How to Define an Entry Way

An entry way is and can be the first impression one makes upon seeing your home. It is the start which leads to the rest of the house. It's not unlike the first impression one makes upon meeting a person for the first time. An entry way should be defined in some way.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Creativity
• Furnishings
• Artwork
• Paint
• Lighting
• Area Rug

1. 
    
   Jill Seidner Interior Design - Los Feliz Entry

   If you entry way needs more then cosmetic work, I 'd suggest starting by repairing any floor, bad painting, fix lighting, fix a front door. Painting a front door (both back and front) is the first place to begin, adding a color or some sort of front door decoration is an option. For the interior, a freshly painted wall color that coordinates with the rest of the house will brighten up any dreary hallway. I often use transitional colors in interior hallways for which the paint colors for the rest of the home can correlate to. If you have any wood flooring that needs refinish or dated tile/stone - a new floor along with new paint color is a critical start to freshening up an entry - but even furnishings can help as a quick fix. (Next steps)

2. 
    
   Jill Seidner Interior Design - Culvery City Condo

   Lightning an entry is very important. Not all entry ways are flooded with natural light. For those that use their entry as their main access to the home - making sure both the outside and interior lights give off adequate light is important. A may be a matter of a proper bulb. Adding a decorative ceiling fixture (ceiling mounted, chandelier, pendant) can be done by an electrician once you purchase a new fixture. If you have a place for wall sconces -whether outside the front door one other side of the door or inside - those add a nice decorative touch, too. Even a small table lamp set on a console table is always nice to leave on if you are heaping out for the evening. Making sure there is an accessible switch nearby the front door is smart, too.

3. 
    
   Jill Seidner Interior Design - Beverly Hills Residence

   As a decorative touch - an area rug or runner adds a nice touch to an entry. I've used anything from large area rugs over (cold) stone floors, to a small round area rug, to a runner. Deciding on the rug and size is dependant on the space you have. Keep in mind it will get dirty so select something that can maintain the traffic or at least something that is easily clean able.

4. 
    
   Jill Seidner Interior Design - Los Feliz Residence

   Furniture - my favorite piece for the entry is a console table. It is both decorative and functional and no matter the size of your entry - anything from the smallest size console table to larger can (hopefully) be acclimated. Even a small floating shelf can act as a place to set down mail or keys. Adding artwork or a mirror is a nice touch above the console table. Mirrors always help to expand a space and of course, that last look on the way out the door. Adding decorative accessories or practical accessories on a console table are good - a basket to hold mail, a small tray for keys, a candle, a small table lamp, fresh flowers - styling a vignette by the front door adds to the impression.

5. 
    
   Jill Seidner Interior Design - West Hollywood Apartment

   Lastly, if you don't actually have an entry (especially for apartment dwellers - the front door often leads right into a living room or narrow hallway) - you can always create an entry using the ideas above. A small table, console, bench, area rug, artwork, shelf - are all ways to help define an entry.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need help with creating an entry, I'd be happy to help with my virtual design services for anyone, anywhere. www.JSInteriorDes.Blogspot.com

Resources

• Jill Seidner Interior Design