Making a Statement

Entryways set the tone for your visitors

Your entryway is the space that welcomes guests into your home, which is why it’s important to make it as impactful and practical as possible. The entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home, so always look for ways to create a chic and inviting space that makes a great first impression.

To help ensure that your entryway is the stylish yet streamlined space it deserves to be, we asked some of our favorite interior designers what specific entry design elements to keep an eye out for. From functional furnishings to statement décor accents, here are 12 things designers always notice in an entryway, and how to create a similar look in your own home.

SEATING

Whether it’s a sleek bench or a plush settee, interior designers agree that a comfortable place to sit or take your shoes off is essential in an entryway.

ACCENT TABLE

A chic accent table that provides a place for tossing keys is a design-savvy addition to an entryway.

Make sure the table is wide enough for a catchall, candle, and vase, but always ensure that the table doesn’t interfere with your door swing. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least two inches from the tip of the table to the doorway itself, that way you have ease of flow when entering, removing a jacket and tossing your keys in a handy catchall.

ORGANIZATION

All of the little things that get dropped in an entryway can quickly pile up, which is why it’s crucial to keep the space organized.

Before you design your entry, take your everyday needs into consideration. Then, get creative incorporating solutions that also work nicely within your aesthetic, such as built-in cubbies for storage or a petite chair where your kids can put on their shoes. This will ensure everyone in your family gets in and out of the door more smoothly.

WALLPAPER

If you thought you couldn’t make a statement in a small entryway space, interior designers say you’re mistaken.

MIRRORS

A well-placed mirror can work wonders in a cramped entryway, especially one that lacks natural light.

A mirror can make a space feel larger while adding light and reflectivity that increases the lumens of the existing ceiling or wall fixtures, plus, everyone likes to check their appearance on the way into a home or have a last-minute check on the way out.

BASKETS

If you don’t have a storage basket or two handy in your entryway already, it’s time to add some.

Inevitably, you’ll have guests or friends come in and take their shoes off, which creates a pile of shoes for people to trip over as they enter your home making baskets the perfect entryway accessory to stash shoes in.

LIGHTS

A beautiful light fixture can brighten up a dim entryway while providing plenty of ambient lighting.

Making a statement in an entry, sets the tone for the rest of the home’s interior. For example, a killer chandelier or gorgeous pendant light can create a ‘wow’ moment when you walk in that gives guests an idea of how the rest of the house lives.

ART

To leave a lasting impression on guests in your entryway, hang up an interesting piece of art. This is your chance to show off your style, so dress the walls up as you would any other area of your home.

The beautiful thing about the area we live in, Knoxville has an amazing abundance of local artist you buy from directly or from the many galleries. We like going to Little River Art and Art Market Gallery just to name a few, but there are so many more to explore.

SYMMETRY

Whether it’s with strategically placed accent tables or a pair of coordinating pendant lamps, if you aren’t creating visual symmetry in your entryway, you should try a different approach.

Symmetry helps one feel order and balance immediately upon entry which will undoubtedly stick with them as they tour the rest of the space.

PLANTS

A little greenery can go a long way in an entryway. Try incorporating a houseplant or two into your decor scheme.

Plants have such a way of providing personality and contributing to the hospitality of a space, and they have the ability to say a lot about whoever is living there. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or finicky, but adding any sort of live greenery in a conservative, neutral planter or vessel is rarely a misstep.

CLOSED CABINETS

A clean-lined cabinet supplies more than just surface space for stashing out-the-door items and it can upgrade an entire entryway.

Not only does it provide a convenient surface to place keys, mail, and catchall trays, it allows you to store your shoes in a tidy and organized way that’s out of plain sight if you aren’t a fan of baskets.

STATEMENT ACCENTS

When it comes to outfitting a small entryway, the more eye-catching décor items, the better.

Drama in an entry is always an exciting way to welcome your guests. If you’re working with limited square footage, we suggest adding oversized lighting, large-scale art, and a narrow console table to compensate.

WINNING ENTRYWAY

We want to see what your entryway looks like- post a pic and tag us on instagram or Facebook. We will be giving away local artist original paintings at the end of May to several of our favorites!

Are you a local interior decorator? We want to hear from you. Hushh is looking for contributing writers for home design. Email info@hushh.club to learn more