Imagine you’re walking through your front door for the first time. Use impartial eyes to take in your entryway’s colors, textures, and unique aspects. Does it seem bland and uninviting, or can you pick out points of interest that catch your attention?
Creating an inviting entryway that draws people in is important for a first impression. Your guests are looking for something to set them at ease and make them feel comfortable and welcome. Setting up the entryway in a functional and stylish way will set the tone for the rest of the house.
It’s important to ensure that you keep this space uncluttered and incorporate functional decor like a place to take your shoes off or hang your coat. Keeping these things in mind will go a long way in helping your space feel inviting when someone walks through your door.
Here are a few ideas to get you started!
1. Choose a Bold Color
Choosing a bold color for your entryway wall could be a great way to invite your guests in and set the tone for the rest of your house. A rich color like charcoal gray or navy blue can make your space feel warm and sophisticated.
To avoid making your entryway feel too dark or imposing, add metal accents like a gold wall sconce or chandelier. This will brighten the space up while providing functional light to the area. You can also pair the bold color wall with neutral decorations like live plants, a cream-colored lamp, and a neutral color chair.
2. Add a Seating Area
A great way to make your guests feel invited and relaxed when they enter your house is with a seating area. Adding this space will tell your guests that they can relax and feel at home.
It also gives you a place to sit in the mornings as you’re putting on your shoes or a place to relax after a long day of work. A seating area can serve many purposes, and it can even make your space feel larger.
You can add individual chairs with throw pillows to add a pop of color or a functional bench with storage underneath to keep the space clutter-free and usable from top to bottom.
3. Incorporate a Unique Light Fixture
Choosing a unique chandelier or antique sconces for the entryway is the perfect way to set the tone and tell your guests that you have a unique home. You can enhance your interior style with a specific light fixture or use it as an opportunity to add unexpected contrast to your space.
Adding a metal chandelier to a modern or contemporary home will add a sophisticated touch while bringing in much-needed light. It won’t take away from the other design points, but it will serve to enhance the specific style.
You could also go in the opposite direction and add a light fixture with woven texture or something more traditional to offset the modern vibes and bring contrast into this space.
4. Create Functional Storage
One thing you can never have enough of in a home is storage. Finding ways to incorporate storage areas around the house can add significant value and help your home feel clutter-free.
Adding storage to your entryway is great because it gives you a chance to hide things and keep your “on the go” items all in one place. You can store shoes, purses, boots, and umbrellas in this space without them imposing on your front door.
You can build your own console table with storage or find one at an antique store that matches your style to save some money. Finding the perfect table with storage is a great opportunity to have a wow moment as soon as you walk in the door.
5. Use a Large Mirror
Using a mirror in the entryway can serve many functional purposes, and it looks great! Including a mirror by the front door will give you one last look at yourself before heading to work or running errands for the day. It can also make the entrance feel larger, which is great for small spaces or homes without an official foyer.
Adding a mirror allows you to add different shapes and dimensions to this space. If you have a style that uses mainly square and symmetric shapes, use a round mirror or a round mirror in a square frame.
Incorporating a contrasting shape or style of frame is a great way to add interest while sticking to a budget.
6. Add Interesting Wallpaper
If you’re working with a small space and looking to create an area of interest, consider using unique wallpaper. It’s a great way to bring a pop of color and different textures to your home without breaking the bank.
Using wallpaper with a dark base color and a repeating image is a good way to add interest without feeling overwhelmed as soon as you walk in the door. It’s a good idea to choose an option with neutral colors and an image that will appeal to guests with varying interior preferences.
Pair the wallpaper with unique lighting and an area for seating, and you’ll have your guests swooning over your cozy and inviting entryway.
7. Incorporate Plants or Flowers
Fresh plants and flowers can add a natural and welcoming feel to your home. It’s a great way to pay tribute to mother nature and help your house feel like an authentic space. Adding these plants or flowers to your entryway is the perfect way to let your guests know that this is a relaxing and comfortable environment.
Large plants will look great next to a console table to add some height contrast, and it gives your eyes another place to go once you take in the initial wall and decor items. You can also add smaller plants or potted flowers on the table or hanging from the wall to add contrasting sizes and colors for this space.
8. Choose a Fun Rug
Using a rug with fun and unexpected colors is a great way to add interest to a color-neutral entryway. You can keep this area bright and airy with white walls and light color flooring and still have fun with it by adding a unique rug.
Rugs allow you to add bold colors like red, orange, or yellow without imposing on this area. You can even choose colors from the rug itself and use them in other small decor pieces to tie the space together. This is the perfect opportunity to keep your large walls and furniture neutral but still have fun and bold colors as soon as you walk through the door.
