Much like the opening scene of a film, a home's entryway sets the scene. It gives visitors an initial look at what is to come, and as such, thoughtful planning and tasteful decor is crucial to making a good first impression.
Filmmaker and honorary interior design tastemaker Nancy Meyers naturally does an excellent job at ensuring the entryway is a focal point of the home. A recent Instagram post shows off a stone table holding a magnificent bouquet of flowers, as well as glass-encased candles, with a soothing gray painted wall behind it.
Though minimally decorated, Meyers' entryway is proof that a little goes a long way – rather than clutter a space with tons of accessories, experts say that carefully curating an entryway's fixtures is the first step to creating a welcoming area.
'Investing time and thought into staging your entryway can significantly enhance the appeal and functionality of your home,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'With the right accessories and a clear vision, you can transform this often-overlooked space into a captivating and welcoming entry point.'
A solid base is essential for any entryway. We love Meyers' long, smooth table, and Lichtenstein agrees that a console can make or break a home's entrance.
'A console table offers both style and functionality,' she says. 'It provides a surface for decorative elements like vases, lamps, and trays while offering storage for keys, mail, and other essentials. Choose a table with a design that fits your space—sleek and minimalist for modern homes or rustic and ornate for traditional ones.'
More atmospheric accessories are important as well. For example, dimly lit or highly fluorescent entryways are not ideal; an entrance should be well-lit and visually engaging.
'Lighting is crucial in an entryway as it creates an inviting ambiance,' Lichtenstein explains. 'A statement chandelier, pendant light, or elegant sconce can instantly elevate the space. Consider fixtures with unique designs or materials (twine, crystals, wood) that echo your home's overall aesthetic.'
Adjacent to illumination, having a reflective feature can add dimension to an entryway as well.
She continues, 'Mirrors are versatile entryway staples. They not only make the space feel larger and brighter but also provide a last-minute check before you head out the door. Find a mirror with an eye-catching frame that complements your decor.' For a Meyers-inspired starting point, we're topping our console with a flower-filled vase and, of course, the perfect vase for our candle.
Designing an entryway are also an opportunity for creativity to shine through. Lichtenstein says that statement pieces are not only suggested but encouraged to make an entryway feel unique.
'Personalize your entryway with art and decorative accents,' Lichtenstein says. 'Whether it's a gallery wall of family photos, a piece of artwork, a vase of flowers, or decorative objects like geodes, sculptures, or plants, these elements add character and make the space feel like an extension of your home. Personalized artwork completed by the family or treasures collected from travels abroad can add a special touch.'
Finally, consider making the entryway a place that guests can linger in.
'A bench or a pair of chairs add practicality and comfort to an entryway, as well as storage underneath,' Lichtenstein says. 'They provide a place to sit while putting on or taking off shoes, making the area more user-friendly. Live edge wood or upholstered seating can introduce texture and color, enhancing the visual appeal.'
We particularly love the glass enclosures over the candles in Meyers' entryway. Unexpected accents like those can elevate the space despite their simplicity and accessibility. It's a no-brainer for us.
