7 Entryway Decor Mistakes to Avoid
July 14, 2020Your home’s entryway is often the first part of the house that guests will see. It’s also often the room that welcomes you home, which makes it important to consider layout, design, and decor. In addition to creating a good first impression, your entryway also needs to fulfill some practical functions. Here are a few entryway decor mistakes to avoid to help you create a welcoming entryway that also functions well:
Mistake #1 – Creating the Wrong Atmosphere
Your entryway sets the stage for the rest of your home. As such, your goal should be to create the right atmosphere. The presence of clutter or the wrong decor can create a disjointed appearance and set the tone for the rest of the home. Keeping your entryway clutter-free is one of the tips for creating a beautiful entryway.
When choosing the decor for your entryway, consider the building materials and finished surfaces present in this area of your home and choose decor that matches the style and provides continuity. Avoid decor that gives the appearance of clutter and makes the area feel crowded and too busy.
Mistake #2 – Ignoring Storage and Not Creating a Drop Zone
An entryway that is not designed with any space for storage can lead to messier and more cluttered living spaces in the rest of the home. This is why ignoring storage and not creating a drop zone are entryway decor mistakes to avoid. For this reason, be sure that you do not ignore the need for some storage space or a functional drop zone in your entryway.
Having a place to put coats, such as a coat rack or a closet, and a place for shoes, such as a storage bench, are great ways to keep these items out of view and keep the entryway free of clutter. These types of storage options help to maintain a cleanly living space in the home and are very convenient when guests arrive.
Mistake #3 – Not Putting Down a Weather-Resistant Rug or Mat
Most entryways receive significant foot traffic and so a highly durable and moisture resistant floor covering is usually advisable. Hard floors, whether made of stone, wood, or other materials, will not absorb moisture or dirt from wet shoes.
Without a weather-resistant rug in the entryway, this moisture stays on the floor or is tracked into the rest of the home. This makes a weather-resistant rug or mat one of the useful things every entryway needs.
Mistake #4 – Forgetting About Lighting
Entryways should be warm and inviting. To accomplish this, there needs to be some considerations made in terms of the lighting choices used in the area. Depending on the interior design style of your home and its architectural layout, you have numerous options to choose from.
Wall sconces can be used in conjunction with a larger chandelier-style light fixture. Or, if the entryway is large enough, an accent table with a lamp may present another option. Regardless of the artificial light sources that you choose, it is a good idea to incorporate natural lighting within the home’s entryway as well.
This can be accomplished by choosing a front door with a large glass window in it. Or, additional transom windows or skylights might be an option depending on the layout of your home. The right lighting can help you create an elegant entryway and also one that is truly welcoming.
Mistake #5 – Bypassing Decor Entirely
In your attempt to avoid a cluttered entryway, make sure that you do not bypass decor entirely. A bare entryway can give an unfinished feel as the first impression of the home, which can also leave it feeling cold and uninviting.
Mistake #6 – Adding Too Much Decor
Avoiding clutter is key to an entryway, and too much decor can create the illusion of a cluttered space. You want to use enough decor to create an attractive area that looks deliberately thought out and inviting while also keeping it simple. Choose your entryway decor wisely and pick pieces that will have the greatest impact without cluttering the space.
Mistake #7 – Having Nowhere to Sit
If the size of the entryway allows for it, you should consider incorporating some seating within your decor. A chair or two or a small bench creates a place to sit and put on shoes. In this way, it is a convenience feature and, depending on what type of seating you choose, it may be able to double as some storage space. Additionally, a small chair and accent table can create a nice visual for the room that is also functional.
These are just a few entryway decor mistakes to avoid to help you create a functional and aesthetically pleasing entryway for your home. Entryways are not something that should become an afterthought as they are an important introduction to your home.
If your current house doesn’t welcome you home and doesn’t feel like home no matter how you decorate, it may be time to consider a custom home that is built to your specifications. Give Custom Home Group a call at 717-284-4090 to start making your dream home a reality!