How to create a welcoming entryway for the best first impression
An entryway of the house is the first space you enter inside the front door. It is the area that leads to the nearest room of the home. An entryway sets the tone for a beautiful home. Whether the amount of space is small or large, a stunning entryway has become a must-have in luxury apartments. From aesthetically pleasing to functional, top interior designers are finding multiple ways to create a welcoming entryway for the best first impression.
Designing an entryway or entrance hallway is all about knowing the priorities for the space and then finding a balance between furniture, storage units, artwork, memorabilia, colour, and lighting. The entryway serves to greet guests, hang keys and coats, store footwear, and showcase the homeowners’ lifestyle. Here are some entryway ideas for apartments to maximize your design.
- Prioritize organization and accessibility
As the entryway is the first space when you enter a home and the last space when you leave your home, it is necessary to organize it for the must-haves. Think of placing a seat to comfortably wear or remove your shoes, a console to put your bag down, a bowl to place your keys, or a basket to hold wet umbrellas. - Use a combination of lights
Good lighting around the entrance door is required while walking into the apartment. It serves as a pathway or navigation guide and ensures safety. Entryway lights should be energy-efficient, bright, and decorative. Use a combination of walls, ceiling, and spotlights to create a visually appealing entryway. - Create a waiting nook
If you regularly have guests, place a bench or chair at the entryway or entrance hallway. Seating in the entryway can serve as a waiting area or a place to sit and remove shoes. To create a seating area, think of an upholstered bench, an ottoman, a seating ledge, or even an armchair. The seating has to be functional and increase the visual appeal of the entryway without being too elaborate. - Build an entryway closet
Designing an entryway is incomplete without entryway closet ideas. Today, with a space crunch in most apartments, interior designers are using the entryway space to build multipurpose closets with drawers, rails, and hanging space. In an entryway, the custom-built cabinetry can go as high as the ceiling to maximize space utility. Ensure the closet cabinet is durable and easy to maintain. - Use the right colour
A clever paint colour can make a small entryway look more spacious, appear more cheerful, and create a welcoming aesthetic. Since the entryway is a transition to the apartment, it has to tie up and complement the living room colour palette. Some paint colours used in an entryway are white, ecru, warm neutrals, warm tones of orange, nature’s green, and grey. Whatever colour you choose, the perfect entryway has to make a dramatic opening statement. - Add a gallery wall
A gallery wall with a creative focal point adds style to the space. You can combine photos, paintings, mirrors, antique art, clocks, collectibles, good luck charms, and more. First, think of a cohesive theme and then mix it with items of different shapes and sizes. A good gallery wall often tells a story of the people living in the apartment. Take inspiration from Insta for modern entryway ideas to create a beautiful and unique gallery wall. - Decorate with plants
Placing live plants in the entryway gives the home freshness and a peaceful feel. According to feng-shui, plants like bamboo and areca palm also bring good luck to those residing in the apartment. While decorating the entryway with plants, choose plants that are easy to grow indoors, serve as air purifiers, thrive in less sunshine and look striking. - Add a visual interest on the floor
Whether using a geometric graphic floor tile or an area rug, define the entryway boldly. Go bold with the flooring if the walls and furniture are subtle and vice versa. Since the entryway is a high-traffic area, it is also necessary to ensure the flooring is strong, can withstand scratches and moisture, and is easy to clean and maintain. Marble, vinyl and stone tiles are best for entryways. - Add dimension with mixed styles
Think Moroccan or boho-chic, temple architecture or period paintings, wall panelling or patterned wallpaper. Use architectural elements and mix styles to create your unique entryway. Go unconventional but be sure to work from the colour of the entrance door to the style of the first room to create a welcoming entryway for the best first impression. - Don’t overcrowd the place
The last but not least important rule to make an entryway look expensive and classy is to keep it simple. Don’t overcrowd the space. There is no need for a closet if the entryway is narrow. A simple statement piece over an open shelf and chair can add value to the entryway. Keep the space clutter free and add a large mirror to enlarge the space visually.
There are several modern entryway ideas to choose from. Top interior designers are now proposing personalized entryway ideas for apartments. Creating an entryway is not just for the best first impression but also to leave a lasting impression!