How to Create the Perfect Entryway
The entryway is the first and last impression of your home.
Andrew Barrowman
How do you make it stylish and functional for your needs?
The entryway, foyer, mudroom, whichever type of entry space you have, is usually the first and last impression a guest sees of your home. And, as we know, the first and last impressions are typically the most memorable so putting together a beautiful, memorable – and, above all, functional – entry is important. Equally as important, of course, is the fact that you spend a lot of time passing through this space on the daily, so making it a pleasant room for you is a priority!
If you don’t know where to start when selecting the furniture, lighting, décor, and finishes for this space, or even deciding on a layout for functionality, hopefully this post will help. There are key pieces needed to make your entryway the best it can be. But before you start buying things, be sure to plan it out, take measurements, and decide on the necessities, look, and colour scheme you want first. This will ensure a practical and well thought out design that you’ll be happy with!
“Interior design is making the best possible use of the available space.”
First, you need to answer some questions
Nordic Nest
What do you need?
Do you have lots of coats and shoes? Do you need stroller parking? What about mail and keys, or a mirror for a last-minute smile check? These are just a few of the things to consider. Write down a list of your must-haves.
What do you have space for? How can you accommodate all of your needs?
Do you have a narrow corridor or an awkwardly angled wall? Is there a coat closet? Do you have any windows? Note your restrictions and search ways to work around them.
What vibe do you want in the space?
What is your design style? Do you want the space to be bright and airy, or bold and dramatic? Or maybe somewhere in between? Pick out your colours, shapes, and patterns, and put together a vision board to help you on your way.
What is your budget?
Are you doing a quick DIY refresh on a tight budget under $300, or are you a bit more flexible? Give yourself a budget and stick to it! It’s totally doable.
The next step is to take measurements of your space.
William Warby
Take photos on your phone (great for reference, and a before-and-after!) Note the door swing and direction, location of outlets, switches, electrical panels, alarms, etc. and the wall dimensions, taking the base boards into account.
Then, create a design board.
Using images of styles you like for furniture, lighting, décor, and paint colours, put together a vision board. I find Pinterest is great to collect a stockpile of images, but creating a board in Photoshop, InDesign, or even PowerPoint narrows your plans and helps give you a cohesive visual.
Source the furnishings and decor.
Sticking within your style and budget. Make sure to double check that the dimensions work in your space before hitting that purchase button!
Paint or apply wall treatment
*If you’ve decided to do this (wallpaper, paneling, board and batten, etc.)
Install
Once everything arrives, unpack, build, and install. You’re done! Don’t forget to take photos for that “before and after”.
Voilà! You’ve successfully done a room refresh for your entryway. This is a project that can be done over a weekend and can make such a difference in your entryway. With some paint, a runner rug, new furniture, or added door trim details, you can bring life and personality to an often forgotten space in your home.
However, If you’re really feeling out of your element, or don’t have the time (or patience) to take on all of the planning, we’re here to help! Check out our e-design services here - ideal for home offices, bedrooms, living rooms, entryways, and dining rooms. This includes a space plan, paint colour selections, and an online shopping guide so you can complete the design of your space at your own pace. You send us the room dimensions and photos, and we’ll do the rest.
All the things,
Hello! Catherine here.
I’m a Vancouver-based interior designer and love all things creative! I’ll be sharing things that inspire me, posting design tips and DIY projects, chatting about all kinds of topics, and hopefully inspiring some people to make little changes at home to create an environment that is functional, beautiful, and a perfect reflection of you!
