How to create a warm, welcoming entrance

It’s surprising that even though this is the first impression of our home, the entrance is often the one space that gets neglected and isn’t treated as another ‘room’.

The entrance or hallway is where we take that first step into our safe place, taking that first relaxing breath of the day and shaking off the outside world. Why not create a warm hug of a space you may need after a long day at work, a rainy dog walk or coming home from a holiday – make it a space you’ll enjoy coming home to.

For guests, this is the first snapshot they’ll see of your home. Create a space that invites guests in and makes them want to explore the rest of your home. It gives them a sneak peek of your personality and hints at what the rest of your home has to offer.

A Practical Space

Ok, so it’s one thing to make a space look beautiful, but first, let’s talk practicality. Your hallway needs to ‘work’ for you. Think of the journey you go on when coming home – Do you take your shoes off here? Think shoe storage. Do you need to hang your coat up here? Think coat-stand or hooks. Do you need somewhere to drop off car keys or shopping bags? Think console table.

I know decisions will depend on space, but there are so many space-saving options available if you’re a little short on space. Can you add decorative wall hooks or pegs to hang coats and bags? Can you add a shoe rack for shoe storage? A slim-line console table or shelf (we’re literally talking a matter of inches!) for a car key bowl?

Make sure your entrance WORKS before we add those warm and welcoming touches.

Light It Up

Next step… Lighting. Quite often, hallways have little to no natural light so we need to bring the light in.

Here's a couple of different ways you can do this:

Mirrors – An interior designer’s best friend when it comes to brightening a space. A mirror naturally reflects any light source, so can you incorporate a mirror into your design?
Lighting – Don’t worry, I’m not telling you to start chasing out walls for wires etc. but there are so many options for battery-powered or rechargeable lighting. Can you add a light source?

Design A Space You Love

Now for the fun part – adding your personal style! Is there any better place to start decorating your home than the entrance, quite literally the gateway to the rest of your home.

Here are three, simple tips to think about:

Art or wall decor - From large, bold art to more sentimental gallery walls, you can turn your entrance into a colourful focal point or a heartfelt showcase of treasured memories.
Plants and flowers - One of our personal favourites and a little tell-tell sign of who you are! Are you drawn to the simplicity of succulents, the drama of a large Monstera, or the elegance of fresh flowers? We love how plants bring a space to life.
Colour and pattern - A great way to easily transform your hallway. Whether you're using bold colours to add depth and energy, or soft hues to create an open, airy vibe, colour and pattern will make your hallway an extension of your home’s style.