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Key Points
- Avoid clutter and oversized furniture to keep the entryway functional and inviting.
- Stylish storage and decor create a timeless, welcoming first impression.
- A well-designed entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home.
Home entrances, whether the front porch or the entryway, create the first impression for guests (and for you) when walking in the home.
Yes, they need to be somewhat utilitarian, but they can also exude timeless style when accessorized properly—and the opposite when overcrowded with tacky decor or objects that better belong in closed storage.
Below, interior designers walk us through what doesn’t belong in the entryway. Get rid of these eight things, and you’ll have a more timeless and classic home entrance.
Meet the Expert
- Elana Mendelson is the founder of Elana Designs specializing in “livable luxury” designs in the Washington, D.C. area.
- Ayten Nadeau is the founder of i-TEN Designs in Raleigh, North Carolina.
- Alexandra Iordanou is the founder of Alex Jordyn Interiors, also based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Word Art Signs
Elana Mendelson, the founder of Elana Designs, says there are far more sophisticated wall decor options to choose for your entryway than metal or wooden signs with words.
“A beautiful mirror, piece of art, or sculptural object creates a more timeless and personal first impression,” she says. “Anything that literally says ‘welcome,’ ‘home,’ or ‘gather’ tends to date a space and feels less elevated,” she says.
And this is true for signage and door mats outdoors, too.
Shoe Racks
A shoe rack “makes the entry feel more utilitarian than designed, especially if it is overloaded with all types of shoes and cleats,” Mendelson says.
Of course, not everyone has the space to keep shoes out of the entryway, but they shouldn’t be obvious or in the way when you’re walking in and out of the home.
Concealing shoes in closed storage is the best bet if you have to keep them in the entryway. Mendelson suggests a cabinet, storage bench, or well-designed built-in solution.
Drop Zone Clutter
“Keys, mail, backpacks, dog leashes, and sunglasses all need a place to land, but when they are out in the open, the entry feels chaotic,” Mendelson says. “Ditch the random catchall setup and replace it with intentional storage, like a lidded box, drawer, tray, hooks, or a designated cabinet.”
Bulky Furniture
Entryways come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure whatever pieces you pick (whether you only have room a slim console table with hooks above it or you have room enough for a chair and a coatrack) fits the scale of the room and doesn’t overcrowd the space.
“Furniture that is too large can make the space feel cramped,” Ayten Nadeau says. “Leave plenty of room to move through comfortably.”
Not Enough Furniture
At the same time, an entryway that is too sparse is going to look off as well. Even if you have practically no entryway, you’ll want to add a few items that signal a threshold for coming and going.
“Even if your front door opens directly into another room, a small console, piece of art, rug, or a few hooks can create a sense of arrival,” Nadeau says.
Inadequate Lighting
Don’t rely on a singular overhead lighbulb or boob light to greet guests at the door.
“A small table lamp is one of the easiest ways to elevate an entryway,” Nadeau says.
Don’t have sufficient outlets in your entryway? Nadeau suggests using a stylish battery-powered cordless lamp.
“They’re a beautiful option and add warmth that overhead lighting simply cannot replicate,” she says.
Underwhelming Rugs
For your front porch and your front hallway, rug size matters. Alexandra Iordanou, the founder of Alex Jordyn Interiors, cautions against using too-small doormats or runners.
When possible, think beyond basic big box options, too.
“A vintage rug to warm a large entryway can uplift an otherwise sterile space,” the designer says.
Faux Outdoor Greenery
Don’t make the mistake of displaying faux greenery on your front porch, Iordanou cautions.
“While maintenance can be a little more involved, nothing beats natural foliage and greenery,” she says. “Opt for plants that work with the amount of sunlight received and your lifestyle.”
There are several picks for a porch that are low-maintenance, the designer adds.
Read the original article on The Spruce
