Welcome Home: Creating an Inviting Entryway

The front entry is your guests introduction to the interior of your home, it should invite people in and blend harmoniously with the exterior of the home. Design and layout are dependent on the space available - small or large do not underestimate the impact a beautiful front entry can have. The entryway or foyer area foreshadows your home’s style and should not be an afterthought, rather a carefully thought out space that says “welcome in”.

Furnishing the Space

When selecting furnishings for the space, it is of the utmost importance to consider scale. If you have a narrow hall-style entry, a thin console or bench will be more appropriate than a grand entry table. Furniture should not block the flow of traffic through the space, it should invite your guests to continue into your home.

Consider Practicality

For many, the front entry is not only for guests but also the main point of entrance to the house. Contemplate how you use the space. If you have a mudroom for shoes, coats, and other family “things”, your entry can be fairly simple with a small place for guests to leave shoes or coats. On the other hand, if this is your family’s primary entrance consider a place for things to land (ie. mail and keys), under bench storage for a couple pairs of shoes, and a decorative bin/box to keep other items such as pet paraphernalia.

Adding Your Style

Now that your space is functional, it’s time to make it YOU! Consider adding a rug inside the front door or a runner down the front hall to “cozy” the space up. This is an opportunity to add texture and make the space feel complete. If you love a pop of colour, a piece of art is the perfect opportunity to add that “wow”. Alternatively, hanging a mirror for that quick “check yourself out” moment before you head out the door serves as an understated way to occupy that empty wall space. *TIP: mirrors work incredibly well for a small entry to reflect light, creating the illusion of space.* Lastly, beautify that front console or entry table with a lamp and decorative vases - these are a great opportunity to change out seasonally with foliage, flowers, branches, or berries! In the process of selecting your vases, play with varying height and shapes; try pairing a tall vase with a low bowl and candle or tall and skinny with a spherical shape. Have fun with it!