As the first space you enter upon stepping into a home, entryways are central to the success of any interior design strategy. Whether you are an interior designer working with a client building a new home or helping a client who is renovating an existing space, you will need to hone the art of decorating small spaces while considering the modern entryway ideas that best complement the interior design scheme for the entire home.
Why Entryway Design Matters
Entryways and foyers are typically small spaces, but this doesn’t mean they are insignificant and unimportant in the grand scheme of the interior design strategy. In reality, entryway design plays a pivotal part in the development and execution of a cohesive interior design plan.
Setting the Tone
Modern entryway decor sets the tone for not only the entryway itself but also the entire main floor of the home. In most cases, entryways lead directly into other areas, such as hallways, kitchens, formal living rooms, studies and more. The color scheme and decor plan that is implemented in the entryway should be carried into the rooms connected to it.
Practicality and Functionality
Aside from being beautiful and welcoming, entryways need to be functional. Most people want to include entryway furniture that offers storage, like a space for shoes or an area where coats can be hung up and stored when not being worn. The ideal entryway storage solutions are functional and also blend in with the interior design plan for the home.
Enhancing Home Value
A well-designed entryway can significantly enhance curb appeal, which can bolster the value of the property. According to the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association, an attractive front entryway can improve a property’s value by up to $24,000. However, the added property value may vary based on the size of the home, the enhancements made and the current real estate market conditions.
Essential Elements for a Welcoming Entryway
According to research published on ResearchGate, interior design elements are defined as the tangible components that are used in the design plan. Interior designers often rely on design theory to identify the elements that are included in the interior design plan. For creating a welcoming entryway, below are the primary components that interior designers typically consider:
Lighting
Entryways are sometimes lacking in natural light, depending on the location and layout of the home. As a result, interior designers often use entryway lighting ideas that allow them to offer soft, artificial light to improve the functionality of the space. However, they may avoid harsh overhead lighting that can distract from the home’s overall tone and atmosphere.
Storage Solutions
Prioritizing entryway organization within the interior design plan is crucial because people often use this small space to take off their shoes, unzip their coats or put away their day bags. Incorporating modern foyer furniture that offers hidden storage solutions into the entryway design plan can allow for greater organization without adding to the clutter of this small and confined space.
Flooring Choices
Entryway flooring options are virtually endless. The key is to work closely with clients to identify the types of flooring they want in other areas of the home (such as hallways, the living room or the kitchen). In most cases, clients prefer entryway flooring that is elegant, sturdy and resistant to moisture. Flooring that is easy to clean is a must, as this is a high-traffic area in the home.
Design Styles for Inspiring Entryways
The small entryway design styles you utilize will depend on personal preferences. Some popular entryway design styles include:
Minimalist Entryways
Minimalist entryways are particularly popular among clients with homes that were constructed more recently. Some of the top minimalist decor ideas for entryways include:
- Practical storage solutions
- Simplistic wall art
- Mirrors that make the small space feel larger and more open
Traditional and Classic Styles
Traditional and classic entryway decor ideas are often used in historic homes built generations ago. According to Archer & Buchanan Architecture, interior designers still rely on ancient design principles to create a sense of elegance and grandeur in traditional entryways.
Modern and Contemporary Designs
Blending functional entryway ideas with minimalist design principles, modern entryway designs are intended to be both practical and streamlined. The flexibility of these designs makes them a popular choice among today’s homeowners.
Eclectic and Personalized Entryways
The most creative front entrance design ideas enable interior designers to incorporate modern art and unique entryway wall decor into the design plan. These designs are often intended to make a statement.
Creative Tips for Enhancing Entryway Appeal
According to Architectural Digest, these creative tips can be used for foyer design inspiration:
Art and Decorative Accents
Entryway and hallway decorating ideas tend to differ from the ideas used in other areas of the home. In an entryway, you can install accent pieces that may not fit into other parts of the home — such as a stunning piece of art, a decorative mirror or even a personal, framed photograph.
Greenery and Natural Elements
Greenery and natural elements (like houseplants or cut flowers) can ease the transition from the outdoors to the indoor space. In addition, natural decor easily complements other foyer decor ideas, such as wall art.
Color and Wallpaper
Neutral tones are the standard in entryways, but bold colors or patterned wallpaper can be leveraged to create an accent in the entryway area. For example, if you have a bench along a small wall in the entryway, you may be able to apply wallpaper for a decorative and inspiring accent wall.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Entryway Design
As you continue to explore entryway furniture ideas and look for hallway design inspiration, aim to avoid these common pitfalls in entryway design:
Overcrowding the Space
Many entryways are small, making it easy to overcrowd the space with too much furniture or excessive decor. It is ideal to keep entryways open so that traffic in the home can flow easily from one room to another.
Ignoring Scale and Proportion
Scale and proportion are particularly essential in entryway design because entryways lead directly into other areas of the home. Be sure to keep scale and proportion in mind when choosing entryway furniture and selecting art for the space.
Neglecting Durability and Maintenance
Entryway design is typically evergreen, meaning that you will want to invest in furniture and storage solutions that will last for many years. High-quality, durable elements will help ensure that your entryway design stands the test of time.
Real-Life Examples and Inspiration
One of the best ways to uncover entryway design ideas is seeking inspiration among the spaces that have been artfully designed by some of the most experienced and successful interior designers.
Before-and-After Transformations
- Modern Farmhouse Makeover (Joanna Gaines, Magnolia Home) – Celebrity interior designer Joanna Gaines drew upon rustic and industrial design elements to transform her own farmhouse in 2019.
- Urban Apartment Entryway Redesign (Emily Henderson Design) – After deciding to downsize into an urban apartment, Emily Henderson worked to create a minimalist entryway with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Victorian Home Restoration (Christina Maria Blog) – Christina Maria shares the restoration of her 1902 Victorian farmhouse, focusing on the entryway and hallway. The makeover combines original architectural features with modern farmhouse elements, such as planked walls and antique copper hardware, to create a space that honors the home’s history while providing contemporary functionality.
Interviews With Interior Designers
- Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design alumni Dalton and Ashlyn are newlyweds who launched an interior design business together. The exposure to diverse perspectives during their time at RMCAD allowed them to expand their business and develop their personal style. “The biggest shock we both had when going to RMCAD was being introduced to so many interesting artists, niche cultures and artistic processes that it was daunting to learn and take it all in,” they said. “However, being willing to try anything and everything that interests you will help you grow in your career.”
- RMCAD Interior Design alumna Bethany Peña Charleston found that the skills-based training on campus allowed her to land her dream job after graduation. “Through RMCAD’s internship program, I was able to connect with Elsy Studios, where I worked part-time while in school and then transitioned into a full-time employee,” she said. “RMCAD helped me secure the internship and also helped guide me through the process by making sure the team at Elsy was involved in my internship, and I was also involved in their team. The internship process really helped me find my dream job and, overall, was a really good transition into the career that I wanted.”
Entryway Inspiration From Around the World
From ancient design principles to modern decor trends, interior designers are constantly seeking inspiration for entryway design. These design ideas from around the world can help you adopt a global approach to entryway design:
- Japanese Genkan Entryways – Serving as a transitional space between the outdoors and the indoors, Japanese Genkan entryways are designed as a place to remove shoes.
- Moroccan Riad Entrances – According to STAY Magazine, Moroccan riad entrances are traditional entrances found throughout the country. They are defined by large, ornate wooden doors and brightly-colored tile steps.
- Scandinavian Entryways – Prioritizing functionality above all else, Scandinavian entryways are designed to be bright, open and practical. Modernist furniture and minimalist decor ideas are prominent in Scandinavian entryway design.
Explore the Leading Entryway Design Ideas at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
The entryway sets the stage for entire interior design plans — requiring interior designers to leverage the power of modern entryway ideas that maximize storage while enhancing the overall aesthetics of the space. At Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, we offer an on-campus Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design as well as an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design that allow students to establish a strong foundation in design theory as they build the practical, technical and creative skills required to succeed in the field of interior design. Request more information about our fine arts degree programs today.
