Entrance halls often receive very attention while it should be the exact opposite. They are your home’s first impression, they set the tone for the entire house. Don’t make it bland. Go bold, dramatic, vibrant, whatever will convey what’s to come: bold color, big print wallpaper…
This month we took a glance at a few entrance halls. Remember when Alex shared her entrance hall project? I thought it would be a good complement to give a few tips and tricks to style and zhush your own entrance hall.
1. Your front door should be freshly painted inside and out. The inside of the door gets forgotten much too often but it’s just as important as the outside.
2. A good entry hall is a well-appointed one. Make sure that everything that usually ends up on your hall table (keys, mail, etc) has its place. Think trays, boxes, mail sorter racks…
Ana Antunes’ House on Home Styling
3. Do I really need to mention that a hall table is essential? It needs to host organizing elements (trays and things), bits and baubles, a nice lamp or two…
4. A bench is bliss in a entrance hall. Especially when you have kids. But even adults sometimes like to lace their shoes sitting down to avoid the balancing art of standing up shoe-lacing.
Bunny Williams via Lonny
5. Just as the entrance hall sets the tone for the entire house visually, it does so through smell as well. Think fresh blooms or a nice fragrant candle. Remember “wet dog” or “smelly shoes” is rarely the essence we try to go for.
6. Lighting is important in an entry hall and should be soft and inviting. It shouldn’t feel like FBI questioning so I suggest dimmers and one or two lamps at eye level on the console table.
7. If you don’t have an entry hall closet, plan storage space for shoes and coats. This doesn’t mean that your entire shoe collection should end up in the hallway, but it’s important to have at least a few hooks, and maybe a small carpet or shoe rack for shoes.
8. Storage baskets, I suggest weave, are great especially in colder climates, with kids or for anyone who doesn’t have an entrance closet. Besides, it’s the easiest place to dump all the junk that’s lying around when unannounced guests ring your doorbell.
Lizzie Bailey via Lonny
9. A mirror is essential to take a quick glance at ourselves before going out, or to help disheveled guest fix their hair when they walk in.
10. Art is always nice in a hall, especially if you have a big collection throughout the house. Make a bold first impression by putting one of your most impressive pieces at first sight when you walk in.
Suzanne Dimma via House & Home
Want to read more of my tips & tricks? Check out my weekly Top 5 series on Damask & Dentelle.
