It’s the first and last area in your home that you and your guests see. The front door entryway – or foyer depending on your homes architecture – deserves your design attention. Entryways come in all shapes and sizes, yet all welcome guests and residents. In some homes the entryway also functions as a storage area for items such as keys, shoes, purses, mail, hats and coats. The overall function of the entryway will determine the organizational design.
Above, the gracious pair of multipane cross-buck doors greets guests to the retreat cottage of Detroit-based designer Stephen Knollenberg. This traditional entrance hall features a beautifully carved early-20th-century five-legged table with a 19th century copper street lantern suspended above it. The mounted wood folk art walking stick on the table looks American, yet was purchased at a Parisian flea market. The large woven basket is perfect to store shoes, backpacks or small sporting equipment.
This warm and inviting foyer by designer Suzanne Kasler features a custom damask wallpapered ceiling by Walter Knabe and empire chandelier. It coordinates beautifully with the persimmon floor length draperies in fabric by Holland & Sherry. If the space is large enough, a desk is a nice furniture piece in the entryway and serves many functions. It’s a great place to display floral arrangements, home accessories as well as storage for small items. I’m also a fan of benches in entryways – love how Kasler placed one below the far gallery wall of artwork.
Keeping it simple and clutter free. This long and narrow entryway looks great with simply a small bench and light fixture. The black and white tile floor makes quite an impact and defines the space nicely.
This stunning New York City condominium foyer by designer, Charlotte Moss welcomes its guests with custom wallpaper made from 18th century architectural engravings from Le Rouge. Mirrors are also great in an entrance. In this room, Moss adds a convex mirror centered over the antique demilune table to create a nice focal point. The table is also symmetrically accessorized with faux marble obelisks flanking a silver cachepot. She makes it look so easy!
Ahhh – beautiful form meets practical function. This small entry is loaded with all the right design elements. The lighting design includes natural light from the front door’s window and a perfect proportioned whimsical chandelier. My favorite element however, is the floating shelf with storage drawers – great to store small items such as keys or mittens.
This last entryway clearly serves several functions and I think would be a great design for a mudroom. The clock, calendar and wall storage bins help this busy family keep organized and information centralized. The baskets – color coded for each individual – are perfect for storing shoes, small bags and sweaters. The tile floor is also practical for an entryway in snow or beach terrains.
*images from Architectural Digest, Organize, Notebook, Veranda
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