Aug 19, 2014 11:51
by Natasha Saroca
Close your eyes and try to picture your entryway. Is it cluttered? Boring? Old and tired? Or are you having trouble even visualising what it looks like?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, then it sounds like it’s time to jazz up that often-neglected area of the home. Need some inspiration? Check out these 10 high-impact decorating ideas for your entryway – they’re stylish, memorable and will stop guests in their tracks (in a good way, of course!) as soon as they walk in the door.
1. Make a bold statement
A bright look-at-me feature wall will instantly lift a lacklustre entrance. Choose a vibrant shade like cobalt blue or a zesty yellow, or if you want a darker hue that exudes sophistication, opt for classic black, a moody grey or navy. Complete the look with similarly striking artwork and decor.
2. Hang an eye-catching mirror
A large, decorative mirror will work wonders when it comes to reviving your entryway – it will not only add a punch of dazzling style to the space, but will make it appear brighter and more spacious, too. For a more eclectic look, arrange a cluster of smaller framed mirrors on your wall instead.
3. Work with clashing elements
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that everything in your home has to be matchy-matchy, especially when decorating your entryway. An eclectic, mismatched scheme makes for a space that oozes character and visual appeal – one that will definitely leave a lasting impression long after your guests have gone home.
4. Select statement lighting
An accent pendant light or chandelier is a stylish and unexpected touch that visitors will find impossible to ignore as soon as they walk through your door. Try a design that’s dramatic in style or a simple fitting in a stop-and-stare shade – regardless of which one you choose, it will be infinitely more exciting than downlights or a good ol’ oyster ceiling light.
5. Put your favourite kicks on display
Why hide your favourite heels and flats away in your bedroom when you can use them to create a fashionable and functional display right by your front door instead? Invest in a large, open shelving unit (or use one that you already have at home) that will accommodate several pairs of kicks with ease, along with any other decorative accents you’d like to add to the arrangement. After wearing your shoes, be sure to line them back up neatly on the shelf – this will ensure your entryway always looks chic, rather than cluttered and chaotic!
6. Add a stylish seat
If your entry is big enough, outfit the space with seating that’s practical but also packs a stylish punch, like the chic dip-dyed bench pictured above (DIY project, anyone?). Add another layer of interest to the area by throwing some plush, patterned cushions into the mix, which will make it appear more inviting, too.
7. Paint your door a bright hue
An easy way to energise your entry is to change the colour of your front door. Paint over that boring white surface or dull wood grain with an unexpected tone that pops, like a sunny yellow, high-impact hot pink or elegant emerald. You could definitely tackle this simple and surprisingly effective DIY project over a weekend!
8. Create a gallery wall
Do you have a collection of paintings, prints and other wall décor that’s currently tucked away in your cupboard because you’re not quite sure where to put the pieces on display? Dig them out and create a gallery wall that takes pride of place in your entryway – it will instantly revitalise the space and inject it with a hearty dose of character, too.
9. Team unexpected tones together
Rather than decorating your entry in classic (read: safe) tones from ceiling to floor, opt for a palette that’s punchy and oozes personality. If you consider yourself a daring home decorator, go crazy with wall paint, floor coverings and decor in a mix of eye-catching hues; or if you desire a look that’s more subtle in style (but still makes a statement), stick with a neutral base and introduce accents in contrasting shades to your scheme instead.
10. Introduce mixed prints
Clashing prints are oh-so fun and can instantly bring a bland room to life, which is why they’re the perfect design solution for entryways in need of a makeover. Our favourite pattern pairings? Floral and chevron, dual geometric motifs, leopard print with traditional patterns (think checks and houndstooth), and stripes with pretty much everything.