Welcome home: Elevate your entryway with these design ideas
Your home's entryway sets the tone for what lies beyond. It's the first impression, the welcoming embrace and the gateway to your sanctuary. As you plan each room and detail of your new home build, don't overlook the importance of the entryway. This is the opportunity to set the stage for the rest of your home.
In today's fast-paced world, the entry serves as place of welcome at the end of the day as well as a transition space from the outside world into your home.
A well-designed home entrance should be inviting, yet functional. Get inspired with these entryway ideas to bring the entrance of your new home to life.
Opening the door to your home: the purpose of the entryway
The entrance hall is a pivotal transitional space that introduces the character and style of your home. It's the first area that greets you when you step inside front door, setting the stage for style and personality of the rest of the house.
As the gateway to your home, the entry area plays several roles:
1. First impressions: The entryway creates a first impression and warm welcome for you, your family and your visitors, a memorable introduction to your home's style, personality and ambiance. It sets the tone for the rest of the living space, offering a preview of what lies beyond.
2. Transitional space: As you cross the threshold into your home, the entryway acts as a buffer, gently easing you out of the chaos of the day and into the serenity of your living space. It's a transition zone designed to soothe your senses and prepare you for the comfort of home.
3. Functionality: The entry is where many practical tasks take place, such as removing coats and jackets, storing shoes and accessing essentials like keys, bags and umbrellas. Practical features like stylish storage solutions and seating help to keep this space organised.
4. Sense of arrival: An inviting home entry can evoke a sense of arrival and welcome, signalling to residents and guests alike that they have reached a place of comfort. It's a space where you can leave the stresses of the outside world behind and feel embraced by the familiarity of home.
Ideally the entryway should blend functionality with aesthetics to create a space that is practical and welcoming.
Entryway ideas for your new home build
As the threshold to your new abode, the entryway presents an introduction to your home's personality. Whether you envision a grand foyer or a contemporary minimalist entry, exploring entryway ideas as you plan your new home build can help to set the scene for the interior design of your entire home.
If you're unsure about how to translate your ideas into reality, talk to a Henley interior designer. Our designers are experts in space planning - they can help you decide what to include and what to leave out.
Together, you can consider the space as a whole, including practical needs such as entryway storage and how to create the look and feel you're after.
Consider the needs of your family
It's all about you
For some families, the entryway is a functional hub. From dropping off keys, backpacks and shoes to sorting through mail and packages, the entryway helps to keep the home organised and clutter-free.
If your focus is a functional, consider storage solutions like shelves, hooks, racks and baskets convenient seating and adequate lighting. Avoid crowding the space with too much furniture and choose hardy floors.
For others, it's all about creating a lovely foyer that looks good. In this case, ensure that the entry is spacious enough to provide a comfortable transition from the exterior to the interior of the home. Consider features such as front door width and ceiling height the enhance the foyer's visual appeal.
Create a seamless transition from the outside
Continuity is the key
The first thing to consider in entryway design is creating a seamless transition from the outside to the inside. Choosing a step-free entry threshold where the exterior and interior floor levels are aligned can help create a smoother entry.
If you have views from the front of your home or are planning a front garden, select wide front doors or a door incorporating glass panels to offer uninterrupted views.
Other ideas for continuity include choosing a façade with a front porch and a floor plan design with an open entryway once you step or walk through into the home. Also select lighting design that produces a smooth visual flow from the exterior to the interior during evening hours.
Functional elegance
Where style meets practicality
Efficient use of space is key. Consider the strategic placement of fixtures to maximise functionality without compromising on style.
Integrate features such as built-in cabinets, shelving units, storage benches or wall hooks to neatly store coats, shoes, bags and other essentials.
Incorporating a combination of lighting ensures the space is well-lit for all those critical tasks - like finding your keys!
Go for height and volume
Flood the space with natural light
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the entry space with natural light, making the even a small entryway feel warm and welcoming. This emphasis on light can highlight design features and contribute to a sense of expansiveness.
If the home is in a picturesque location, floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views that become a focal point of the entry. Showcasing stunning vistas, whether it's a garden, cityscape or natural scenery, can really make a statement.
Floor-to-ceiling windows also produce a perception of height and volume in the entry space. The uninterrupted vertical lines draw the eye upward, emphasising the room's grandeur. This effect can be especially impactful in entryways with high ceilings.
Ambient and task lighting
Decorative and functional
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and functionality of an entryway. Whether you prefer soft and inviting ambiance or bold and dramatic flair, lighting fixtures can help achieve the desired atmosphere.
To achieve optimal lighting in your entryway, consider layering different types of lighting fixtures - a combination of ambient, accent, directional and task lighting.
Ambient lighting
Ambient lighting provides overall illumination and sets the general mood of the entry area.
Accent lighting
Accent lighting adds depth and highlights focal points, contributing to a visually dynamic environment.
Task lighting
Task lighting serves a specific function, making it easier to do tasks such as using locks and activating alarms.
Directional lighting
Directional lighting such as spotlights or recessed lights can draw attention to feature elements, adding visual interest.
Adjustable track lighting or picture lights can be used to highlight artwork or focal points. Wall sconces provide both functional and decorative lighting, adding warmth and depth. Alternatively, recessed lighting offers subtle illumination that highlights design features or artwork.
Creating a grand entrance hall
Include a prominent focal point
If you're seeking to make a grand entrance, incorporating a prominent focal point into your entryway design is key. A focal point not only captures attention but also serves as the centrepiece around which the entire space revolves.
Consider features like captivating wall decor, an antique table or handmade furniture to elevate the visual appeal of your entrance.
A chandelier is the crowning jewel of any grand entrance hall. When selecting a chandelier, consider the size, scale and style of the space. A larger foyer with high ceilings can accommodate a sizeable chandelier with multiple tiers, intricate detailing and sparkling crystals or glass. For a small space with lower ceilings, opt for a more compact chandelier with a simpler design.
Whatever focal point you choose, ensure it harmonises with the scale and proportions of the space.
A stunning staircase makes an impression
Elegance defined
A stunning staircase can be the secret to a luxurious and elegant entry for a double storey home. Well-crafted stairs contribute to the visual continuity of the entry, seamlessly connecting different levels and enhancing the overall flow of the space. In homes with tall ceilings, an imposing staircase adds to the sense of grandeur, creating a majestic presence.
For an additional touch of luxury, think ornate railings, intricate balustrades or elaborate detailing. For a minimalist look go with white walls, floating stairs and a glass balustrade. This clean and streamlined look creates a sense of openness and airiness, allowing the staircase to become a focal point without overwhelming the space.
Don't forget storage
Minimise clutter and maximise organisation
While aesthetic elements like focal points and design details undoubtedly steal the show, effective storage solutions ensure the entryway suits the everyday needs of your family.
Clutter can quickly detract from its beauty, so it's crucial to keep items neatly organised and preferably out of sight. Consider carefully what you want to place on display and how any decor works together.
Storage options to enhance your entryway
Built-in cabinets: These offer ample space for coats, shoes, bags, keys and outdoor essentials, keeping them tucked away and out of sight.
Open shelving: Perfect for displaying decorative items such as family photos, open shelves offer stylish and flexible storage solutions. A single shelf can also be ideal for a trailing plant or small sculpture.
Storage benches: Serve a dual purpose by providing seating and hidden storage space beneath, an ideal place for seasonal accessories or pet supplies.
Hooks and racks: Wall-mounted options keep coats, hats, and scarves easily accessible and off the floor.
Console table with drawers: Offers a stylish solution for organising keys, mail and small items, keeping them tidy and within reach.
Custom storage solutions: Design bespoke storage options like built-in cabinets, closets or niche storage areas tailored to your needs.
Statement entryway furniture
Bespoke and custom pieces
Invest in elegant furniture pieces for the foyer. Each element, whether it's a bench upholstered in sumptuous fabric or a minimalist mirror with a striking gold frame acts as a focal point that anchors the entry area.
A grand foyer can accommodate an elegant console table, a luxurious bench or ottoman. These elements serve practical purposes and contribute to the luxurious aesthetic.
For a cleaner look, keep entryway furniture simple. Choose one item - a custom wooden bench, small table, console table or sideboard.
The final touches
Entryway decor
An home entrance may feature decorative elements or statement pieces like sculpture, art, photos or pendant lighting, adding a touch of personality and sophistication. Check out the list below for some decorating ideas.
Floor rugs: Entryway rugs are beautifully decorative, add comfort underfoot, protect flooring from wear and tear and can easily be changed in the future. Choose rugs with bold patterns, natural tones or luxurious textures complement your design scheme.
Decorative mirror: A wall mirror can create an illusion of space, making the entry area feel larger and more open. A mirror also comes in handy for a final outfit check before you leave the house.
Family photographs: Photos displayed in a gallery wall format can add a personal touch to your entryway, showcasing cherished memories and loved ones. Carefully select and arrange photographs to create a cohesive and visually appealing display that reflects your family's unique story and style.
Fresh greenery: Bring the outdoors in with plants, infusing the entryway with nature. Whether it's a lush fern, a trailing ivy or a sculptural succulent arrangement, plants bring vibrancy and life, making the entryway feel more dynamic and inviting.
Creating a beautiful entryway for your Henley home
In crafting the ideal entry for your new Henley home, every detail matters. Striking a balance between function and style, embracing continuity from the exterior to the interior and careful selection of materials and finishes will help set the scene for an entryway that ticks all the boxes.
Our beautiful home designs feature modern, functional layouts, spacious living zones, ample built-in storage spaces and loads of lifestyle potential. From the functionality of the entryway to the warmth of the dining room and multiple living areas, every detail has been carefully considered to create a home that sets the stage for life's smallest and biggest moments.
To get started on your journey, check out some of our single storey and double storey home designs and scroll through the façade options. Or, chat with our design team at a display centre near you.
