single chair to sit on. This is a great place to change shoes, or sit down and quickly go through the mail when you come in for a quick sort of what to keep and what to trash. A bench or seating also provides a great opportunity to accent your entryway decor style. There are ideas in the photos below of some seating options for all sizes of entryway. You'll know what you like when you see it! Adding a pillow and throw will add a pop of color and personality.
Welcome Mat or Rug
After you've created this warm and welcoming entryway space you'll want to do all that you can to keep it clean and organized. Placing a welcome mat outside the door...keeps the inside clean saving you from constantly wiping the floor of your entryway, or washing the rug if you place one. There are many styles of welcome mats. If you want to create your own welcome mat, simply search the internet for personalized doormat...you'll be surprised at all the selections. There are companies that will even put your photos on the doormat...now, that's personalized!
A rug offers texture and warmth to your entryway. Often circular rugs provide a more spacious look then one with a hard edge. A rug can offer a pop of color to a neutral entryway color pallet without taking over. It's also perfect for catching all the dirt that comes in and can easily be shaken off just outside the door!
The Small Details
Ok, you've thought out your entryway and covered organization, storage, and style...so what other details can make the entryway extra special? Fresh flowers are always a welcoming touch. Also, placing a small dish of wrapped candies or chocolates guests can help themselves to is a very thoughtful touch. Don't forget, a small box of Kleenex, or a basket with packages of Kleenex are always handy.
You're on your way to creating a warm entryway with organization and style. Since entryways are usually smaller spaces they are inexpensive to refresh and redecorate often. Changing up your entryway can make the whole space feel new, without a lot of effort of cost...just fun!
|
Black and white
Adding bold pops of black to this entryway creates a contrasting style that really makes the entryway a statement. The large oversized oval mirror adds lots of reflective light from the room the entryway faces, since it lacks a window. The basket has a scarf tucked casually in it. Since there is no electrical outlet, battery operated candles can give that ambient lighting at night to really give the entryway a cozy feel. To add a touch of boldness, there is an accent wall that gives a cohesiveness to this design. The primary color is black with accents in wood. |
|
Collage
This is a great opportunity to create a gorgeous entryway and repurpose vintage window frames. Overlapping empty window frames creates a beautiful architectural element. Since the glass is gone, the wood frames are not heavy and won't need anchored into the wall. This is a light and bright entryway, with lots of natural light across from the stairs. There's a ladder casually placed on the wall with a throw and a small wreath. A basket with a large throw and candle have been placed under the credenza creating texture and toning down the wood floor. This entryway has a slight boho flare with the textiles in the baskets and rug. Who wouldn't want to come in this front door? |
|
Modular organization and style
The article didn't mention entryway modules for shelving and storage, but if you have the space and money, it's certainly an option. The only drawback is the ability to change your design. It's easy to change out a table, rug, chairs, and coat rack, but if you invest in a modular piece, you'll want to use it for a long time. You can still change out the decor items. For example, a mirror could be placed where the photos are, the colors of the pillows and baskets could easily be changed. Plants could be added. There's a lot of options, but the basic piece will remain, and this functional piece certainly has lots of storage and great seating. |
|
All in one
This piece is readily available online and it's perfect for a small space. If you look around, it can also be very budget friendly. This simple style offers plenty of hooks for baskets to hang for organization of keys, mail, and other odds and ends; a great place to hang purses, scarves, backpacks, or even greenery to add a pop of color to the entry way. There's plenty of storage underneath for baskets, or shoes...and perfect seating! |
|
White Wonder
Adding an accent wall to an entryway offers depth, texture, and can make the space look bigger. This faux brick wall does all three. If you want to keep it simple and sleek, these items are perfect. The shelving is simple and provides storage and hooks. The console piece adds more storage, or a place for shoes, or tucking backpacks. The simple chair offers a great place to sit down and sort mail, or put shoes on. This is a simple and easy design with great function. |
|
Peek-a-Boo..See Through and Airy
This entryway offers multiple pieces for storage, function, and a great mirror for lighting. These pieces are all airy. They allow a lot of the wall space to show through, instead of actually being pieces of furniture. Even the pictures are not hanging, they are layered on the shelf. The hooks are separate and attached simply to the wall, even the bench is open. The pop of color in this design comes in the mail holder. The rug softens the harsh black and white colors. |
|
Minimalist
This is a serious minimalist design. The hooks are simple. The round mirror adds additional light. The stool and entryway table are small and cohesive. A basic basket and a rug finish this design. A touch of greenery...and you have a great look without much effort and it looks amazing! |
The entryway to your home will let guests know about the people who occupy the space, show your personal style, and keep you organized so you can focus on enjoying your space and your guests.