7 Design Mistakes You Might be Making In Your Entryway

Today we want to share with you something special:

Explore the entry decorating mistakes you may be making and how they are preventing you from creating the entry of your dreams

The driveway is your home's chance to make a first impression, so it definitely deserves a little love. “When guests arrive at your home, this is their first look, and the entrance should set the tone for the aesthetics of the home's design,” explains designer Rebecca Johnston.

1. Keeping Too Much Clutter

This is essential for both large and small items. Shoes, mail, and other debris entering and leaving the home should not appear at your point of arrival.

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And the same goes for jackets - they need to be arranged in an organized, if not completely hidden way. If you can't hide coats in a closet, make sure the hanger is attractive and organized.

2. Not Adding Intrigue

Now is not the time to be shy when it comes to visual appeal and intrigue. "An entrance should be interesting and make you want to see more of the house," explains designer Emma Beryl. "Since these spaces tend to be smaller, people sometimes tend to play it safe and not use high-impact parts."

Beryl highly recommends being a bit sassy, if that suits you. "In my opinion, a smooth entry is a huge missed opportunity and it's important to layer colors, patterns and textures here, just like you would anywhere else," she says.

Adds designer Kim Armstrong, this is a must due to the design of a doorway. "A lobby is a place that has multiple entry points and is necessary for the flow of traffic, and that doesn't allow many places to create layers of interest," she says. “Your design choices should be bold and make a statement. "

You're not sure where to start? Create an interesting and attractive focal point up front, Hoech suggests, and avoid presenting a blank wall. Don't forget to incorporate one or two significant touches as well.

"Entrance is the first thing you and your guests see upon entering, so make it personal," says Meg Young, founder of Cailini Coastal. "Add a piece of art that is very special, include a family heirloom, or add photos of your family in frames."

These little additions will not only give guests a hint about your values, but will also bring endless joy over time. Young notes, "Seeing the things and people you love when you first walk in is the best welcome."

3. Using Lackluster Lighting

Fixtures alone, like large-scale chandeliers, are one way to make a big impact. "This piece should make a statement on its own," explains Armstrong.

Make sure the selected part is large enough. Armstrong adds that "I often think that people are not thinking about the shape of the lobby and therefore select chandeliers that are either too small or not large enough to fill the vertical space in the lobby."

He also think about how bright or dull his space is and adjust accordingly. "If you have a very strong overhead light in the hall, set a dimmer switch to allow for softer light," says Amy Leferink. "Another option is to place a lamp on a table in the entrance console for a soft ambient light."

4. Forgoing Function

Although clutter needs to be kept under control, your gateway should have a purpose and make your daily life easier.

"Yes, you want your entryway to be beautiful and set the tone for the home, but it should also serve a function for your family and guests," explains Mimi Meacham.

But, you can still select stylish pieces that will speak to you in the process. “A stylish umbrella for keys, a stylish umbrella stand for rainy days when you're running out the door, and a console with drawers to hide other items are things to consider when decorating your front door,” Young explains.

And don't forget shoe storage, she encourages designer Becky Shea, who points out that even a boot tray will solve the problem.

"Often I go into houses without shoes and the shoes are scattered all over the hall," she reflects. "I think it is very important to put a shoe rack or a basket to keep everything organized and out of the way of becoming a stumbling block."

5. Skimping on Rug Size

Lefarink says he often sees people using area rugs that are very small in their entrances, so he advises buying a 3-by-5-foot rug minimum. "If you choose a rug the size of a 2 x 3-foot doormat, it doesn't allow anyone to enter the room and it's very strange," she explains.

6. Not Hanging a Mirror

Who doesn't want to quickly glance at their reflection before running to the office or coming home after a long day?

“Although not a requirement, a mirror in a hallway is the perfect balance between form and function,” explains designer Elaine Burns. "This will make this small, sometimes narrow area appear larger, as well as being a convenient way to check your appearance before you leave."

7. Ignoring Scent

You want your home to smell calm and welcoming, both for you and your visitors.

"Personally, I love walking into a house and immediately understanding the smell of space," says Shea. "Adding candles or diffusers is a welcoming touch that immediately transcends the feeling of being at home."