How To Create An Entryway

Last week I was visiting my sister in Michigan.  As you read this I am flying home to Florida today August 17th.  I enjoyed my visit and my hugs from family.  Last Friday my sister had lunch with an old friend that I chose not to attend.  I spent the afternoon looking at beautiful spaces online.  Today I’m sharing fabulous designs I discovered on my wanders. I hope you enjoy  it. 

A home’s entry can be tricky to design. Many of us actually do not have an entry space at all.  From apartments to houses, many homes like mine have a front door that opens straight into the living room. Some homes might open into a small space or hallway that leads directly into a staircase. Or in other instances, the entryway has little to no room. Let’s look at ways to create the feeling of an entry.

I. Create a landing spot

If you have little or no room at the entry, create a landing spot at the door with a rug and tile flooring where the door swings.  It will help keep your living area clean and will visually suggest an entry.

If you have room for a table or bench, add that. A mirror or art on the wall can help develop the feeling of an actual space.

An umbrella urn or stand to the side of the door helps develop the feeling of a landing. You can find them in wood, metal, or pottery.

II. Make a mud room at the front door

If your front door opens into a more open concept room, you can define an entryway and you get to decide on its size.  The easiest way to create a visually distinct entryway in an open floor plan is to position a few furniture pieces with an area rug and a mirror, wall art, or hooks.  I really like the modern hall trees with storage.  They create a mudroom at the front door with the addition of a rug and pillows.

If a hall tree is not in your budget and you have no space, you can make your own.

If there’s no room for furniture, use a runner, baskets, and hooks to create that feel.

How about a shelf to help create your storage?

III. Create an entry with furniture

A. Place the sofa with the back lined up with the entry door.  The back of the sofa effectively produces the feeling of an entry hall.

B. Add a table with baskets or seating.

C.   A tall bookcase is another great option.

IV.  Build a half wall

Building a half wall can be more expensive than adding furniture unless you have a carpenter in the family . This Old House gives complete instructions on how to build a half wall with column for those who want a challenge.  I just love the look and trim.

V. Add a bookcase to the half wall

Thrifty Decor Chick gives directions on how she built her half wall with shelves.

VI. Add a room divider or partition

Room dividers are available in many styles and materials.

Photo Paper Blog  

The wonderful thing about many partitions is that they are not solid.  If you are trying to create a feeling of more space,  a partition of glass, pexi-glass, or one with a cut-out design provides visual sense of light and space.

For those of us with no entryway, my goal was to provide ideas and inspiration for possible changes to create a perfect small space to greet your guests. Here’s wishing you a beautiful day and a happy home.

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