Creating a Welcoming Entry

The first thing you see as you enter a lot of homes is an entry (naturally of course :-)).

And it is important that you try to make this space as welcoming as possible.

Think of it as a Book Cover - when you see a book, sometimes, you buy it just because the cover looks interesting right? Same thing with your home, the entry sort of pre-empts the anticipation of what's in store further inside. It gives your guests a glimpse of WHO lives there, WHAT they may be like and of course, tells them HOW welcome they are.

Here are a few examples of how you can create your own welcoming entry.

Pictures tell their story

 1) The "Entry" above is actually not an entry - but it could be. A bunch of personal photographs, including old ones, are always a nice way of telling people who lives there and reflects a lot what the family values - their family. 

For small spaces - via Martha Stewart Living 

2) The one above is a perfect example of how to make a small entry in a small space or very narrow hallway. Kevin Sharkey made this so simple - a hanging shelf + 4 mirrors + some interesting objects + A small seat underneath + basket for scarves, jackets, bag, etc.  = Simple & practical glam

My personal favorite

3) Plants and flowers can make anyone feel welcome. And so this,  with a huge mirror, to see yourself as you come and go from the house, makes this very welcoming. The acrylic table is substantial without being overwhelming and does not obstruct a lot of one's reflection since it's there but not really (makes sense to you?! :-)). The small chandelier gives of enough sparkle to anyone standing underneath.

Solution for no overhead light

4) If you don't have any overhead lighting entry - this is the perfect example of how you can evoke warmth to your small space. Smart use of floor lamps here, and again, the flowers,  plus the picture with some decorative objects  & lucite stool, creates a lovely perch to anyone who comes in. 

Entry with interesting walls

 5) Using a unique or bold paint or even a bold wall paper is perfect for entryways. It's small enough to handle a dose of boldness without committing your whole house to something that may be overwhelming at times. The vignette above is a perfect example of that - trellis wallpaper by Kelly Wreastler would also be perfect for a space like this don't you think?

Spartan entry

 6) Entry's don't have to be cluttered or always feminine. And this is a perfect example of just that - sparse, organic, "musculine".

Airy entry

7) For the bigger houses, a nice entry with 25 foot ceiling makes the room feel more open and inviting. This is one great example. The huge plant juxta-positioned across the entry table balances out this beautiful space.

Family-friendly entry via Wisteria

 8) This one I love. A great example of how you can incorporate having kids and a lot of other daily chore stuff into your entry. I admit it's a bit informal, but for most families, this very functional and cute space is a good inspiration for a multi-funtional entry.

Gorgeous entry by Lauren Liess 

9) The one above is from one of my favorite bloggers Lauren Liess. This is her actual home and I love how she made it feel cozy despite the huge tall walls. The gold frames just evokes classic romance with it's pop of orange on the door gives you a good jolt of energy and vibrance. You also see the mirror with a small shelf and the narrow bench in the corner, practical, simple and does not try to catch attention away from the wall art. I also love that she used natural fiber rug in this entry - so practical if you have pets or kids, or a very, very busy entry!

Eclectic and glammed-up

10) If your a classic fashionista, this entry is for you. The black and white geometric floors coupled with the striped wall clearly evokes someone who is bold and daring but knows exactly when to put on the breaks. Again, a mirror, interesting objects and a chair, still brings about funtionality into its glamorous design.

A desk in the entry? Why not!

 11) I absolutely adore this entry. I love how an antique desk is transformed into a welcoming table in this new traditional styled home. Your favorite book opened to a favorite page, wether it be a picture book or not, is a great way to incorporate personality into your entry. 

Centered table in an entry - classic

12) Of course, if you've got the space for it, an entry smack in the middle of the room is always grand no matter how big or small your entry is. This is a good example of how to set up your entry if your don't have any walls to put a mirror or table against. Here the owners placed a bowl of fruit with greenery - this just shouts out, come in, relax and let's eat!

Lastly, I cannot finish this article without mentioning our own entry.

Our eclectic entry

I need to let you know that making an entry does not entail spending a lot of money (Our table was from Walmart, on clearance for less than $50). The mirror has a sentimental value to me. It was given by my mother, not expensive really, but just the thought of her buying it for our first home, is enough for me to place it on that important spot.

Up top, I placed an orchid, a green box (for keys, rubber bands, etc)  & typography art that I recently got from TJ Maxx for $2.99, 2 brass dears from a Yard sale ($5 for the pair), a brass antique urn from Salvation Army for $3 (Yes, I made sure it was empty :-)) and clearance grey candle from TARGET for $5).  The Owl ceramic umbrella stand is from TJ Maxx for $24.

up close and personal

Underneath I had an old shelf placed on its side where a book resides atop.  I usually change this up every couple of months - I put a small lamp, pictures, otherbooks, etc. 

So be playful, experiment and find out which look goes well for you and your family.  I hope you are somehow inspired with these suggestions.

Happy Decorating!