Constan. Constan. Constan. When it comes to small input ideas, that’s where designer Julia Miller comes in. A look at founder and chief designer of Yond Interiors, however, and you’ll be inclined to add: Beauty. Beauty. Beauty. Combining the two — need and aesthetic — in the case of an entryway can be very complex. That’s because this area of the house is usually limited space and abundant traffic (i.e. people walking through in mud-studded boots). But the combination of beauty and utility is where great creativity is born – as these ideas and tips demonstrate.
Featured image of Aubrie Pick polite of Katie Raffetto Design.
Keep scrolling to find 16 small entryway ideas that will transform your home
The picture of Aubrie Pick polite of Katie Raffetto Design
When You Have A Small Entrance Idea, Where Do You Start?
#1: Room Review
Before adding anything to the frontend, Miller recommends you consider your key needs. Are you looking for more warehouse? Do you have a dog running in and out? The kids need a place to remove their boots and throw their bags? The designer notes: “Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, choosing products with the right proportions is next.
#2: Buy strategically
Julia recommends removing any furniture or wall decorations before you buy to make sure it works well in the space. “Even if you can’t buy all of the items at once, we recommend planning the look and feel of all the items so you can buy them strategically,” she adds.
The picture of Aubrie Pick polite of Katie Raffetto Design
What do you put in a small entrance?
Once you have mapped out the room, you can focus on making the entryway feel spacious and inviting, this Katie Raffetto is all for. Designing “a lovely motif to invite clients or visitors to” is key to designing a welcoming entrance. Designer Liza Reyes agree: Time prepaid postpaid. “You will be happy to see it every time you come back home,” added Liza. Follow these additional tips to create a beautiful and streamlined entryway.
#3: Make room for beauty
The entrance is the gate that leads to the rest of the house. It sets the mood, tone and feel. In this light, Liza likes to keep a small vase with fresh flowers along with decoration time.
#4: Contain clutter
This is the only room where clutter is constant – so get ahead with strategic baskets for stacking goods, says Katie Raffetto. “I wanted to contain clutter in one entry and incorporate a location that always looked nice and pleasant.” Katie adds this to her list of inspirational little ideas: “Make sure the baskets aren’t too big, or you’ll never find the pair you’re looking for.”
#5: Highlight Unique Searches
Julia, who loves scouring Etsy, 1st Dibs and her local markets for unique additions, says:
#6: Get creative with light
Katie suggests incorporating decorative lights or lights into the entryway. “I like to have layers of light in the house,” she explains. “I think of decorative lights as a layer of warmth.” Turn on a chandelier, sconce, or small light before you leave so you have a welcome light upon your return.
#7: Define the space
When space is limited, which often happens in the entryway, Julia wants to secure the room with a small piece of furniture, such as a table or couch. “This is one way to give it definition,” she added.
#8: Incorporate a mirror
A nice mirror, like an oval or circular one, is a triple threat: It looks good and, as Julia puts it, “it reflects light and provides a spot for reflection.” Liza suggests hanging a mirror above a small or narrow piece of furniture.
#9: Be mindful of furniture size
In any small room, it’s important to scale key pieces of furniture so they fit into the space, advises Tara Miller. Heartland interior design. For an entryway, Tara suggests finding pieces that match the room and allow for circulation. Tara advises: “There should be at least 36 inches of aisle.
The picture of Amanda Marie Birnie courtesy of Julia Miller’s Yond Furniture
#10: More beauty
“Having beautiful artwork or a table with flowers and a key tray creates a lovely pattern that attracts guests or guests over to the house,” says Katie.
#11: Use Hooks — a lot
These are your entrance best friends. “I use hooks for coats and bags — even if you have room for your coat elsewhere,” says Katie. A hanger takes advantage of the vertical space and provides guests with a place to store their outerwear.
#12: Make a home for the key
And that means adding “a special bowl” to hold them, says Liza.
#13: Choose lighter paint
If you want the room to feel larger, paint the walls light colors and paint the ceiling lightly, says Tara.
#14: But be bold if you dare
If you love deep and deep blues and greens, Julia says pick it up. “Don’t be afraid of dramatic wall colors,” if space permits.
The picture of Amanda Marie Birnie courtesy of Julia Miller’s Yond Furniture
#15: Give yourself a seat
In addition to taking off your coat, taking off your shoes is possibly the most common activity at the entrance. Give Katie a hint to make this act easy and comfortable by incorporating a plush, streamlined couch.
#16: Invest in a rug
Liza says it will work overtime in this room, minimizing dust and dirt from entering the house.
