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Hello my lovely readers! Today we're doing a deep dive into all the things that are essential when DIY-ing an entryway where function meets fabulous, and style welcomes you home with open arms!
You know that moment when you walk into a friend's perfectly curated entryway? Complete with a charming bench, a strategically placed mirror to check your hair, and a sneaky storage solution that effortlessly hides all the "oh-no-where-did-I-put-that" clutter. Meanwhile, your own entryway feels like a chaotic obstacle course, with shoes flung everywhere, keys mysteriously vanishing into thin air, and coats hanging precariously from doorknobs.
Well, fear not, my overwhelmed friend! We have all been there. So let's dive into the marvelous world of meshing function and fashion.
Setting the stage
When it comes to your home, first impressions are everything. Will your guests think that you just moved in? Or that your home looks copy and pasted from a furniture catalog? No! We want it to say, "I live here, this is me!"
But first and foremost the entryway is the first impression given of the interior of your home. Your entryway serves as the grand opening act, setting the stage for the unique story that unfolds within your home. It is the first glimpse your guests have of your personal style, welcoming them into a world carefully curated by you.
An entryway acts as a captivating prelude to the rest of your home, which is why I think that it deserves just as much time and thought as any other room in your home. This is the space that sets the tone of your home and how you want yourself and others to feel there.
So, my advice? First, consider the tone of your home and what you want your guests to feel. Consider what you want to feel when you walk in the door. Do you want to feel energized, or serene? This can help you lock down the overall aesthetic you want to create, as this will guide your choices of furniture, colors, and decor. But most importantly, consider what will make you happy, everytime you walk through the door.
Maximizing your space
A well-designed entryway is not just about making a stylish statement; it is about creating a space that effortlessly accommodates the ebb and flow of everyday life. Our goal is to create a space where you can seamlessly grab your keys, find that last-minute umbrella, and still be on-time (and not have to come home and deal with the tornado that swept through).
The key lies in maximizing every inch of your entryway, transforming it into a multitasking marvel. Here are my top 3 tips to do just that:
Everything Has an Easy-to-Access Home: If you cannot give it a home, you need to declutter. If you cannot access/find it in under 30 seconds, you need to declutter. I said what I said, friend, sometimes all I have to offer is the cold, hard truth.
Utilize Vertical Space: Utilize wall space to hang hooks, or shelves. If you have a closet add shelves above or under a coat rack. Use every inch you can. And if you are lucky enough to have space, include cubbies, or even better yet, cabinets. If you don't have a lot of space to work with, consider a slim entryway table, or even a mounted shelf.
Reallocate Non-Essential Items: Lastly, if you are still having space issues after these tips, move all non-essential items to a different spot in your home.
creating a focal point
The secret to the success of any room design is creating a focal point. Even in an entryway, where it is often smaller and acts as a passthrough to the rest of the house, it is important to have a focal point. By strategically placing this focal point in your entryway, you command attention and leave a lasting impression on anyone who enters. It becomes a conversation starter, a visual delight that sets the stage for the aesthetic journey that awaits within your home.
Ok, Ally, so how do we actually create this focal point you keep talking about? Ok, ok, I hear you. Here are my top 5 tips to do just that:
Choose a Statement Piece: Select a your standout element that instantly grabs attention. It could be striking vintage artwork, an ornate mirror, a unique furniture piece, or an intricate wall treatment. Opt for something that reflects your personal style and helps set the desired tone for your home.
Consider Scale + Proportion: Ensure that your focal point is proportionate to the space. A large, commanding console table in a small entryway may overwhelm, and cramp the space. While a tiny mirror in a spacious entry will go unnoticed and make the entry look underwhelming.
Strategic Placement: Position your focal point in a way that naturally draws the eye. Center it on a prominent wall or align it with the entryways' focal axis. Experiment with different angles and heights to find the most visually appealing placement.
Lighting Magic: Illuminate your focal point with clever lighting. Spotlight it with a directed light source or consider adding a decorative light fixture that enhances its presence. The right lighting can add depth and drama to your focal point.
Complementing Elements: Surround your focal point with complementary design elements. Layer in smaller decorative pieces, such as vases, sculptures, or plants, that enhance the visual appeal and add depth to the overall composition. Be wary of adding items that are too small so that you add too many. Opt for slightly larger objects that fill the space more effectively but are still proportionate to the space available.
The world of furniture is vast and finding affordable, practical, and stylish storage options, while difficult, is not impossible. The biggest thing to consider are options that can help you hide your organized clutter, so that your focal point and complementing elements can shine! Check out some of my budget-friendly recommendations.
Adding your personality
I would personally say this is one of the most important sections of this blog post. Any space in your home should represent you! It is vital especially that you infuse your entryway with personal touches that reflect your unique style and personality.
Try displaying curated artwork, framed photographs, or a collection of your prized vintage objects that hold sentimental value. Also, incorporate a statement rug or runner that complements the overall design and sets the stage for the rest of your home. Maybe you want to display family photos, a vase of fresh flowers (these faux stems look SO real, cut out the upkeep of real ones!), or a decorative tray to corral small items. Make sure you make a statement to show off your style!
Curating the details
To achieve a cohesive and polished look, pay attention to small details. Coordinate your hardware finishes, such as doorknobs, drawer pulls, and light fixtures, for a unified aesthetic.
Selecting the right furniture pieces can transform your entryway to a stylish focal point. Also, consider furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes. A statement mirror not only adds depth and light but also serves as a convenient last-minute check before leaving the house. Consider a stylish bench or a pair of chic accent chairs to provide seating for putting on shoes, and to create a welcoming ambiance.
From maximizing every inch of your space, to setting the tone with adding your unique personality, embrace the challenge of meshing function and fashion! Let's open the doors to elegance and functionality, one step at a time.
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