Want to welcome people into your home in style? If yes, it may be time for an entryway makeover! After all, who would want to make a bad first impression the minute their guests walk in? Not you!
Just imagine a good friend of yours that you haven't seen in years walks through your front door and the first thing they see are piles of shoes all over the floor, a mountain of unopened mails, and an overloaded coat rack that may collapse anytime soon. What a nightmare! Besides, a disorganized entryway will only make you feel overwhelmed and stressed.
If you've been neglecting your entryway for a while now or no longer like the way you decorated it a year ago, check out these 6 ways to give your entryway a much-needed refresh!
1. Pick a theme
The first step to creating a striking entryway that'll sweep your guests off their feet is to choose a theme that reflects your personal taste and design aesthetic. Your entryway will basically set the tone for the rest of your home, so why not make it a good one?
Sticking to a theme will not only tie the whole space together but will also facilitate the decorating process since you'll already have an idea of which elements to get and which ones to avoid. So, whether you fancy a minimalist and modern entryway or prefer something a bit more funky and colorful, there are loads of themes to choose from. And, the best part is that you don't need to limit yourself to one decorating style! You might as well treat your entryway as a blank canvas!
Modern Farmhouse Foyer Design
2. Elevate your entryway with the right color palette
Before you go ahead and add paint buckets to your shopping list, make sure you've chosen the right color scheme. Just because you adore a certain shade doesn't mean that it's a good choice for your entryway. For instance, if your entryway is small and doesn't receive much light, painting your walls in a dark color wouldn't be the best decision. In this case, you're better off with a neutral, cream, or soft pastel shade that'll brighten up the space. Want to add dimension and character to your welcoming area? Go for a vibrant shade, such as teal, or even a patterned wallpaper that matches your theme!
If you're lucky enough to have a spacious foyer, this is the perfect opportunity to make a lasting impression on your guests with a bold paint color like grey, cherry red, and forest green. In addition to creating a dramatic entrance, dark walls can make an entryway feel finished even with very little furniture.
3. Incorporate design elements that are both functional and stylish
Since entryways usually serve as a landing place for random stuff, they can be quite hard to keep organized and clutter-free unless you set a place for everything. Let's face it, mail clutter isn't attractive at all, especially when it's the first thing you see upon entering your home. To avoid this nuisance, set up a mail sorter, such as a chic basket or tray, to hold all your papers until you finally have the time to go through them. Moreover, decorative hooks are a must-have if you're tired of stumbling over heaps of coats and bags every time you come home. These small but functional pieces will keep outerwear, hats, and even umbrellas off the floor while doubling up as wall decor.
Looking for more additions to further maximize your mudroom? Consider creating a shoe station by the door to prevent grubby shoes from walking on your pristine floors! A shoe bin or tray will definitely prove to be useful during snowy, rainy, and muddy days.
4. Add a statement piece
Entryways are never complete without a stunning focal point that instantly catches everyone's eye. It could be artwork, a lighting fixture, a home decor, or a piece of furniture, to name a few. Remember, it's all about arranging your entryway practically and with style so don't be afraid to go out the norm!
A chaise lounge isn't something you'd commonly see in most people's entryways which is more of a reason why it's worth giving a try. This comfy seating can actually set a welcoming ambiance in your foyer and creates a cozy place for putting on shoes and sorting through mails and bills.
Want a statement piece that also acts as an excellent storage area? Opt for a sophisticated chest or a console table with drawersfor stashing off-season clothing, blankets, and other miscellaneous items that don't seem to belong anywhere. Lastly, don't forget to hang a piece of art, picture frames, or a mirror above the furniture piece for added visual interest!
5. Get rid of entryway shoe cutter once and for all
Of course, storing a couple of shoes in shoe bins isn't going to work if you live in a small home and don't have any type of shoe organizer at all. Also, keeping your footwear lined up on the floor shouldn't be an option if you want to impress everyone that walks in your home. In this case, a stylish narrow shoe rack will be your best bet, especially if your entryway is too small for furniture.
Narrow shoe cabinets come in all sorts of designs, styles, and sizes, but what they all have in common is their amazing ability to neatly store shoes while saving space! Plus, your shoes will be completely out of sight so your guests won't even know!
6. Sprinkle some personality into your space
Finishing touches are key to bringing your entryway to life. Now that the walls are painted, the furniture pieces are in place, and you've figured out an organizational system that works for you, it's time to give your guests a glimpse of your personality with thoughtfully curated accessories. Go ahead and display your travel memorabilia on the wall or decorate your console table with an eye-catching arrangement of your favorite flowers. Other finishing touches include a floor or table lamp for an inviting atmosphere, an area rug for texture and warmth, and souvenirs that make you smile.
Caroline is a young, New York-based interior designer and home decor writer, obsessed with textiles and designer furniture. Backed with rigorous training from a prestigious design school, as well as a profound understanding of material quality and fabric care, she offers spot-on advice on how to furnish your place with reliable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing pieces.
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