Your entryway will be the first thing you see when you come home and the last place you see when you leave so it’s important to consider the functional aspects of the space. Adding a few thoughtful touches can have a big impact on your entire day. Think about things like drawers for mail or loose goods, a tray for the essentials like keys or wallets, and hooks to hang purses, coats, and maybe even leashes (depending on aesthetic). These functional items can help organize the space—and your life! We recommend you think about the things you grab on your way out the door and the items you drop off when coming in. This will help ensure you’ll always be prepared to face the day and have a place to put things upon return.
The layout of your entryway is just as or more important than the contents it houses! Plan for ample space to walk through your home's front door to the next living space, a clear path with room to move is critical. No one wants to feel cramped the moment they walk through the door. Don’t forget to factor in which way your door swings open along with other elements like closets, windows, and hallways.
Because entryways are usually the first and last room you pass through in your house, clutter has a way of piling up quickly. From purses and backpacks to toys and packages, your entryway sees a lot of action. Ample storage is the key to maintaining a functional but stylish entryway design. Consider a credenza or console table with drawers built in and storage addition options, this creates an easy place to stash mail, gloves, keys, and more. It’s perfect for on-the-go lifestyles. And since the storage is enclosed, you can quickly tidy up and hide clutter without the need to constantly organize your entryway design.
Little Personal Touches
There is nothing better after a long day than coming home to a comfortable space you love filled with memories. Take a little extra care to curate décor and art in your entryway design so you are welcomed home by things you love from the moment you step through the door. Along with personal photos, consider adding in trip mementos, or fun décor that showcases your personal style. A few of these personal touches in an entryway can instantly make your home feel like your perfect oasis.
Simple Necessities
Sometimes the best entryway designs are the simplest ones. All you really need is a piece of art or a stylish mirror, a console or bench, and a few pops of décor. Don’t skip on a bench if you have the space for it! It’s an easy place to put on and take off shoes whether putting on your own or assisting kids. Tie the stylish look together with some potted plants and decorative pillows.
Outfit & Makeup Checks
Since your entryway is the last place you’ll be before you leave the house, we highly recommend making space for a mirror. We recommend you hang a mirror over a console table or a bench. If you have the space, try a floor mirror so you can see yourself from head to toe for a final outfit and makeup check. This is particularly beneficial if you don’t have a full-length mirror in your bedroom! A mirror in the entryway is key for last-minute outfit checks and can help make smaller entryway designs feel more spacious!
Opt for Basket Storage
If you don’t have a lot of space to work with or don’t want to invest in a heavy-duty (and more expensive) storage piece, baskets are the way to go. They’re functional, affordable, and stylish—a triple threat! And there are so many style directions you can go with baskets. If you choose to go this route, choose two or three baskets to tuck under a console or bench or just line a few up along the wall! This option works wonderfully in homes with children giving you a place to stash shoes, coats, and backpacks! Designate a basket towards reusable grocery bags and purses, then you will never forget to grab one for grocery shopping.
Play With Negative Space
Your entryway can be a great place to display art, show off unique pieces, or decorative objects. It’s the first part of your home that guests see, so it’s a perfect place to make an impression! One tip to remember: try not to overload it with too many things. Play up the negative space and highlight the décor pieces you are most proud of. With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, this is also a great moment to rotate décor with the seasons or your mood—which keeps your home feeling fresh without having to buy new art and décor!
Work in Natural Textures
Want to know the secret ingredient that almost every polished space has? Texture. Up your entryway style with this easy and affordable addition. Think of weathered wood, chunky woven baskets, stone, and natural fiber rugs (which are great for high-traffic rooms like entryways). If it fits your style, consider incorporating knotted rope materials, linens, unique pillows or other natural textures in your entryway to spice up the design.
Use What You’ve Got
Even if you don’t have a designated entryway space or maybe just a small space, we say work with what you’ve got. If possible, we suggest carving out an entryway “zone” or corner. Then, include the essentials—like storage, seating, or even just a coat rack or a few hooks. To determine your essentials, think about your morning routine and ask yourself the following questions. What are your “get out the door” needs? Do you need a place to always put your keys so you don’t misplace them? Would you love some baskets to organize your kids’ stuff? Hooks to hang your coat and purse? Whatever your essentials are, work them into your design.
Step Into a Visionary Home
We hope this blog has inspired you to revamp your entryway to fit your lifestyle and personality. If you are looking for more design inspiration or if you are ready for a big change in your home's scenery, we are here to guide you. Stop by our Vineyard Model Home - The Madison to see the entry way above or drop into another one of our model homes to see the endless entryway possibilities. Strat your journey to a home that fits your needs by calling us at (435) 228-4702.
