Essentials for styling the perfect entryway!
3 things to consider for an ideal home entryway set-up
The entryway has the power to set the tone for the rest of your home, as it is the first space that you interact with when you get home. Designing, and styling it properly will ensure you have a warm and welcoming space, that greets you, and your friends and family each time.
There's 3 main things you need to consider for setting up your most ideal home entryway. STORAGE, SEATING and DECOR. Here's how you can tackle these topics for a functional, beautiful and uniquely styled home entryway.
1: STORAGE:
Typically, the first thing you think of, when it comes to entryway storage, is shoes. A shoe cabinet is a great way to make your entryway functional. In case of a lack of space, even a slim wall mount cabinet can be very useful to store away the footwear.
If your space allows for a larger unit, consider building one that is a multi-purpose storage unit.
This narrow apartment entryway makes a statement with a pastel yellow wallaper and solid wood furniture.
A custom designed cabinet houses the shoes and extra sundry items. The wall shelves make for an interesting feature to display all kinds of decor pieces.
Image: Residence P Prasad
Design: M.A.D.E by Urvashi Sathaye
Here’s a list of items one could store in a larger all-encompassing unit.
Shoes (as established in the beginning)
Socks
Shoe bags
Sunglasses
Helmets
Keys – house keys, car keys, bike keys, bicycle lock keys, post box keys,.. am I missing any?
Sports gear
Umbrellas
Spare electricals
Hardware tools
Gardening tools
A combination of a shoe cabinet and bench.
Image: Residence P Prasad
Design: M.A.D.E by Urvashi Sathaye
The great part about having a storage unit, is that you get a nice counter-top space too, that’s very functional. There’s always stuff being brought in and out of the house. All the food delivery orders, and amazon orders, your own bags or purses, etc are items that need to be placed somewhere while dealing with footwear.
In the scenario that you have managed to house a shoe cabinet hidden from sight, or slightly away from the entryway, adding a slim console works well for placing and handling of these random items.
A console also helps anchor the space and create a focal point in the entryway. Top it up with some good wall art, and table top decor, and you have yourself a stylish and functional entryway.
Another great way to dress up the entryway and create a focal point is to switch out the console for a bench instead. Continue to dress up the walls and the area around with some decor, and you’re bound to have a welcoming space.
Bench seating at the entryway. Floating wall shelves add interest and a space to display decor.
Image: Residence P Prasad
Design: M.A.D.E by Urvashi Sathaye
2: SEATING:
It’s always a good idea to have some form of seating accessible near the entryway. It is very useful when you need to put on, and take off your shoes. A seating spot is quite essential when you have kids or elderly people at home, or when you have visitors.
If your space is small and compact, try to accommodate a small pouffe in a corner nearby. If you have a spacious entryway, a nice long bench is a great furniture addition to the space. Even a unique and interesting accent chair can add a bit of fun and functionality to the entryway.
In case of compact apartment homes, consider a two-in one furniture piece, that offers storage and seating. There are quite a few bench designs that come with built-in storage underneath.
You could also consider using a lovely ottoman that offers sufficient storage space within. Placing a vintage trunk with a seat cushion could be a unique way to style the entryway.
Private residence entryway
A beautiful wallpaper sets a charming tone for the entryway. A custom ordered solid wood bench with a red upholstered seat ,makes for the perfect seating space for this entryway. A wall mirror and lamps add the finishing touches.
Design: M.A.D.E by Urvashi Sathaye
3: DECOR:
Once all the functional elements are taken care of, it’s time to dress up the entryway. My favourite go-to element - MIRRORS. A mirror in any shape, size and form is going to catch any light passing through, and instantly brighten up the space. It also comes in handy to get a quick dekko at yourself, when you’re heading in or out of the house.
My second favourite element to dress up the entryway – LAMPS. Good lighting is crucial for setting a warm and welcoming ambience in the entryway. Any type of decorative ceiling or wall lamps are a great addition. In the absence of any provisions for a ceiling or wall light, consider plugging in a nice floor or table lamp for the same effect.
In case you find that your space lacks any kind of electrical provisions, invest in some battery operated LED lamps and fittings. That should do the needful.
A marble console with a large artwork greets people at this luxury apartment entryway.
Image: Residence N
Design: M.A.D.E by Urvashi Sathaye
Besides these, the other décor items one can consider are:
Wall hooks – to hang your hats, coats, umbrellas or decorative ones to hang art.
Rugs – A great way to add texture, create layers and define the entryway.
Art – Photo art, posters, actual artworks, textile art, masks, other kinds of wall art and installations
Wallpaper – Adding a wallpaper can be a great way to bring in some texture, colour, and pattern in the space.
Table top décor – Vases, figurines, bowls, trays, flowers, books, candles, etc
Plants - Greenery in any form and shape, instantly adds a calming uplifting vibe to a space. Flowers and plants are a great way to bring in a natural organic element to the space.
Baskets - Some fun woven baskets or wooden baskets can be used to house umbrellas, grocery bags, or other kinds of useful stuff you might need before you leave your house.
I hope this helps you get started on planning your own personalized entryway, that is functional, beautiful and uniquely yours.
If you know of any other fun styling tips for dressing up an entryway, do let us know in the comments below.
M.A.D.E by Urvashi Sathaye offers end - to - end, all inclusive design services for all your interior design needs. We design fully customised, functional, and unique interiors across all categories - Residential, Commercial, Hospitality.
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