Single Design Moves That Can Transform an Entry

It takes a combination of many design elements to make a room beautiful and welcoming: things like color, scale, furniture, accessories, rugs and lighting. But even when all these things are executed well, there is often one particular thing that really kicks the room up a notch — that gives it that little something extra. Without this touch, the room would still be good but not great.

Today we will consider entry halls — with an eye toward that one particular thing that makes a difference.

In this classic entry, with its staircase, wainscoting, William Morris–patterned runner and multipane front door, the intriguing little bench makes all the difference. Its long, skinny shape, detailed carving and geometric-patterned cushion fabric all add up to a unique and important piece. It pulls all the elements together in a particularly welcoming way.


There’s no question that each element in this rustic neoindustrial-style entry is spectacular. But the horse painting, with its movement and vibrant color, takes it to an entirely different level. Yippee ki-yay!


In this grand and sweeping foyer, the architecture and materials are spectacular, but for me the light fixtures are the pièces de résistance. They harmonize beautifully with all the other elements, but their drum shape adds a bit of softness to all the angularity around them.


Remove the charming antique bench from this entry, and the palpable statement “Please come in and make yourself at home” disappears.


This entryway pulls me in with its mingling of the utilitarian and the decorative. The practical built-in coatrack lives comfortably with the elegant little tole umbrella stand and the classic mahogany console table. But if the very dapper oval window were missing, good would not have risen to great — to me a perfect example of how one element can lift a whole room. (Admittedly, I do have a thing for oval windows, but objectivity is never a requirement in matters of taste!)


Be it ever so humble … or not … an elegant little pink velvet upholstered settee with gilt legs not only carries enough punch to stand up to the surrounding grandeur, but has the chutzpah to say, “Let’s not take ourselves too seriously here!”


In this very spare entry, the distinguishing touch is the zebra-patterned rug. Of course, there is a universe of choices for a rug in an area like this, which is one reason I especially like this pick. It is eye catching and surprisingly whimsical, turning a possibly mundane entry into something really special.


Two red leather cubes lift this sleek, contemporary entrance from adequate to awesome. They add warmth and a smile to the daily routine of coming and going.


A long, narrow entry hall like this one provides a great opportunity for the bibliophile. The bookcases transformed this space from a bowling alley to a library, adding texture, storage, history, visual variety and a place to display beloved objects.


The rather serious gray cabinetry that dominates this entry coatrack and storage unit took on a whole different attitude with the addition of the zingy tangerine paint and accessories.


This inviting entry is the exception that proves the rule. Each element adds equally to the whole, and each would be sorely missed if left out. Flowers, console table, rug, mirror, sconces, bench, umbrella stand … gotta have ’em all!

If coming home from a long day and walking through the front door is anticlimactic, let these ideas inspire you. One single addition could make all the difference and bring a fresh breath of beauty into your life.

More: Single Design Moves That Make the Whole Bedroom

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