Whether your front door opens into a grand entryway or right onto the dark corner of the kitchen, that will be the first place your guests see in your home. Don’t underestimate its potential. “Even small foyers are the first impression,” says interior designer Peter Dunham, who advises a bold look for this part of your home even if it isn’t exactly large (or isn’t technically its own room). “Small entries give one an ideal situation for high-carat impact. . . That will easily make up for any lack of space by being luxe and special.” The following small entryway ideas will turn your non-entry into a great space no matter what its size or scale.
Image via UK Elle Decoration, www.elledecoration.co.uk
Add a Chair or Small Bench
Even a tiny bench, butted up against the wall by the door, will do the job, as will a single chair—the idea is just to carve out a spot for your guests to take off their coat or pop down their bag. Minimal square footage required.
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Go Wild with Wall Coverings
To define the space and give a great first impressions, don’t clutter the space with anything extraneous, but do use a large-scale geometric or boldly coloured chinoiserie wallpaper on the walls and ceiling. If the budget is tight, paint the space a strong colour. If you don’t know what shade to choose, do what Helena Rubinstein did: She went to her wardrobe to look for a colour she loved, cut a square from a Schiaparelli coat, and instructed David Hicks to match the walls.
Image via UK Elle Decoration, www.elledecoration.co.uk
Hang Wall Hooks
In the small entryway of his home in Italy’s Piedmont region, architect Paolo Pejrone hangs his hat on a cherry rack. Having a hook for your pal’s gear will make them feel as if you’ve actually designed the space with their arrival in mind.
Image via UK Elle Decoration, www.elledecoration.co.uk
Define the Space Using a Rug
If your entry is really just the wall of another room, positioning a rug in that area will make it feel like a unified, separate entryway.
Hang a Floating Shelf
Great for dropping keys and stacking mail without taking up any floor space at all.
Yes to a Statement Lighting Fixture
A large light fixture can make any room feel larger and taller – even if it is a small entry.
Paint the Door a Bold Color
The entryway of designer CeCe Barfield’s Gramercy Park house sports a door at the end of a long hallway—without any room for any of the above flourishes. To define and draw attention to space, she painted the door a bold, mossy green. Try it.
