Entry ways have always fascinated me. They are the first impression and welcoming space for a guest entering your home. Entry ways also serve functional purposes and establish the spirit of your home. Most people, like myself, don’t have a proper foyer so entry ways need to be created in the limited amount of space available. Fortunately, you don’t need a lot of space or a large budget to successfully create a welcoming entry way.
In the past few weeks I have enjoyed designing my entryway for my own home, and researching affordable styles. With the help of design software, I have been playing around with different ideas and layouts. My hope is to bring a digital version of the future entry way of my house (pictured above) to life with new furniture that I will be customizing and decorative statement pieces. The finished product will be shared in the coming weeks. For now let’s talk about four criteria in designing a welcoming entry way space that anyone can incorporate into their apartment or home!
Four Criteria in Designing a Welcoming Entry Way Space (The four S’s)
- Style. Walking from the outside to the inside, the entry way is the first part of the interior guests are exposed to in your home. Style will be a big factor in making a memorable first impression. Design a space that is cohesive with the great room in the house, but have fun! What’s your favorite style? Farmhouse? Modern? Find your decorative style and get after it. You do you, Boo! If you aren’t sure, no worries dear. A neutral palette can be interchangeable and versatile. Balance out decor with functional and purposeful pieces. Lighting can truly enhance and illuminate the entry way at night and also adds a safety element. Incorporating a lamp and/or sconces into the space will be important when natural lighting is not available. A scented candle can provide additional lighting and captivate guest’s senses when they open the door. Fresh or faux greenery livens up any space. A dark colored rug minimizes the appearance of dirt at the door. A large wall mirror at eye level allows for one last check of makeup before leaving the house. Adding these style elements, to your own taste, will help create a functional and welcoming space.
- Surface. We have all been there before….entering the house with an arm full of mail or groceries. Create a landing surface with a console, desk or bookshelf. This surface can also be utilized to display decorative pieces. Adding a useful surface can become an expensive part in the creation of a welcoming entry way, however it doesn’t have to be. With a little elbow grease, you can find affordable unfinished furniture (this is the line I will be using) that can be customized using paint or stain. I also love rehabbing pre-loved flea market finds with a sander and fresh paint.
- Storage. Going in and out of the house, carrying keys, coats, sunglasses and other important necessities, it’s ideal to have a place for storage. A coat closet is the best way to create entry way storage, but when that is not possible, a coat rack or decorative hooks on the wall are also helpful. Add a decorative bowl for small items, like keys, that are utilized frequently. Baskets add style and are perfect for winter’s gloves and hats. Incorporate drawers to keep a clean, clutter free environment.
- Seating. I love the idea of a seating area at the entry way to help with putting on and taking off shoes. Since this will be minimally utilized, keep it minimal in size for smaller entry ways. A small storage ottoman doubles as a seating area and a place to store guest’s accessories. Reinvent your home with a luxurious stool or affordable garden stool that work well as both decorative pieces and as quick seating areas that can also be tucked under a console table. In larger entry ways, a beautiful wingback chair in the corner makes a nice statement piece.
I cannot wait to work on this project more! What are your favorite things to incorporate into your entry way space? If you also love playing around with different design ideas, this free software can be really helpful to bring your space to life!
Tune in again soon for an entry way update.
Thanks for joining today!
Live your life joyfully so,
Ashley