The Anatomy of an Entryway

I tend to get a lot of questions about my approach to designing each corner of my home. But one of the most common requests? It all comes down to styling an entryway. As the first impression of a home, an entrance sets the tone for all your design plans, and in my humble opinion, doesn’t always get the attention it deserves.

Over the years, we’ve put a lot of love into revamping our entryway, starting with a front door swap, some vertical shiplap, and all the styling pieces that bring a layered sense of character. Styling an entryway isn’t a science, per se, there are five key elements most well-designed entries have in common. I’m breaking down basics with all my favorites to help bring the look to your space, too.

 

Design: The Identite Collective | Photography: Madeline Harper

 

Shop My Entryway

Front Door | Door Handle | Console Table | Table Lamp | Lamp Shade

Straw Bag | Shades | Shiplap | Rug | Picture Light | Paint Color

 

 

CONSOLE TABLES

 

I like to think of a console table as the foundational anchor to styling an entryway. It’s where the eye will be immediately drawn upon stepping inside your home. Not to mention its necessary function of holding everything else. Console tables come in all shapes and sizes, but there are a few that continue to catch my eye.

 

 

Interior Design: Lindsey Brooke Design | Photography: Amy Bartlam

 

MIRRORS

 

My philosophy for entryway mirrors? Go big or go home. I particularly love a large round mirror when the space calls for it. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to double check your look before heading out the door.

 

 

 

Interior Design: Amber Interiors | Photography: Tessa Neustadt

Interior Design: Park & Oak Design

 

RUGS

 

Nothing warms up an entryway like a well-placed rug. They also help to visually divide what can otherwise feel like a vastly open space. Just make sure to opt for a rug that’s super durable and can stand up to foot traffic day in and day out.

 

 

 

Interior Design: Marie Flanigan Interiors

 

 

LIGHTING

 

Perhaps the most overlooked element of styling an entryway is lighting. You can’t go wrong with a large table lamp, and you can even style a set of two depending on the length of your console table. I also decided to add a picture light above the art in my entryway, and haven’t regretted it one bit.

 

 

 

Design: My Cozy Corner

Design: The Identite Collective | Photography: Madeline Harper

 

STYLING ACCESSORIES

 

Ok, now for the fun stuff. Styling an entryway gives you the opportunity mix and match accessories that really speak to your style. Try using a combination of stacked books, layered beads, decorative objects, vases, trays and more. Hot tip: designate a single tray or bowl to hold all your ‘leaving the house’ essentials. You’ll never waste time hunting for your keys again.

 

 

Have an entryway that’s ready for its close-up? Tag us with #IDCOatHome and you just might appear in our next monthly round-up, right here on the blog.

 

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For more interior design inspiration, have a look at these posts:

• The Best Kitchen Paint Colors in 2020
• The New Look of Open Shelving
• Trending: Linear + Sculptural Lighting
• The Color Trends We’re Obsessed With

 

And for more information on creative business strategy:

• Why We Created Custom IDCO Website Templates
• The Exact Formula We Use for Stunning Mood Boards
• How to Run a Creative Business
• Branding Your Portfolio
• What to Do When Instagram Goes Down
• Why Your Interior Design Brand Needs a Media Kit

 

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IDCO Studio is a full-service creative studio for interior designers and boutique lifestyle brands. Offering bespoke branding, web design and social media content creation, we help brands built around beautiful living elevate their digital presence to represent the physical spaces they design. Our recently launched limited-release website templates are the perfect way for interior designers to get a luxury website on a budget. These templates allow designers to maintain control of their content. Want to work together? Shoot us an inquiry here.