Front Entryway Decorating Ideas and Solutions

how to decorate your front entryway to welcome and Wow

You know the old saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression?” Well it’s true. And, for better or worse, your home’s entryway is your first impression. Think of your entryway as your leading lady. If she doesn’t perform, the whole play will flop. She needs to woo, entice, seduce, but also be true to her character and make her audience fall in love. Sound like a lot? It is, but don’t worry. Jodie and I are here to help you cast your perfect leading lady. We are excited to share our best entryway decorating ideas with you. So, sit back, relax and get ready to make your entryway the favorite room in your house.

My Best Entryway Decorating Advice to Wow and Welcome

Firstly, begin by defining your style. You must choose everything with this style in mind. Then you must decide your priorities for function, which will depend on you, your family and your lifestyle.

1. Why is having an effective entryway important?

Julie: Not only does it need to look good, but it needs to function. The space needs to handle a lot without looking cluttered, so form and function must work hand in hand capitalizing on every opportunity for storage.

2. What purpose should an entryway serve? Is it to stun, to store items, both?

Julie: Both. You need your entry to wow and work for you in all the ways that an entryway must function.

1. Welcome all who enter.

2. Provide at least temporary storage and preferably some on-going storage.

3. Make a style statement that speaks to who you are.

What you ask of your entryway will of course depend on your lifestyle. Do you have kids? Is it the only entrance? Do you entertain? How formal or casual is your lifestyle? No matter who you are or how you answer these questions don’t forget style. This is your first impression, so it is important that what you say here is what you want to say. It’s hard to forget a first impression. Even if you rarely have guests, don’t underestimate the power of the mood you set for yourself and your family as you step into your home.

3. What are the key components to entryway decorating?

Julie: Of course, this depends on the amount of space and your layout. You need to decide your priorities and work from there. Does the entry have a closet or close access to one? If not, you’ll need to solve the issue of coats and shoes with creative, stylish and inventive solutions that function. The very last thing you want to see upon entering any space is clutter.

In some cultures, shoes never enter a home. I would like that to be my culture, but since it’s not I make sure that it’s very clear to my guests and my family where they can put their shoes. (Am I letting my OCD show?) So, a shoe basket or shoe rack (preferably in a closet) is my recommendation. Not only does this create an organized entryway but it will keep the rest of your house a bit cleaner. Let’s face it, we need all the help we can get. Am I right?

Key Components to a Gorgeous Entryway:

1. Good lighting
2. Ample storage
3. A place to sit
4. Your personality/style

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4. How important is lighting in an entryway?

Julie: Very important. Lighting is a great way to set a mood and the fixture you choose is an important, powerful style statement. I’m a big fan of dimmable lighting everywhere so you can adjust the light to fit your mood. In your entryway the items that you choose need to have design impact. The light you choose is my favorite way to make a statement.

5. Do you have one component that isn’t essential to entryway decorating but a personal design favorite?

Julie: I always love a mirror because it reflects light. A mirror serves up a heavy dish of both style and function. It adds light, enlarges a space and who doesn’t like to check how they look before they walk out the door? With all the amazing mirror choices out there don’t settle. Make sure the mirror reflects (no pun intended) your style.

black console with greenery entryway decorating

6. What are some tips one should keep in mind when decorating a small entryway versus a large one?

Julie: My greatest fear when decorating a small space is that it feels even smaller once you’re done. Keep in mind scale as you choose your pieces, as well as your priorities. You’ll want to streamline the decor and do all you can to hide clutter. Your choices need to be multi-functional.

I love a place to sit (think of those tough to get on boots). I love to decorate with a bench or chair, whichever fits your space and style. This piece invites and welcomes, expresses your style and performs an important function. The space under the bench or chair can provide storage for shoes, hats or whatever you need. If you don’t have a closet find a cool coat rack or install stylish hooks. Make sure the style matches the mood you want to set. For more front entryway storage hacks, check out this organization blog post.

Note: Never let too much pile up here, only the absolute essentials.

Keys to Smaller Entryway Decorating:

Limit the amount of furniture.
Keep in mind scale and don’t select pieces that dwarf your space. In fact, you want to do the opposite.
Choose furniture and pieces that serve multiple purposes.
Less is more. Be careful of too many decor details in a small space.

7. Any final entryway decorating tips?

Julie: It’s so important to let your personality greet people. Choose items very carefully and let them tell your story. If it feels too sterile or too staged the room will fail, no matter how well planned. Choose pieces that have meaning and clearly convey who you are.

Overwhelmed? Don’t Be. You’ve Got This!

A Final Pep Talk for Your Entryway Decorating

Your entry is the first thing people see when they are invited in. And it’s the last thing they’ll remember after they leave. It has to look good as well as perform. But don’t worry about getting it “perfect” the first time. Choose your furniture carefully, and if you don’t get it right don’t be afraid to swap out pieces from different parts of your house and keep “playing” until it feels right. Live in the space and really give it some thought.

I tell clients to pay attention each day as they walk in and to use that reaction to help them decide what’s working for them and what’s not. I always tell people that decorating is a process. Very few people get it exactly right without trial and error. Bring in elements you love, avoid clutter and you’re sure to have a space that, over time, will be one you love to come home to.

Happy Decorating!

jodie & julie

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Front Entryway Decorating Ideas and Solutions

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Entryway Decorating made easy and affordable! Follow these key tips to create a welcoming, stylish space no matter your budget, style, or size!

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The Design Twins

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