The entryway is the first impression of your home, serving as a transitional space that needs to balance both aesthetic appeal and practicality. However, designing an entryway can be complex, and certain common mistakes can detract from its functionality and visual charm. Here, we explore six entryway design mistakes that interior designers recommend avoiding to create a neat, orderly, and visually appealing environment.
Avoiding Chunky or Slippery Rugs
The Hazards of Chunky Rugs
Entryways are high-traffic areas where quick movements are frequent, and such rugs can pose trip hazards and slow down people rushing out the door. Shani Core of Shani Core Interiors emphasizes the potential danger of these rugs. To mitigate this issue, she recommends using less chunky rugs accompanied by rug pads to prevent slipping. When choosing a rug for the entryway, the focus should be on both safety and appearance. Less chunky rugs provide a sleek look without causing potential hazards, ensuring the entryway remains both functional and visually appealing.
The Problem with Natural Fiber Rugs
Lauren Gilberthorpe from Lauren Gilberthorpe Interiors advises against using jute and sisal rugs. These natural fiber rugs, while common choices, are prone to staining in entryways where dirty shoes are prevalent. Often, these rugs require more maintenance and become an added chore for homeowners. Instead, Lauren suggests opting for durable fabric rugs in darker colors or patterns that can endure wear and tear and are easy to clean. Thus, while rugs can add character to entryways, their material and thickness are crucial considerations. By choosing a rug that balances durability and ease of cleaning, homeowners can maintain a visually appealing yet practical entryway.
The Drawbacks of Open Shelving
Cluttered Appearance
Open shelves might seem advantageous for displaying items, but they easily become cluttered with shoes, bags, and other belongings, detracting from the entryway’s allure. According to interior designer Lauren, open shelving can fail to maintain a clean and organized appearance. Cluttered shelves can make an otherwise organized space appear chaotic and uninviting. Thus, despite their initial appeal, open shelves often require constant maintenance to ensure they do not become overrun with miscellaneous items, ultimately diminishing the overall aesthetic charm of the entryway.
Concealed Storage Solutions
Shani adds that a console table with drawers and baskets underneath is a better alternative. This provides concealed storage and keeps the space tidy while offering a designated spot for purses, gifts, keys, and mail. The combination of an elegant piece of furniture with strategic storage solutions enhances both functionality and aesthetics in entryways. Concealed storage ensures that entryways remain clutter-free, contributing to a polished and orderly atmosphere. Such solutions also provide a more sophisticated look compared to open shelving, enhancing the overall design of the entryway.
Prominently Displaying Coats and Shoes
The Issue with Wall Hooks
Wall hooks, while practical, can transform into cluttered coat mountains instead of the envisioned tidy arrangement. Lucy Derbyshire, founder at Studio QD, notes that excessive coat hooks can disrupt the aesthetic harmony of the entryway. The sight of multiple coats and shoes in plain view can make the space feel cramped and untidy. Wall hooks often become overburdened, leading to a cluttered and chaotic appearance, which detracts from the entryway’s functionality and visual appeal.
Concealed Coat Storage
She recommends concealed coat storage to ensure a tidy and spacious feel, which is crucial for making a positive first impression. Solutions such as entryway wardrobes offer ample storage for family coats and shoes, helping to maintain a clutter-free environment. By keeping these items out of sight, homeowners can achieve a more polished and organized entryway. Concealed storage not only enhances the entryway’s appearance but also improves its functionality, providing a designated space for outerwear that keeps the area tidy and inviting.
The Problem with Umbrella Stands
Clutter Traps
Umbrella stands might seem useful, but they often become clutter traps for umbrellas, hats, scarves, gloves, and dog leads, creating an unsightly mess. Lauren points out that umbrella stands are prone to accumulating various items, making them visually unappealing. The accumulation of disparate items in umbrella stands can disrupt the entryway’s aesthetic order. Therefore, while umbrella stands might initially seem practical, their propensity for collecting clutter makes them a less favorable choice for maintaining a neat and organized entryway.
Alternative Solutions
Instead, she recommends wall-mounted solutions or a designated spot near the door to keep umbrellas accessible yet out of sight. This approach prevents the entryway from appearing overcrowded with miscellaneous items, preserving its neatness and order. Wall-mounted solutions not only save space but also contribute to a more streamlined and organized entryway design. By adopting these alternatives, homeowners can avoid the clutter traps associated with umbrella stands, ensuring the entryway remains both practical and visually appealing.
Using Loose Door Mats
Shifting and Appearance Issues
Loose mats can shift around, giving the home a less sophisticated appearance. Lucy highlights that loose mats can detract from the overall look of the entryway. The constant movement of loose mats can also pose a safety hazard and make the entryway look untidy. Mats that easily shift can be a nuisance, often requiring regular adjustment to maintain a clean and orderly appearance. This not only affects the visual appeal but can also compromise the entryway’s functionality.
Integrated Mats
She advocates for integrated mats that sit flush with the flooring, offering a seamless look and covering a larger surface area for practical use. Built-in mats also contribute to a more polished appearance, enhancing the overall entryway design. Punteha van Terheyden, head of Solved, shares her experience with a built-in jute doormat that covers half her small entryway. Its durability and ease of cleaning make it a practical and visually appealing choice. Integrated mats not only provide a sophisticated look but also enhance the entryway’s functionality, ensuring a clean and orderly space.
Excessive Decor
The Temptation to Overdecorate
Though the temptation to fill the space with decorative items exists, too many pieces can make the entryway feel cramped. Lauren advises keeping decor simple to maintain visual interest without overwhelming the space. Excessive decor can make the entryway feel cluttered and disorganized, thereby detracting from its visual appeal and functionality. A minimalist approach ensures that the decor enhances rather than overwhelms the entryway’s design, contributing to a more inviting and aesthetically pleasing space.
Balanced Approach to Decor
The entryway of your home serves as the crucial first impression for visitors. It’s a transitional space that must strike a balance between aesthetic beauty and practical functionality. However, designing an entryway can be tricky, and it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can minimize both its practicality and visual appeal. To ensure you create an inviting, organized, and attractive entryway, here are six design errors that interior designers advise against.
First, avoid clutter by not overcrowding the space with furniture or decor. Keep things simple to maintain an open and welcoming atmosphere. Second, neglecting good lighting can make the entryway feel gloomy and uninviting. Invest in stylish yet functional lighting fixtures to brighten the area. Third, a lack of storage solutions can quickly lead to a messy entryway. Incorporate options like hooks, cabinets, or benches with storage to keep things tidy.
Fourth, overlooking the flooring is a common mistake. Durable and easy-to-clean flooring materials such as tiles or hardwood will manage high foot traffic better than more delicate options. Fifth, forgetting to add personality can make the space feel sterile. Personalize your entryway with artwork, family photos, or a signature piece that reflects your style. Lastly, ignoring scale and proportion can disrupt the visual harmony. Ensure that furniture, decor, and other elements are proportionate to the size of your entryway.
By steering clear of these common design pitfalls, you can create an entryway that not only looks great but also functions well for everyday use, making a positive first impression on anyone who enters your home.
