Is there anything more inspiring to your inner designer than falling in love with a space the minute you walk in the door?

Just a few square feet from the front door resides your home’s entryway. Underestimated by its ability to make an inviting introduction, while setting the tone and style for the rest of your home. Very often, entryways do not receive the same planning and design attention as other spaces in the home do. But are more so, underutilized as just a space to stash the everyday items or hang the outer layers.

No matter how grand or small, an entryway deserves to be carefully planned and curated to make a welcoming space for both you and your guests. But, creating an entryway that is both functional and beautiful can be a tricky balance. An entry space should be warm and inviting, but also needs to be practical for the everyday. To help create the perfect entry space in your own home, here are some tips for designing a welcoming space:

PREPARE FOR LANDING

When starting your entryway design planning, think of all the items you and your family walk through the door with. Keys, phone, mail, shoes, coat, purses and backpacks, etc. Providing storage and organization solutions where you can set those items down is essential to keeping your entryway both practical and beautiful.

Hooks and hangers available to hang coats, jackets, dog leashes, purses.
Console or entryway tables can be used anchor the space, as well as for storage or a place to set things down.
A place to sit to comfortable remove shoes, you and that guest with the muddy shoes will thank you.
A rug to add warmth and brighten the space. Rugs and runners can also be used as visual pathways that draws guests to connecting rooms.
Personalize the space with art, mirrors, photos, or objects that are meaningful to you and your family.

DESIGN TIP 1

Put those spare dining room chairs to use! Frame your entryway console table with one or two spare dining room chairs. This helps connect the entryway to the rest of the house, contributing to the overall flow of your home’s design.

DESIGN TIP 2

Benches can double seating, and as a place for storage! Here are some of my favorite “two in one” entryway bench solutions! Click to Shop the Looks below!