Create an Entryway
Many homes have a front door that opens directly into the living room. Small homes, open concept homes, and ranch style homes are often not designed with that particular feature. How can we create such a space without tearing down or adding walls? Let’s explore.
I’ve only lived in one home that had what I would call a true entryway from the front door. That space was created in a large room and there was a pony wall that separated the front door space from the living space. The entryway was a full 5 feet wide and the pony wall ran about 4 feet into the room that measured 12 feet along that wall, creating a rather square space on its own. However, I used a few tricks to extend that length.
Do not underestimate the effect of furniture and rug placement when trying to create an entryway where none exists, or when you want to enlarge a space, so it accommodates guests and family members. It’s probably easier than you think!
One way to easily create an entryway using furniture placement is to create a “walkway” behind a sofa parallel to the wall you will use. If your room is deep enough, you can place a long console type table behind the sofa or on the opposite wall, which will give you a landing spot for keys, purses, etc. Consider a table or narrow dresser that has drawers, so you have plenty of storage to keep those things tidy and out of sight.
Another strategy is to use a carpet runner to extend the length of the entryway. In the home I was describing earlier, I placed an 8 foot runner directly in front of the door. That still left us with a clear 4 foot opening into the room. I had a complimentary rug in the attached room. The room itself did not feel small or cut off at all and the entryway felt like it was a generous size.
Some simple strategies you could incorporate into creating this special space include a wall mirror, a lamp, a place to sit and remove your shoes, and a green plant. Mirrors are not only decorative, but they are also useful at the front door! You can check your hair before opening the door to guests, put on your lipstick before heading out and the reflection will bounce light around the room. Placing a lamp on your table will provide a warm welcome. A potted green plant breathes life into a room. I am not usually a proponent of using hooks for coats and bags in a front entrance, but if you do not have a nearby coat closet, it might be a good idea, especially if your home is informal. A well-placed bench or chair by the door, along with some place to store shoes, is very practical if you have room.
Depending on how your room is situated, you might be able to hang wallpaper or paint the wall a complimentary color. Wall art can help define the entryway too. I have seen some beautiful “slat walls”, which is a more practical option than building a full wall and really looks good when you have a modern style home. Think of your created entryway as a room and decorate according to your taste while keeping all the important functions in mind.
In my home that I was describing earlier, I did not have a lamp in the entryway, but a beautiful wall sconce next to the mirror. Our home was not formal, but the wall sconce matched the chandelier in the adjoining room, and it brought it all together. Both the chandelier and wall sconce were art deco inspired with colorful and interesting lines. My point is, if you separate the space into living room and entryway, you still want the two “rooms” to talk to each other.
If you like to explore what kind of decor style suits you the best, the internet is a great tool to use. Some of the styles that are most popular right now are cottage core, modern farmhouse (still), transitional, and even grandma core (look that one up!). Just plug a couple of key words into the search engine to get tips and tricks on how you want to decorate. Once you have decided whether you want to change your present décor or look for examples on how to tie two “rooms” together, the living room and the entryway, just go with it and have fun!
