Want to turn your foyer into a space that both looks good and is practical? Do you want your home to introduce itself with warmth, grace and everything in its right place? In this article, I’ll guide you through selecting decor for your entryway that is practical as well as beautiful. From entryway benches with storage to statement chandeliers, these ideas will help elevate your home’s entry space while adding value, charm, and a touch of luxury.
No matter the size of your entrance, I’ll teach you how to choose accessories, furniture and lighting that fit the space. We’ll look at ways to welcome visitors — and yourself — using style.
Sleek Entryway Benches With Built-In Storage
When arranging your entryway, one of the best and most attractive things I’ve done is put in a bench with built-in drawers or shelves. It both provides a seat and storage for footwear, bags and seasonal items which is important in busy homes. The right modern bench with neat lines and handy spaces can change your foyer, regardless of if it’s a tight squeeze or larger.
Most of the time, I go for low-profile benches with seating covered in a neutral color like gray, tan or ivory for a modern entrance. You can use the open space under the seat for hanging baskets or containers and use the drawers as a minimal option. I often keep the bench even by adding wall-mounted hooks for coats or some art in frames above it. The combination produces a neat display that feels inviting.
Over the years I have noticed that city dwellers and people living in small homes often love this versatile type of furniture. A couple I worked with in Chicago designed their small condo door area to look like a Pinterest pin using a custom walnut bench with storage supplies inside it. Built-in bench storage is highly recommended by designers at Even Better Homes & Gardens for small spaces.
If you’d like to improve it further, a round rug or a slim wall shelf installed above the bench can offer some extra surface.
Sculptural Console Tables For A Designer Statement
A sculptural console table changes an ordinary entry into a stylish part of your home. Console tables are great for adding decorative purpose and organization to empty hallways inside your house. The unique design of these items catches the eye and brings guests into a thoughtfully arranged space.
Try to pick tables constructed from blackened metal, marble or nicely curved wood. For myself, I find that asymmetric or pedestal bases create tables that look like pieces of art. Their size isn’t important, only their shape makes a difference. A mirror or a single modern vase with tall branches on top completes the look.
To me, it is a great strategy in small or simple homes, where every object counts for the decor. A client included a brass wave-form table in their neutral entry and it quickly turned every get-together into a discussion topic. Architectural Digest routinely suggests using sculptural consoles in various types of homes.
To improve this idea, I’d suggest incorporating under-table LED strip lighting or placing a stylish stool beneath the console to create a functional layering effect.
Minimalist Entryway Mirrors With Artistic Flair
A mirror is essential for every entry and (my tip) brilliant artwork-inspired mirrors brighten the space and improve the style in an entryway. They’re functional, naturally, but when styled right, they become the centerpiece of the entire foyer design. A good mirror will brighten dark areas and give the impression of more room.
For me, mirrors in weird shapes, with no frame, with rounded edges or an irregular shape, introduce interesting artsy touches but don’t make the room feel full. Both a matt black metal trim and a gilded edge look wonderful in modern hallways. Usually, I display these above a console table or use them with floating shelves. Having symmetry is easy to achieve with a round mirror.
I believe many homeowners admire mirrors that act as both mirrors and decorative art. I installed a teardrop-shaped mirror in a client’s narrow New York apartment entry, and the effect was both playful and chic. According to Real Simple, entry mirrors are one of the main designer tips for making a cramped foyer appear interesting.
Finally, adding a small metal hook or tray near the place will keep your essential things neat and within reach.
Wall-Mounted Lighting Fixtures That Dazzle
Many times I highlight why wall-mounted lights are necessary in the entryway area, as they give light as well as add to the style of your home. Scones or lights you can aim can lead your eyes, highlight artworks and illuminate interesting features of your entryway space. When put correctly, they brighten even dark hallways.
I love having brushed gold sconces with movable arms, as well as matte black fixtures that hold globe bulbs. If the room is designed for drama, I pick lighting with smoked glass shades, while clear glass shades emphasize crispness. The lamps are typically displayed beside a mirror or console on each side or placed as a pair along a hallway.
What stands out to me is that many clients aren’t aware of the true value of lighting until they have it in their homes. Including wall sconces along an otherwise boring hallway for a client lifted the mood of the area entirely. Elle Decor highlights entryway sconces as an inexpensive way to add a lot of style to your home.
To make this area better, it should have dimmable lights to set the atmosphere or motion-sensor options for turning them on without touching.
Modern Entryway Rugs In Geometric Patterns
Buying a modern rug with geometric designs for your entryway helps preserve your floors and adds style, character and style you might not expect. I usually advise clients to think of rugs as a way to color or pattern their foyer, making sure not to overdo it.
To avoid high piles and unnecessary texture, I like to opt for rugs with bold shapes such as hexagons or chevrons, in colors that are not flashy. If you want durability, polypropylene or mixes made for both indoors and out are a great option. Carpets should be big enough to lie comfortably under benches or consoles and reach out enough to catch footprints.
Personally, I’ve found that geometric rugs are great in small entryways where you want something stylish but should avoid too much clutter. A strong, patterned rug placed beneath the bench gave what was a quiet area a designer look. HGTV designers usually suggest patterned rugs as a method of adding unique style to your rental space.
One other thing you could do is place another larger mat such as one made of sisal or jute, beneath the rug.
Floating Shelves With Curated Modern Decor
If the entrance to your house is small, floating shelves are great for giving you space, as well as adding decoration, without taking up the floor. Sometimes I put artwork on these shelves and sometimes I store basics on them, while also highlighting pieces that express what the homeowner enjoys. They are perfect for minimalists when not crowded with accessories.
I recommend placing some restless wooden or lacquered shelves in neutral shades in your child’s room. Stacked books, framed tiny pictures, bowls for keys and a sculptural vase are some of the items I use on these. Entryway shelves made of oak, black walnut or white lacquer match the look of a modern entryway space.
I often hear from clients that the shelves seem to be built right into the walls even if they’re not. A couple in Austin installed white oak shelves in their narrow hall and made it a favorite spot to add seasonal decor. Domino Magazine highlights that using floating shelves can help you quickly make a statement on your wall.
To finish off nicely, you could attach a narrow picture light to the wall above your top shelf to emphasize your display like a gallery.
Contemporary Art Installations In The Foyer
Art adds personality to any area and putting a contemporary art installation in the entryway shows visitors that they are special. These pieces, if dramatic or sculptural, send your style message to anyone who enters your home straight away. I use the foyer like a small hallway gallery to preview the rest of the home.
For most clients, I would suggest large print art, metal pieces or one or more panels in colors that go well with what they already have. An interesting pattern on a textile or a 3D shape in ceramic, can make any plain wall stand out. It matters how you put the painting: make sure the art is aligned with your eye level near a console or next to your main entrance.
I particularly liked when I helped a friend put in a giant line-art mural outside her entry in Los Angeles. The room began to appear both modern and different right away. Even designers at Apartment Therapy encourage using entry spaces to showcase art, calling it “the hallway’s best-kept secret.”
Should there be extra space in the area, a slim lamp sitting on the floor or an artful pedestal placed below might make the room look more interesting.
Layered Lighting Ideas For A Luxurious Welcome
I have found that layering the lighting in an entryway can make a real difference, but many people don’t think about it in their decor. Most people use just one ceiling light, yet putting in a mix of ambient, task and accent lights can boost both the look and the value of your room. The approach guarantees that the foyer is cozy, bright and attractive during any season or time.
In my opinion, you should place a statement pendant or chandelier in the middle of the space for general lighting. Supplement this with sconces on the walls, lamps on cabinets or consoles or floor lights near the baseboards. Matte-black and brushed-brass finishes work nicely together, making spaces look more interesting and dimmable lighting lets you choose the perfect mood. At times, I use LED strips linked behind floating shelves or mirrors to make the area more dimensional.
Clients usually tell me later that seeing the space brightened by a layered lighting plan makes them appreciate it more. In my own New Jersey place, I coupled a small alabaster lamp atop our console table with some angled ceiling lamps which gave our entryway a boutique hotel ambiance. Layered lighting is often mentioned by House Beautiful as essential for making a home entrance look elegant.
Making things more efficient, you might want to get automatic lighting that can change the mood of your living room or act on voice commands — a handy way to upgrade.
Glass And Metal Entry Doors With Designer Appeal
Before anyone enters the house, the door makes a first impression and I prefer glass and metal doors because they both look great and provide ample security. Windows add extra light, show a perspective outside and give the space a fine touch from architecture. Whether you have a full-length door or one paneled, it draws a lot of attention.
Black steel door frames with either frosted or ribbed glass provide privacy and brightness inside and in general, I use brushed nickel or bronze for the hardware. To balance these doors, I often set them against a background of wood or stone. Larger areas can really benefit from double doors or pivot designs which can make the front door opening truly majestic.
In this remodel, we upgraded a wood front door with a frosted-glass metal version and it totally changed the appearance while increasing the light in. Dwell reports that steel-framed glass doors now belong to the most popular architectural trends used in modern remodeling.
What’s not included in the reaction here? A window above the door such as a matching sidelight or transom, provides extra light and completes the style.
Monochrome Entryways With Elevated Texture
Color often helps make a space cheerful, but I think an entry done in just black and white can also stand out. Having a room decorated in a single color doesn’t have to be bland if you vary the surfaces you use. It appears stylish, rather elegant and carefully organized.
I use different textures in finishes such as choosing a smooth marble floor with a rough concrete planter, a matte black console with a glossy ceramic vase or a boucle bench cushion next to some wood paneling. Without bright color, the eye can concentrate on the design and materials of the art. Sometimes, I add character to a space with interesting patterns from sculptural lighting or interlayers of textures.
My favorite project was a black-and-white entry featuring textured wallpaper, a rough concrete bench and woven floor runners — that area had a studio-like look. According to Architectural Digest, heavy texture is now taking the place of color in many modern interiors designed to create a calm but striking atmosphere.
If I had to expand this section, I’d recommend adding a textured ceiling finish or 3D wall panel behind the entry bench to reinforce the tonal layering.
Statement Chandeliers For Sophisticated Entrances
There’s no reason for a statement chandelier to be stuck in the dining room — living spaces, entryways and even tall or double-height spaces work too! Choice of chandelier can soon set the mood and give others an insight into your style. This is the showpiece of the entrance area.
When creating my looks, I often choose a globe chandelier, a series of tiered glass lights or a metal chandelier with the bulbs on display. It’s important that your fixtures are the correct size for the area. I enjoy using plain wall decorations and keeping the focus on a decorated chandelier. Tiny chandeliers can make a huge difference in how your space feels if you have little room to work with.
I worked with a pair of San Francisco clients who chose a mid-century chandelier for their small entry way. Electricity quickly became the topic everyone discussed most in their home. According to Better Homes & Gardens, interiors can be enhanced by using lighting the way you would art, focused on transitional areas such as hallways and foyers.
Add either a ceiling medallion or recessed cove lighting behind the fixture to make it stand out more without making the space look crowded.
Decorative Wall Panels With 3D Accents
People who want something more than paint or wallpaper should try 3D-accented decorative wall panels. You can add wallpaper to your entryway to make it the standout area and add both elegance and depth to the wall. Whether you’re aiming for modern minimalism or artistic expression, 3D panels are surprisingly versatile.
Some of the most compelling designs I’ve used include fluted wood slats, geometric plaster tiles, and sculptural foam panels in wave or prism patterns. Panels made of these materials disassemble to fit. You can then paint them to tie in with or showcase the wall’s color. A lot of the time, I install them behind tables or benches and match them with light that illuminates the textures of the pieces.
I mounted vertical wood boards behind a floating shelf for one project and the difference the height gave it was breathtaking. One of the ways Elle Decor suggests getting architectural detail is by adding 3D panels to a room.
I’d also like to mention we could put in LED backlighting or have wall art integrated into the design to make it appear like a gallery.
Curated Greenery In Modern Planters
Adding life to an entryway doesn’t always require color or artwork — sometimes, the best choice is curated greenery in sleek, modern planters. A little bit of greenery adds warmth, softens sharp edges and makes a room feel more organized. Greenery is always part of my entry when staging or designing a space.
I’ve found that fiddle leaf figs, olive trees and snake plants in tall pottery can add height and structure to a room. Both sculptural succulents in low planters and long pothos on shelves under consoles are great choices. I also pay attention to what the planter is made from — concrete, stone or matte ceramic fit best with my modern style.
My choice was to set up a snake plant in a matte white pedestal planter with a steel console which is both easy and elegant. The people at Martha Stewart Living appreciate entry plants for making the air cleaner and for setting a comfortable mood.
You could add a small watering can or plant stand in this area to bring together a designer look and save you time watering.
Arched Mirrors And Symmetrical Decor Balance
Having symmetry in your entryway is peaceful and you can easily do this by putting arched mirrors and similar decor on each side. By using a curved arch, you can soften walls and by making things even on both sides, you ensure everything looks balanced in places like foyers.
I often use arched mirrors with wall lights or images set beside them. Adding two mirror image planters or stools by the bench gives your outdoor space more balance. Both decoration and function are provided by the mirror, plus the arch enlivens the space with a new touch without much work.
A memorable project featured an entry console topped by a large arched mirror and the mirror was surrounded by two ceramic lamps — it looked chic without trying too hard. At Domino, designers often use symmetry in entryways to give smaller spaces a professional and purposeful style.
I would then recommend placing two the same-sized basket or having some coordinating hooks near each end of the console to bring balance to the look.
Designer Accent Chairs For The Entryway Niche
I always work to design entryways so they harmonize with the interior of the home. Adding a designer accent chair to a tucked-away area can make a big difference. The bench helps with daily tasks, but it also looks lovely and adds extra style. In small foyer spaces, a lovely accent chair helps bring the area together.
You could pick chairs with unique outlines or fabrics that fit the home’s main colors. No matter if the furniture is a velvet slipper chair, a boucle armchair or a mid-century modern seat, it should draw your eye. Other times, I’ve chosen chairs that have metal or wooden legs, depending on how I want the room to look. Adding a small table and a rug finishes the room’s design.
Accent chairs are my favorite way to introduce a pop of style by choosing fun prints, colored backs or unusual colors. Elle Decor says that placing accent chairs gives any room a unique touch without completely taking over its style. At the entryway, because space can be tight, it’s especially important to keep things tidy.
To make it more interesting, I’d put up a wall-mounted light or a work of art above the chair. As a result, the niche stands out and acts as a carefully selected introduction to the site.
High-End Marble And Stone Flooring Designs
Paying attention to the floor is the first step to building a good entryway. If I’m looking to quickly improve a home’s look and its value, I always consider installing marble or stone flooring. They can improve a property’s look while also lasting over time. With veined Carrara marble and interesting stone inlays, the different textures and colors set the main style for the house.
To get a classic design, I tend to go for checkerboard configurations in black and white marble. In today’s houses, large-format limestone and polished concrete with added stone bits give a stylish, gallery effect. The flooring needs to be pretty and practical, lasting longer with lots of footsteps and being effortless to clean. Many times, I tell my clients about using radiant heat under stones in areas with a colder climate.
Marble entryways in my projects have always made an excellent impression on everyone who sees them. I remember an instance where they had amazing, shiny travertine in the entry and it simply caught everyone’s attention. Natural stone matches modern design trends and promises a long lifespan, Architectural Digest explains.
If there’s still something missing, maybe the home could use a floor medallion, some intricate borders or stylish contrasting inserts to match the interior design.
Matte Black Fixtures And Bold Contrasts
Putting matte black fixtures in the entryway gives the place a sense of stability and high quality. When I want to make a light or neutral foyer stand out, I add matte black components such as coat hooks, lights, door handles or frames for the console. These specific accents make the room more stylish, without dominating the style.
Putting up a matte black pendant light, mirror frame or floating shelf adds visual interest to the walls. I have also painted black fixtures on white doors or cabinets for a coordinated and neat finish. Flavor works best when it is just right; if you add too little, you won’t taste it and too much makes everything else less noticeable. By adding wood or velvet cushions to your living room, you can help it feel welcoming.
What I love about matte black is that it doesn’t get smudged easily and matches well with choices like oak, linen and stone. House Beautiful reveals that matte black is still a popular trend inside homes thanks to its ability to add both depth and style. It’s a classic color that fits wonderfully with modern trends.
Another idea to make the space stand out is to hang bar mirrors with light behind them, glass partitions with black metal frames or have artwork with a strong dark frame.
Built-In Niches With Backlit Art Displays
Adding built-in niches to the walls in an entry area is my favorite approach to making them attractive. Enjoy art, pottery or prized possessions displayed in these shallow spaces, lit nicely with LEDs. The lighting highlights objects and also brings subtle, comfortable light to the whole picture.
I always look at height, the proportions and their placement near the wall. I tend to use a blend of vertical and horizontal niches and use neutral colors to help the objects I put inside them stand out. Sometimes, lighting our wooden or stone back walls brings added depth. People tell me I’ve placed them perfectly in traditionally-styled or modern-designed entryways.
Based on what I’ve seen, clients enjoy how backlit niches make the space more personal. In one recent home, sculptures made from concrete were placed around the entry and lit with LED strips, so it looked exactly like a gallery. Veranda magazine believes that illuminated niches are beginning to appear more in luxury settings, combining use and display.
It’s a good idea to add a smart lighting system so you can adjust both the brightness and warmth of your space easily. As a result, the mood of the setting can transfer easily from day to night.
Minimalist Hooks And Rails For Elegant Organization
If you’re working with a smaller entryway or simply prefer a clean aesthetic, minimalist hooks and rails offer a sleek, functional solution. For modern apartments and Scandinavian homes, I find hooks are excellent for holding coats, bags and accessories in place. They keep your space uncluttered so you have open areas.
You will find high-quality systems with brushed metal hooks, as well as ones that are mounted or with shelves already included. It looks best to keep the doorknobs matching with the other handle elements. I’ve included floating rails plus wooden pegs, along with built-in mirrors above, so I can see twice as much as before. Such an organization comes in very handy in active homes.
I think this design demonstrates that useful designs can also be attractive. Real Simple has reported that homeowners everywhere, especially women, worry about keeping their entryway orderly and adding elegant hooks is a simple way to make a difference.
I could add a drawer hidden beneath the rail or a tray for shoes made in the same style so that you don’t trip but still have plenty of storage.
Color Block Walls For A Striking Entry
If you color block, you can add both colorful fun and character to your doorway. I like creating zones or putting life into a space by using color block walls. This design really stands out in entryways that are long or narrow, where ordinary paint could seem ordinary. The careful use of colors can change people’s experience of a room’s size.
The looks I like best feature yellow, grey, blue, white and pink together. I use painter’s tape to get straight lines and occasionally add some geometric or diagonal shapes. Last, I’ll select matching rugs, art or vases to go with the colors from the color palette.
If you’re up for a DIY challenge, color blocking is a wonderful choice. As Apartment Therapy points out, it’s an affordable and effective way to make a statement without committing to wallpaper or full repainting. Plus, it reflects the homeowner’s creativity.
To finish the space, I’d choose lighting that goes with the room such as colored glass pendants and a door to match for a strong impact.
Designer Scent Diffusers As Decor Accents
Our sense of smell is important for how we first notice the atmosphere in a home. I always advise choosing scent diffusers that work at the same time as decorative objects. Today’s diffusers are designed in ceramic, glass or metal materials, so they become lovely standalone objects in any room.
Electric diffusers plugged into timers or small reed diffusers can be placed on entrance consoles for my designs. Adding bergamot, sandalwood or lavender to the candles gives your space a luxurious feel. Ideally, the form of these devices should match the current style, whether it is a minimalist, traditional or high-gloss design.
I’ll never forget heading into a Manhattan loft where a leather-and-amber diffuser helped me feel right at home. According to Vogue Living, adding scent is usually what makes a space truly special and inviting.
Another thing I suggest adding here is refill subscription services, so homeowners never run out of their favorite scent.
Personalized Monograms With A Luxe Twist
A lot of the time, I tell homeowners to get monograms in their entryways to add a distinctive touch that represents who they are. This tiny element makes an ordinary wall or door into a memorable design highlight. Monograms become stylish and chic when paired with brass, etched glass or gold leaf.
Most of the time, I put a monogram above or on the entry door or center it above a console table. By resorting to serif fonts, brushed metal or backlit acrylic designs, you can create an appearance that is more designer than handmade. I also add these fabrics to custom rugs, to the backs of benches or to frames that hold them beautifully on a shelf.
Clients enjoy that it is personal but not too much. For one family, I did a brass monogram in a marble-covered floor—clean, unforgettable and all its own. Martha Stewart Living points out that adding your own touch to designs can help your home feel different from the moment someone enters.
One thing that’s frequently absent is combining electronics with soft materials. I think adding monograms to custom sofa material, bench seats or wall hangings would make the entryway stand out more.
Framed Photography Walls In Entry Spaces
Putting a photography wall in the entry is one way I love to unite art and sentiments. Black-and-white family portraits or recent architectural shots, when displayed in a gallery of frames, give a home’s entry a sense of character and elegance. The home is made special for storytelling as soon as someone steps inside.
For me, black, white or brass framed gallery-style pieces are the most appealing. Frames are placed either on a simple grid or in a unique appearance, adding organization and pattern to your work. I use non-reflective glass and install a picture light high on the wall to focus attention on the set. A console table can be a slim and useful addition at the bottom of the arrangement.
This works best in tight openings like hallways and areas just before entering the home. Domino Magazine explains that setting up a gallery wall in your entryway is a quick way to convey warmth and class.
A unifying theme such as sepia-toned travel images or black and white street photography, would turn this area from casual into a more curated section.
Modern Floating Cabinets For Concealed Storage
If a hallway doesn’t have enough space for a traditional cabinet, I typically use floating cabinets. Adding these stylish, wall-mounted units helps keep your home open by providing storage for shoes, keys and daily needs. Their smooth lines give a room both openness and a modern look.
Floating cabinets in my designs usually come in matte or high-gloss, according to the look the home maintains. With push-latch systems, you don’t need clear hardware for an elegant appearance. Most of the time, on top of the cabinet I place a large mirror or an abstract painting, surrounded by two sconces to keep everything balanced. A slim bench supports extra storage, but does not take up too much room.
In my experience, using floating cabinets helps reduce messiness, without compromising their usefulness in smaller or fashionable homes. Dwell explains that in order to achieve the clean lines found in modern design, storage is best kept hidden.
As an addition, adding motion-sensor lights beneath the cabinet or even including a charging drawer for your phone ensures you have a very advanced beginning to each day.
Artistic Vases With Sculpted Florals
When you fill beautiful vases with sculpted flowers and place them around your entryway, the space feels much more pleasant. I consider vases to be small sculptures and they also act as stands for floral designs. These combine to soften the lines found in typical entryway architecture.
I choose molded vases made of ceramic, glass or metal, giving them finishes that go with the area—matte white, textured concrete or glazed colors by hand. I use sculptural branches, dried grasses and often little white or purple orchids in my designs, among other fresh flowers. These flowers don’t need upkeep, but they make your garden beautiful all year long.
With this kind of detail, the area doesn’t feel overcrowded. Stylized flowers are trending and they are often used in neutral rooms to add warmth and lively energy, reports Architectural Digest. I agree, this simple change makes any design seem more distinctive.
A touch I’d like to add is a shelf or stand placed where the vase will stand out and have less chance of getting hit by people or furniture.
Chic Umbrella Stands As Functional Art
Despite being often taken for granted, the umbrella stand really shines in an entryway. Whether or not it is useful, I always include one piece as a way to make my room stand out. You can add surprise and character to a spot near the door or in an empty corner with a chic sculptural umbrella stand.
I prefer angular stands that are marble, metal mesh or ceramic in design. There are artistic aspects as well in brass finish rings, abstract styled handles and even terrazzo bases. Putting it beside a coat rack or a bench creates a bigger display.
It always amazes me how happy clients become when they see this “basic” feature. A homeowner was so happy with a Japanese cast-iron stand I made that it became the highlight of their foyer. According to House & Garden, everyday items like an umbrella holder are now considered real works of art and I love that idea.
Personally, I would also include a matching drip tray so that it works well and also sits neatly with the floor or stand style.
Textured Wallpaper For Architectural Interest
Quickly give your entryway a new look with textured wallpaper. I include it in my design to add interest, drama or a hint of intrigue to a feature wall. With grasscloth, linen-weave, 3D geometric prints or metallic embossing, wallpaper can easily make an ordinary hallway into a special feature.
I find that tone-on-tone papers in neutral shades are my favorite type of installation. They make the area better without making it feel stuffed. I sometimes put up ribbed wallpaper to give low ceilings the illusion of height and use polished wallpaper with a moiré design. I team it with walls cleared of dust, large reflecting mirrors and a minimalist collection of furniture.
Rich wallpaper has a special effect as light bounces around my home during the day. In the words of The Spruce, wallpaper is experiencing a big revival and people are picking out textured and layered types more than ever. The perfect spot for them is at entryways, since they look good but should be left alone most of the time.
If you want the rooms to flow together, use wall panels, moulding or the same type of texture on the next wall in the powder room.
Architectural Ceiling Design In Entry Zones
The ceiling in a hall is usually less cared for, but it could be used to add real charm. With architectural ceiling design, I both define the area and add elevation to the room, both physically and in style. Whatever design is chosen, whether coffering, tray ceilings or intricate paneling, the ceiling above gives structure to the room and brings character to the overall space.
For low tray ceilings (less than 9 ft), I apply LED strip lights into recessed lights, but taller ones get crown molding plus LED cove lighting. Transitional homes look great with wood beams and modern spaces come to life with fluted gypsum panels. Enlarged statement jewelry or rows of designer lighting make the ultimate statement for any design.
Guests still bring up the coffered ceiling with a special custom mural as one of the most impressive features of the room. The magazine Interior Design says that ceiling treatments are now helping to make rooms and spaces like foyers more interesting and recognizable.
To make this section complete, I recommend using acoustic materials to lower echo, more so if marble or tile flooring is in the entryway.
Abstract Runners To Lead The Way
I have found that the best way to lead someone around your home is by showing them what’s around them and an abstract runner can do that very well. A contemporary runner adds both visual length to the room and a special touch of character to the area. Abstract designs are a good choice for energizing a small entryway and moving your eyes further into the home. It doesn’t take much to create a big impact.
Usually, I choose runners displaying shapes or colorful art to go with my neutral floors. The combination is most appealing when the wall paint is softer in color, so the walls don’t draw too much attention. A small console table, a vase or lamp and you’ve created a useful and pretty area.
For me, it’s fascinating to see that runners can easily turn simple hallways into places known for their inspiring style. As Emily Henderson points out, rugs with unusual color or off-center patterns tend to encourage talk, precisely what I want in an entryway. The right runner can turn a basic floor into one that looks designed.
For even better effect in this seating area, add a nearby bench, making sure it’s low and likely upholstered with linen. It will offer visitors a place to stop and check out some eye-catching entryway pieces.
Neutral Color Palettes With High-End Details
Clients often wonder how to avoid feeling overloaded by their home’s appearance, so I always propose a natural color scheme complemented by top-quality details. To welcome guests in a calm, quiet way, you may want to choose ivory, greige or soft taupe as neutral colors. What makes this entryway design special are the detailed and blended textures and desirable details.
I find it pleasing to place brushed brass hardware, a wooden console made by hand and a black or antique gold mirror against creamy white walls. You’ll find the true charm in the classic wooden accents, handcrafted lighting and imaginative decor here. Just a few fine touches can bring any minimalistic room to life.
I think the neutral style gives a space an open and calming atmosphere which every entryway should have. A recent article in Architectural Digest pointed out that neutral colors make it easier for excellent pieces to get noticed. You are right, absolutely right. Your look shows sophistication and not the need for attention.
Another way to highlight this idea would be to include a reeded glass or paneled door on your custom closet for beauty and extra storage—helping you keep a tidy look at the entrance.
Floating Stairs With A Gallery-Style Entry Landing
When matched with a gallery-style landing, floating stairs become an impressive part of a home’s entryway. To my mind, this kind of lighting works best in homes with foyers that are spread over several levels. Built from wood, metal or glass, these stairs make the entrance a beautiful and modern scene.
To make sure the design stays the same, I normally display alternating large artworks or black-and-white photographs next to the landing area. The recessed LED lights under the steps make everything more safe and dramatic. Not far from there, a pedestal table made from stone adds detail and completes the gallery’s style with a sculptural vase or fresh flowers.
I’ve found that floating stairs look best when they are placed in rooms where the ceilings are high and light comes through many windows. They lift the home’s contemporary style and help connect rooms with a bright, artistic look. Renowned architect David Adjaye has spoken about the power of “staircases as storytelling tools,” and that sentiment resonates here. The design takes guests through a purposefully outlined narrative.
As a final touch, put in a cushioned bench with a shiny metal frame or a fluted console which will help craft the space without stealing focus from the art or the building itself.
Modern Entryway Decor That Reflects Your Personality
The best way to choose entryway decor is to choose details that feel like you. That’s why I always recommend that your decor expresses your way of life. Whether you’re bold and eclectic or minimalist and serene, your entryway should offer a snapshot of who lives there. Through web design, you share your business with everyone on the Internet.
I usually begin by selecting a color or texture that feels important to the homeowner such as their favorite color, a loved item from the past or a cherished artwork. After that, I extend the space by adding clear layers, for example, a stylish floating shelf filled with interesting pieces, a striking light or a big mirror that stands out. A rug with a bold design or a striking sculptural stool will give your living area a touch of character.
Personally, I think this method turns ordinary rooms into settings for stories. Recently, I joined a client to design an entry with blue walls, nautical lights and a floor compass rose. I still receive compliments about that space so many years on. Shea McGee and other experts suggest using personal treasures to make your home look more natural and collected.
A personalized message board or a seasonal shelf that rotates, are wonderful for adding life to the kitchen all year round.
A great entryway is created by turning it into an area that feels welcoming, trendy and truly yours. What device would you like to have at home? Share your thoughts or favorite designs in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you plan to refresh your entryway!
