A home’s entrance is more than just a place to kick off your shoes and drop your mail and car keys; it’s a transit zone between inside and out – a space that allows a change of pace from a busy life to the comfort of home.
It’s the first room our friends and family see when they visit, the first room potential buyers see, and the room we leave and enter by every single day, so creating a welcoming and functional area is an absolute must.
Entrances come in all shapes and sizes. Some are entirely separate rooms, others enter straight into the living room, and others are simply hallways with doors leading to various rooms.
No matter the shape or style, a welcoming and lasting impression is achievable.
More than a fancy welcome mat, an entrance can be anything you want it to be, reflecting the personality and the lives of those in the home. Think of it as the first chapter of a good book … if you like the first page, you’ll keep reading!
So, how do we make an impact with our entrance?
Start before it starts
Take a look at what is happening before the door is even open.
Clean up the verandah or doorstep. Pot plants or a bench seat will begin the journey beautifully.
You’re looking now, aren’t you?
Can you make an impact with your front door? If your budget doesn’t allow for a new one, paint the old one with a bold gloss colour – gorgeous!
Keep it neat
As the landing place for kids, guests, and even pets, it’s too easy to let clutter stack up and take over.
A hall table with drawers or a bowl will help keep items like mail keys and sunglasses from looking messy.
A few coat hooks keep school and handbags off the floor and are also great for hats and coats. Be creative with your coat hooks; they can become a design feature.
If you tend to take off shoes at the front door, a beautiful basket or cupboard nearby to stash them in can be handy.
Take a seat
A seat is an excellent addition to the hallway if you have the room available.
If your entrance is part of the home, such as the lounge room, a comfy chair with a side table can create a separate zone to separate the space.
Light it up
Light can make all the difference, no matter the size of your entrance. Generally, not a space that gets a considerable amount of natural light; a lamp or hanging light will add personality and much-needed brightness.
Reflection
A statement mirror will not only reflect light but also create a sense of space and be a personal checkpoint before you leave home – hair in place, t-shirt not back to front, two matching shoes…check!
Rugs and runners
If your entrance is a hallway, a hall runner is an excellent way of leading your guests into the heart of the home. It also adds a sense of warmth to a long, empty space.
Small entrance rugs add warmth and colour, creating a more welcoming environment.
Candle power
Make your home not only look and feel great but smell gorgeous! Keep a scented candle in the entrance for special occasions and everyday yumminess.
How are you going to make an entrance with your entrance?
Donna Etchells - McGrath Estate Agents 