5 Entryway Design Ideas

When someone knocks on your front door and then crosses the threshold, what are they going to find on the other side? With an Entryway Interior Design, you set the tone for the rest of your home and convey a message – whether you intend to or not – to your guests. If there is one place where the “first impressions” analogy applies – it’s here.

5 Entryway Design Ideas

Size Doesn’t Matter

Depending on the design of your home, your entryway (also known as a foyer) can be as large as your kitchen, or as small as one of your closets. No matter the size, you shouldn’t let that deter you from bringing style, function and design into an area that will be seen by more people than any other room in your home.

Because the Entryway is such an important part of your living space, you should explore the Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer. You’d be amazed at what even the smallest consultation would do for you with regard to getting the most out of every square inch of your Entryway – no matter how grand or inconsequential you may think the space might be.

Entryway Tips & Ideas

Entryway Storage Solution

  1. Storage: Although you may be tempted to make the entrance of your home the pit stop for excess shoes, coats, handbags, school supplies, etc., you’ll want to take advantage of storage options that will hide the clutter and compliment the rest of your interior design. Consider benches or small hutches with cupboard doors – or use wicker baskets that tuck under a chair.
  2. Furniture: No matter the size of your Entryway, you should try to add at least one piece of entryway furniture that will allow you create a gathering place for keys, notes, etc. Consider a small, shorter hutch or replica pie safe that would double as storage as well as utilizing the top for decorative items such as lamps – which bring your interior decor closer to your door.
  3. Lighting: A strategic Lighting Design is always beneficial. Most Entryways are dimly lit or only contain a ceiling light fixture. Add drama and design style while increasing your lighting by using lamps and wall sconces. Add a dimmer switch to set a mood – or for added security purposes.
  4. Accessories: Yes, accessorize your Entryway as you would the rest of your home – space permitting, of course. One must have is a mirror – not only beneficial for when you are leaving the home, but for guests as they enter. Consider flowers next to a lamp, family photographs grouped in coordinating frames, or warm welcoming signs that make your guests feel properly greeted upon arrival.
  5. Flooring: Most Entryways have flooring that is continuous with the rest of the home, although that is not a spoken rule by any means. Feel free to change it up by installing a more water resistant type of floor such as tile or concrete. Be sure to add a non-slip rug in front of the door to catch extra moisture from shoes as they enter.

It All Starts at the Front Door

Although the Entryway is beyond your front door, the front door acts as a “portal” – of sorts – which transitions the exterior of your home with the interior … therefore, it should also be considered in your overall Entryway Design. In the Orient, your front door is considered to be the “mouth of Chi” and a Feng Shui Design approach creates welcoming energy for all that enter.

By giving some extra thought to the color, texture and hardware on your front door – you’ll make a statement that not only represents your home’s style of design, but you’ll also be showing your pride in what lies beyond the threshold.

For more information on decorating your home, visit our Interior Design Ideas and Photos page – where you be inspired with designing options that may have never crossed your mind before. Your next plunge might be to take a look at our interior designer directory – a list of recommended design firms that will take the guess work out of designing your home, office or business.