Making a Great First Impression with Your Entrance Hallway
Impress With Your Entrance Hallway
For many, an entryway is nothing more but a small room to greet guests and store shoes and jackets. Its functionality has become dominant and the potential for style and design forgotten. However small this space may be, it still is the first thing your guests experience when they enter your home. And there are no second chances to make a first impression. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways in which you can transform your hallway into a stylish and memorable space.
Lighting
There’s no reason you can’t be both practical and fashionable at the same time. An entryway is rarely a well-lit area, which gives you a great opportunity for some elegant lighting. While you should always strive towards having sufficient light, that doesn’t mean it needs to be as bright as possible all the time. Opt for a layered lighting system and combine natural light with a hanging bulb or pendant lights, lamps or spotlights. A great lighting piece can add much to the aesthetic aspect of your home.
Mirrors
Having a hallway mirror comes as a natural choice. You’ll always want to have that last glance at yourself before you step out. Choosing a mirror really lets you show your creativity. Whatever the size may be, a magnificent frame will truly make it a piece of art. A large mirror will be the focal point, and a small one will add accent. A great decision either way.
Space
On the one hand, there is much you can do to add that touch of amazing to this small part of your home, yet sometimes, it is really too small to allow either functionality or style. This is the point when you should consider making it wider – removing or repositioning the walls to get that much needed extra space. Not only will you finally have that storage room you were craving, but you will also literally make room for creativity. Furthermore, any investment in the improvement of your home will ultimately pay off once you decide to sell. Indeed, in a recent study, 89% of Australians believe that renovations will increase the value of their property, so it’s a practical and strategic move.
Functional furniture
Once you get the desired size, it’s time to talk furniture. Storage is still a priority, so look for multifunctional space-saving pieces that complement the rest of your home. There is also the option of having wall hanging pieces which will allow for some additional space. You and your guests will definitely find it more comfortable to actually sit down to get in or out of your shoes, thus a bench is a way to go.
You can definitely never have too much coat storage. There is an array of stunning wall hook designs that were made to impress, which can come with a small shelf on top so you can store smaller items.
Drawers are a lifesaver when it comes to practicality. They can be part of an elegant piece of furniture with a tabletop to hold a lamp or a decorative item. But what they hold inside is nobody’s business but your own. When you storm into the house after a long day, you’re free to empty your pockets into it. Always pretty on the outside, the mess inside always stays secret.
Colour
The colour scheme of such a small space speaks volumes about your taste. Choose a rug that really pops and adds a vibrant touch to the whole space. It’ll draw attention to the floor as well as emphasize the length of the entryway.
The least expensive, yet the most effective way to update any room is paint. If you lack natural light and your hallway is small, choosing the right paint will make it appear wider and brighter. Another way to light up your walls is wallpaper. They have the power to create an illusion of space and display bold prints that will add a dimension of grace to your hall. It needs to respect the architecture, but also reflect the homeowner’s preferences.
If you have enough space left on your walls, and the décor allows it, why not design your own art gallery? It is a great place to display a collection of art and photos that are meaningful to you and your family. It is firstly there for your eyes, but your guests will appreciate the personal touch.
Greenery and flowers
Let’s not forget about greenery. Add some life by grouping potted plants at different heights or add a large bouquet of flowers into space. Interesting tall floor plants like cacti and large palms will surely make a statement.
Do not underestimate your entrance hallway. This small space can do wonders for the overall appeal of your home.
Author ~ Bethany Seton
