Learn How to Create a Welcoming Entryway
A home's entryway sets the tone for the rest of the property.
A home's entryway sets the tone for the rest of the property. So making it visually appealing and cozy is essential. Clutter puts people off, while an elegant space invites them to come and stay.
Interior designers and feng shui experts use a medley of techniques to transform entryways, and this article will highlight some of the best. Not only can they add to the visual appeal of a home, but they also enhance functionality.
Declutter first
The first step is to remove unwanted items. Entryways often become a gathering place for old shoes, little-worn coats, toys, etc. Personal items don't belong there because the entryway is the home's most public space.
Removing clutter provides easier access and creates new features, such as art displays, flowers, and plants that add elegance.
Paint the front door and entryway walls
Feng shui experts advise painting the front door red as the color symbolizes vibrancy and abundance in Chinese culture. But any intense color works well to set the tone. For entryway walls, interior designers urge picking a color that creates warmth. Many modern homes feature trendy colors like greige (a combination of gray and beige), off-white, intense blue, turquoise, or deep gray.
A cozy rug
A faux-sheepskin or wool rug turns a cold entryway into a welcoming space. Play with colors and fabrics to create contrast and accentuate warmth.
Maximize the light
The brighter an entrance hall, the more inviting it feels. Many entranceways don't have a window, so choosing a prominent stunning lighting fixture is all the more essential.
Choose a lighting fixture to suit the home's interior design, be that a chandelier or a minimalist bulb.
Restore wooden stairways and fixtures
Stairways can play a significant role in an entryway's appeal. But wooden staircases can show signs of wear over time, so restoring them every few years is crucial. Restoration can include sanding and revarnishing, painting, and repairing or replacing broken boards.
Other wooden fixtures, including baseboards and door frames, may also need refurbishing.
Add plants, floral arrangements, and artwork
Plants, flowers, sculptures, and paintings upscale the entryway's elegance, adding a personal touch through color and style.
Provide functionalities to visitors
On a practical level, a home's entrance hall must have all the fixtures necessary for guests to feel welcome, including a mirror, hangers, and space to leave small items such as umbrellas. These features must blend with the overall design while remaining accessible and functional for visitors without cluttering the space.
Add novelty
The most attractive entryways feature unexpected items or become a space with a purpose. Add a bookshelf or fish tank to this area, or consider using the entryway as a cozy reception area.
Create the entryway of your dreams
Interior designers can provide lots of ideas for creating welcoming entryways. And to maximize the flow of light and energy into a home to its fullest, consult a feng shui expert.
The Wood Doctor is the leader in wood restoration, refinishing and refacing in the Portland area. Call 503-560-5220 for a project consultation.