How to Style an Entryway

The sense of peace and calm that the great outdoors offers translates beautifully into a well-styled entryway. This is especially true for urban dwellers who crave a peaceful sanctuary and greenery.

The back-to-nature look is typified by organic materials, patterns and textures.
Wood hall trees are a welcome focal point in the entry. Available in a variety of sizes and finishes, hooks, open cubbies and drawers tame clutter right at the door. A built-in bench offers the perfect spot to put on shoes.

Tip: If the entryway is windowless, install wall sconces and overhead lighting to make it feel brighter.

Many current design trends have one thing in common: geometrical equations. Every interior designer will tell you it’s the composition of elements, like rectangles, circles and such, that form the look and feel of a room. What's the key to putting together an entry with geometrical shapes and patterns? It's all about how you style and balance out the space.

The repetitive triangles of this patterned wallpaper set the entry up with a sense of flow and asymmetry. Stylized objects like the rectangular buffet and wall mirror provide added equilibrium and purpose. A pair of gold-finished wall sconces highlight the entryway's spatial dimensions in a well-balanced way.

Tip: Play it safe with a sisal rug or pick a subtle rug pattern that goes with the design flow.

Seating in a small entryway is a welcome sight. Whether it’s under a stairway or in a narrow hallway, you can’t go wrong with an entryway bench that makes everything feel nice and cozy. If the bench includes storage, that’s a plus.

Tip: If the bench has a hard surface, adding a solid or patterned bench cushion softens the seat.

Earthy wood and other natural tones give this foyer added depth. A pair of demilune wall sconces and unique vases bring architectural balance to the perfectly composed area. The console table's lower shelf is an ideal location for baskets or stowing square poufs. If lacking floor space for storage, install wall hooks and hang a handled basket or two.

The white walls, driftwood hues and textured objects solidify this entryway’s cohesive look.

Tip: When selecting dark tones or light tones, choose finishes that complement rather than polarize the focal point, such as this console table’s finish.

If you want to create a whole-house color scheme that connects from room to room, the first way to establish it is at the front door. This rule holds true for homes with multiple rooms and combined living room, dining room and kitchen areas.

Rugs are great for landing on a color palette. The four colors of this rug flow seamlessly from the painted door and walls to the window curtains and trim.

Tip: Try changing out your door hardware to make an existing door feel new.

In the grand scheme of things, filling an entryway with visually intriguing pieces makes the biggest possible impact. A small foyer can be made more magnificent with the right wallpaper, trim paint color and decorative accents.

To make the area appear more impressive, hang one large mirror or several smaller mirrors over a console table. The mirrored surface helps to reflect light and cast drama from every angle. Use a dining room buffet in the foyer to expand your display and storage options.

Tip: Free up valuable tabletop space by swapping out table lamps for wall sconces.

In many homes, a staircase is one of the first things people see when they walk in the door. Rather than leaving it plain or carpeted, make the stairway more visually intriguing. Think of the stair risers as one big empty canvas—or a series of canvases—to paint, tile or fill in with patterned wallpaper.

Line the entire staircase wall with a gallery of drawings, family portraits and other treasured wall art. Viewing all pieces as one giant masterpiece helps you select the frame colors, composition and sizes.

Tip: Instead of wallpapering the stair risers, install a runner rug in a bold geometric or floral pattern to take your look up to the next floor.