feature image via House Beautiful
Have you ever went inside someone’s home for the first time and were just blown away? The design could have been really amazing, but you also have this feeling of warmth, like you are always invited. THAT is how an entryway should feel. Using a few simple techniques, I’m going to teach you how to design a cool entryway so that your home will also feel that warm.
How to Design a Cool Entryway
Go minimal
via HGTV | via Elle Decor
For a really powerful entryway, you want each item to stand on its own and speak for itself. In order for that to happen, you can’t clutter it all up. The good news is that most people have really small entryways, so this undertaking will be easy and affordable.
Don’t let the size of the space minimize its importance.
The entryway is the first impression you are giving people…and you know what they say about first impressions. We have a tendency to go overboard when it comes to decorating, so this is the time to pull in the reins. You want to select statement pieces, which will usually be larger items like a rug, lighting, and art.
Hang large scale art (remember, art comes in many forms)
via Homes to Love
YES. PLEASE DO THIS. Nothing makes me happier than walking into someone’s home and seeing art. Not just run of the mill generic art from a big box store, but art from an artist or at least an art website. That is the best way to give the message that you are SO cool, you care about local business, and you’re cultured as heck. Creatively learning how to design a cool entryway starts with your art choices. The art is the prettiest part of the home, so it’s going to be your focal point; choose wisely (and have fun!).
via House Beautiful | via House Beautiful
Side note: art and wallpaper are interchangeable. They both serve the same purpose: to liven up the space with color and pattern. If you have wallpaper on the walls, consider hanging a mirror or woven wall hanging instead of art if it will be too busy.
Art is a very fluid concept. Art also counts as beautiful pottery like the forever favorite of nearly everybody: blue and white Chinoiserie jars. The point is to add something that is special and adds beauty. Art can be anything that makes your heart sing; it is a personal choice so only buy what you adore.
Install an interesting light fixture
via Dabito | via Wit & Delight
Do you know why people in New York City don’t like first floor apartments? They aren’t well lit. Think about it. We New Yorkers would rather haul our groceries, strollers, kids, laundry bag, and selves up flights of stairs instead of choosing to live on the first floor. THAT is how important lighting is. Haunted houses are always dark right? Soooo, do the opposite. A warm light makes your space look so inviting and heavenly.
You don’t even have to be a homeowner to switch out your light fixtures. Just remember to leave the hard wiring to the professionals if that’s the route you choose to take (and get your landlord’s permission). If you have high ceilings, you get that pendant or chandelier, friend! If you have low ceilings, no biggie. There are plenty of flush mount and semi-flush mount options that will look amazing. Work it, work it.
via Anita Yokota | via Architectural Digest
Ah, but what if you live in an older home and you don’t have overhead lighting available? Simple, just follow my next step of setting up a long console table with 2 table lamps, a small table with 1 table lamp, or even a cool floor lamp (as long as it doesn’t block the doorway). What I ended up doing is using S-hooks to hang a drum shade from the ceiling over our ugly generic hard wired light. I bought a white shade from Target and painted light blue vertical stripes on it. Bing bang boom. Style for $10 that I can change out any time I want.
If you are limited on ceiling height and wall space, you can still do something cool. My last apartment entryway was a hallway so I get it if you don’t have the luxury of an actual room. What you can do in this situation is hang your art on the wall and flank it with 2 sconces. There are tons of options for sconces that are plug in (no hard wiring), so this is an apartment friendly solution. Deciding how to design a cool entryway for a small space is absolutely doable so don’t settle!
Buffer with a Table
via House Beautiful | via House Beautiful
The table is going to be the grounding element. You’re going to have awesome art and a unique light fixture, so you need something to act as a buffer between those elements. My favorite look is a long light oak console table or something that looks really rustic. You can place 2 table lamps on the ends, some vases/small decor items, and under the table you can store a woven basket of blankets or some poufs for additional seating. Doesn’t that just scream “WE’RE WELCOMING!” if you have to store additional seating under a table because you are so popular? You get it.
If you have a small entry, no worries. Skip the long table and try for a small one. If you don’t have room for any table, also no worries. You have your large wall art, your cool light fixture, and you can purchase a large vase full of tall reeds to place on the floor under the art. Just don’t knock it over with your suitcase coming back from the Hamptons like us. You could even do a basket of blankets or seasonal items like pine cones or firewood.
Alternately, if you have an extra large entryway (lucky you!), get a big circle table and add some cool accents like large vases of flowers. You can also swap the table out for a long bench with a blanket casually draped over it. The world is your oyster! Just make sure the scale of the furniture matches the scale of the space you have. Figuring out how to design a cool entryway is all about logistics.
Extra credit
via House Beautiful | via House Beautiful
For extra credit, add some sort of architectural detail to your entryway. This could be mosaic tile on the floor, shiplap walls, wood paneling on the walls or ceiling, brick, etc. Anything that would add extra character to the space. I’ve been sick lately and we just got Hulu, so I’ve been doing some binge watching of Fixer Upper; Joanna looooooves adding character.
Learning how to design a cool entryway is just about trying to make your home feel as warm and inviting as possible. It’s a good idea to use this space to be creative and expressive. This space should tell people something about you like your style, personality, if you’re casual or elegant, whatever. I design my own home around the idea that I want it to express that I’m casual and creative.
If you’re wanting a formal foyer, but that’s not your personality, it will never feel right. If you have a billion kids and need your entryway to be a catch-all for rain boots, coats, hats, and book bags, then run with that as well. Find creative ways to mask the clutter. Your entry has to fit your lifestyle, otherwise it doesn’t represent you. Whether it be casual or formal, with fine art or your kids’ art, understanding how to design a cool entryway comes down to understanding yourself. Good luck! You can do it.
-Kristen
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