The best way to welcome your guests and even yourself after a long day at work besides a refreshing drink is a beholding sight of a clean and inviting entryway. How do you achieve this?
Clear the Clutter- If you do not have an entryway closet, invest in a good coat rack. You can find some beautiful wood or brass racks that are stylish, yet big enough to handle all of your coats. When the season changes pack away the outerwear that is no longer needed instead of leaving it on the rack. You can now use the rack for light jackets, summer hats, or umbrellas. You can also often find an umbrella holder that will compliment the coat rack.
Make the entryway attractive by painting it a new color or repainting the old color. This way, the space will look fresh. If you want a different motif, consider a shade that looks inviting and cheery. You can also paint a neutral shade then mix it with a brighter color for a dramatic effect.
Decorate the Area- Even if the entrance area is not separate from the rest of the home, you can easily make it feel as such with your decorations. Choose light and lively wall hangings to bring a sense of warmth to the area. If the entranceway to your home leads directly into your living room, consider placing a large piece of furniture, such as a sofa to create a feeling of separation between the two areas.
Another decorating idea is to have a screen door. The light, both natural and artificial passing through the screen will make the area look more inviting. Remind your children to use the door handle instead of the bad habit of pushing and letting the door bang closed in order to avoid damaging the screen door.
Lighting- This is also an important aspect of any entranceway. Make sure the lighting in the area is not so bright as to cause difficulties seeing who is at the door. However, you want to make sure the area is well lit to prevent any falls. This is one area of the home that is often overlooked for variable lighting, but can really be a nice touch.
Lastly, adding some other thoughtful decors such as a shoe shelf and more durable area rugs for floor protection (this is a high-traffic area) will make your entryway an ideal space for coming home and visiting your home. Remember, first impressions may not always be true, but they certainly last.
