Could Your Entryway Use Some Love? 11 Designer Tips for Keeping It Streamlined

In every home, no matter the size or type, the entryway impacts your mood. Walk into shoes and bags galore and you’re doomed to take that chaos into the next room. But enter an organized space, where everything has its place, and ease sets in. It makes sense why all entryway ideas center on organizing: Whether or not this space is tidy, it will have a lasting imprint on our day. 

This isn’t to say that an entryway must be pristine. Mine isn’t. With two dogs and a partner who shares my love of outdoor adventures (and all the accompanying gear), I can’t keep this catch-all space perfect. But implementing smart organizing hacks, double-duty furniture, and a few aesthetic accents makes it easy to keep this area streamlined. 

Featured image courtesy of Blair Burton Interiors.

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11 Entryway Ideas from Interior Designers

To zero in on how to make the most of the entryway, I reached out to a handful of interior designers for their takes. As Kristina Marino of KozyKasa says, “Your entryway is the first impression your guests will have, so it’s important to design it in a way that is both functional and visually appealing.”

#1: Implement a cabinet

You’ll need a heavy hitter for holding beautiful and utilitarian objects. Andi Morse of Morse Design recommends going for a cabinet, console, or entryway table to do the job.

#2: Give your keys a home

Of all the entryway ideas, this one is a non-negotiable, adds Morse. These critical tools need a constant home or else you’ll be scrambling. Dedicate a beautiful bowl or basket and place it atop a cabinet or console.

 #3: Have fun with color and patterns

The entryway is a chance to go bold and add some drama, believes Angela Hamwey of Mackenzie & Co. “You may consider an unexpected paint color or bold wallpaper to showcase color and pattern that speaks to your style,” she says. 

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#4: Go for glossy paint

If you want to make an even bolder statement, opt to paint the walls and ceiling in a glossy finish, as Katie Davis of Katie Davis Design loves. In a small entryway, Davis painted the walls and ceilings an olive green lacquer. “The allover tone in a glossy application gave the space more dimension, making the entry feel even larger,” she says.

#5: Play up the neutrals

But if you’re battling limited space, as most of us are with our entryways, Hamwey says to play up the neutrals. Consider cream or beige paint and simple furniture pieces. Doing so will “reflect the light to create an illusion of a larger space and enhance the visual appearance,” she says.

#6: Let there be light

Like in any room, never overlook the power of lighting. “Whether it’s a pendant, sconces, or table lamp, the warm glow creates a welcoming atmosphere,” says Angela Hamwey of Mackenzie & Co. “Often this space is near the front door, so proper lighting will help guide you in and out of the home and allows you to find your belongings easily.” 

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#7: Accessorize

Often the smallest décor pieces make the biggest impact in a home—and the entryway is a perfect place to weave these in. “We love a set of focal accessories like lamps or candlesticks for balance without being strictly symmetrical,” says Kiley Jackson of Jackson Warren Interiors. “And greenery is an easy way to add life and warmth, as well as a small vintage tray to keep things tidy.”

#8: Bench it

If you don’t have the room for a cabinet or table, Blair Burton says to go for a stylish bench. “This is a favorite of mine,” says the founder of Blair Burton Interiors. “It’s really useful and leaves more wall room for statement art.”

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#9: Go for the catchall

The basket is the hero of the entryway. Because as Kristin Marino of KozyKasa believes, “they work well to hide any clutter” such as shoes, dog leashes, hats, and all the rest. They’re also visually appealing. Aim for at least one to corral the clutter and give everything an easy home.   

#10: Hang a mirror

You can’t go wrong here. “A quick mirror check for guests on the way in or out is practical and beautiful,” says Kara Adam of Kara Adam Interiors.

#11: Lay a rug

It’s one of the quickest ways to up-level a room. “We love to incorporate a vintage rug in the entry to create a statement and serve a functional purpose,” says Hamwey. “Often the entry can accommodate a smaller rug, so it doesn’t require a large investment and allows you to splurge to find something truly special.”