Actor, singer, and businesswoman Jessica Simpson is quite the home decorator. Peruse her Instagram account, and you'll see snaps of her winding spiral staircase, dark wood walls, and stained glass windows. It's clear that thought and intention have gone into making her house a home, and this has extended to her front entryway color palette.
A recent post shows the multi-hyphenate posing in front of her blue-wallpapered entryway, decorated with a gold console table and a framed painting. The subtle floral wallpaper and whimsical artwork create a dark yet serene ambiance – and it's no accident that this is present at the entrance of the home.
'Your entryway is the first point of entry. It should shout out to you that ‘I am home’ every time you step through the front door, that you are in your favorite and most comfortable place in the world,' says David Harris, Design Director of global design brand Andrew Martin, 'It should also give your guests an insight into you who you are, and what your house and interior say about you.'
As the entryway is the entry point for guests, Harris recommends putting as much attention into decorating it as one would with their living room or kitchen. It's all about making a good impression.
'Choose colors that set off your favorite piece of art, textiles, photographs, or whatever you wish to adorn your walls with,' he says. 'Color blocks are great and very popular and add real interest to a space. Entryways are the busiest thoroughfare of your house; it needs to be practical and stand the test of time.'
Jessica's choice to use a dark wallpaper is strategic, explains David, as it can make small spaces feel bigger.
'Dark colors under the dado rail with fresh white woodwork and light colors above work really well to hide any scuffs and marks. It adds lots of light to what can be narrow spaces this way. Painted paneling and built-in cupboards to store away unwanted bags and coats are a great addition, and when painted in a durable satin finish, they add a really smart edge to the space. Entryways project the first impression of your interior, so give it some love.'
