Welcome Home: 7 Tips for a Thoughtful Entryway

First impressions matter, and more often than not, home entryways are an afterthought. Whether you’re working with a large foyer or a small space, this is the area you see first when you enter your home, so it should set the tone for the rest of your abode and reflect your personal style. Read on for our Scouted interior experts’ tips on how to zhuzh your entryway into the welcoming space you and your guests deserve. To find a scouted interior designer near you, browse The Scout Guide Directory.

Interior design by Liz Hand Woods. Photography by Jean Allsopp.

All about architecture. If your entryway already boasts architectural interest, whether it be custom millwork, oversized windows, or a stylish staircase, the effort of designing an aesthetically pleasing space should be a cinch. “Entryways with architectural merit are often a piece of art in themselves,” explains Liz Hand Woods, owner of Liz Hand Woods Associates in Birmingham, Alabama. She recommends keeping your furnishings minimal and focusing on little details like a chic mirror to let your home’s design shine.

Interior design by Lisa Palmer of SummerHouse. Styling by Marty Smith. Photography by Jean Allsopp.

Start with something you love. Knowing where to start when designing this space can be overwhelming. Amanda McGown, senior interior designer at SummerHouse in Oxford, Mississippi, suggests choosing an element that speaks to you. “Start with something you love, like a certain color, a bold accessory, or a cherished piece of art, and curate your space around that element,” she says. “Using something that you’re drawn to can be a good jumping off point for you (or your interior designer), and allows the space to make a statement about yourself without ever speaking a word.”

Interior design by Liz Hand Woods. Photography by David Hillegas.

Welcome them warmly. To create an entryway that draws you in like a warm embrace, Woods suggests adding elements such as fresh flowers, a warm rug, an attractive table lamp or chandelier (always on a dimmer, please!). “A well-designed foyer can evoke an immediate emotional response and enhance your guests’ experience in your home,” she adds. “It should be a reflection of you and the design style featured throughout the space.”

Interior design by Susannah Holmberg Studios. Photography by Malissa Mabey.

Be bold. Ready to have some fun with your interior design? An entryway can be a great area to be a bit more experimental. Whether you opt to go full drama or just add a touch of playfulness, making daring choices in this generally smaller-scale space is a fun way to show off your personality. “I like an entry that has a wow factor,” shares Susannah Holmberg, owner and creative director of Susannah Holmberg Studios in Salt Lake City, Utah. “Like the first scene of a movie, it’s fun to grip the audience with art or an amazing light.”

Interior design by Visible Proof. Photography by Kate Thompson.

Attack it from all angles. It’s all about perspective, Kristi Lane, founder and managing principal of Visible Proof in Richmond, Virginia, shares, and therefore important to always design your entryway from every viewpoint. “What you see on the way out is just as important as what you experience on the way in. It’s the lasting impression that stays with you.”

Interior design by Liz Hand Woods. Photography by Jean Allsopp.

Art, always. A surefire way to add instant visual interest in your home is art, and this is no different in your entry space. Dana Clemons, owner of Clemons Design Co in Nashville, Tennessee, recommends being thoughtful about your selections. “I find that art is a very personal accessory, make sure it resonates with you and your home’s style,” she says. Clemons advises not to limit yourself to two dimensional art. A beautiful collection of 3D pieces, like antique shoe molds, a large tapestry, or a striking vessel, can be just as intriguing as an oil painting.

Interior design by Clemons Design Co. Photography by Ali Harper.

Focus on flooring. If you have the opportunity to design or redesign your entryway from the ground up, Clemons suggests prioritizing interesting flooring to properly highlight the space. If your home has hardwood, she proposes using the same hardwood that is used in adjacent rooms, but in a different pattern—like chevron—so the entryway feels more elevated. Want to move away from hardwood? Clemons recommends adding interest by using a large format tile for more sizable foyers or a small mosaic tile for quaint spaces.

Feature photo: interior design by Liz Hand Woods. Photography by Jean Allsopp. TSG Tip 451 from Liz Hand Woods, owner of Liz Hand Woods Associates in Birmingham, Alabama; Amanda Mcgown, senior interior designer at SummerHouse in Oxford, Mississippi; Susannah Holmberg, owner and creative director of Susannah Holmberg Studios in Salt Lake City, Utah; Kristi Lane, founder and managing principal of Visible Proof in Richmond, Virginia; Dana Clemons, owner of Clemons Design Co in Nashville, Tennessee. Liz Hand Woods Associates appears in The Scout Guide Birmingham. SummerHouse appears in The Scout Guide Jackson. Susannah Holmberg Studios appears in The Scout Guide Park City. Visible Proof appears in The Scout Guide Richmond. Clemons Design Co appears in The Scout Guide Nashville.