The entryway is where the experience of your home begins. This small yet impactful moment sets the tone within the first few steps, offering a thoughtful glimpse into the rooms and stories that unfold beyond. Although most people move through this space quickly, the impression it leaves lingers far longer.
I like to think of the entryway as a gentle transition from the outside world into the comforts of home—an invitation into the life lived beyond the door. Every detail deserves to be carefully considered, whether that’s a sculptural light fixture, a touch of textured wallpaper, or a beautifully patterned floor chosen with intention.
Many homeowners struggle with this area for familiar reasons: not enough storage, too much clutter, or furnishings selected purely for utility. I approach the entryway as an opportunity to merge practicality with beauty in a way that feels warm, welcoming, and connected with the rest of the home. Here are the guiding principles I follow to shape an entryway that has both purpose and lasting impact:
1. Create a Sense of Arrival
An entry should always begin with a clear sense of arrival. I like to look for subtle ways to distinguish this moment from the rest of the home, no matter the size of the area. In a more compact space, that might mean adding a room divider, as we did in the West Vancouver mid-century-inspired home shown below.
The vertical slats create a gentle threshold without closing off the space, offering just enough definition to make the entry feel intentional and beautifully considered. Next to the door, we incorporated streamlined shoe storage, and the surface above provides a natural landing spot for keys and mail. These simple choices show how thoughtful placement can elevate the ease of returning home.
Space was limited, so we positioned a beautifully crafted credenza just outside the entry to support additional storage without overwhelming the smaller area. It also became a natural place to introduce curated styling. Artwork, ceramics, and a few favourite pieces bring warmth and personality to an otherwise modest footprint.
In contrast, our PEI Project, pictured below, had the opposite condition: an expansive, airy entry that required grounding and warmth to create an inviting sense of welcome.
We introduced a generous round table to establish a central focal point and create a natural pause upon entering. A custom built-in bench and handcrafted artwork add comfort and personality, while the tall ceiling and sculptural chandelier bring a modern coastal elegance. Every element contributes to a space that feels welcoming rather than vast.
These two projects show how thoughtful definition, whether achieved through custom millwork in a smaller home or considered furnishings in a larger one, can transform an undefined area into an entry that feels purposeful, functional, and beautifully resolved.
2. Establish a Soft, Welcoming Mood
Lighting has a remarkable ability to influence how a space feels the moment you step inside. A lamp on the console table offers gentle illumination for late-night returns, creating a sense of comfort and calm. In the early morning, that same soft glow eases you into the day without relying on harsh overhead lighting.
In our Newfoundland Project, pictured below, a white oak console table styled with a pair of symmetrical lamps creates the home’s first vignette. The effect is intentional and inviting, setting a refined yet relaxed mood from the outset.
A rust-coloured bench tucked underneath adds both warmth and practicality, giving the area a layered look that feels collected and welcoming. The winter landscape painting, part of our client’s own art collection, grounds the decor, and its earthy palette echoes the natural tones of the staircase runner and oak flooring.
This entryway becomes an introduction to the home’s larger story, where beauty, efficiency, and a sense of comfort come together in a way that makes you feel at home the moment you cross the threshold.
3. Functionality That Supports Real Life
Hardworking features are essential in an entryway, and when chosen with intention, they contribute to the beauty of the space. A bench offers a comfortable spot for putting on or taking off shoes, and in some cases (like in the image above), it can tuck neatly beneath a console table to maximize every inch. A guest coat rack provides an easy, self-serve option for visitors, and with this, I often select sculptural metal designs that double as art.
In our Newfoundland Project, pictured below, a defined vestibule creates a protective transition from strong winds and wet weather, a considered design choice that adds both function and charm.
Durable materials play an impactful role in this area of the home. Wall paneling is one of my favourite solutions because it safeguards the walls from daily wear while adding texture and depth. Here, we selected a vintage-inspired floral patterned wallpaper above the paneling to introduce character and a touch of tradition.
Marble mosaic tile underfoot handles snow- and rain-covered boots with ease and brings a subtle sense of movement to the space. Overhead, a globe pendant casts a gentle, welcoming glow that completes this hardworking yet beautifully layered vestibule.
4. Decorative Elements That Complete the Space
Decorative elements are never an area to skip, especially in an entryway. An area rug adds texture and helps define the zone, and washable options are especially important for obvious reasons. Artwork introduces personality and offers an early glimpse into the design language of the home. A well-positioned mirror can amplify natural light and create a feeling of openness in smaller footprints.
In some homes, including our West Vancouver project pictured below, even a few intentional pieces can have a meaningful impact in an otherwise minimal setting.
The sculptural wood pendant becomes the focal point of the double-height entry, its warm tone echoing the natural wood accents found throughout the home. It draws the eye upward and creates a sense of connection between the main floor and the upper landing. Beneath it, a carved wood sculpture in a complementary finish reinforces this harmony and adds an artful presence without overwhelming the clean lines of the architecture.
Together, the artwork, architectural panelling, and soft, neutral finishes create a look that feels bright, inviting, and thoughtfully layered.
5. Smart Solutions for Undefined Spaces
A custom built-in has the power to organize storage, seating, lighting, and display into one cohesive element, helping an open-concept home feel anchored from the start. In our Lions Bay Project, pictured below, the challenge was not the size of the space but the absence of a true front entry.
The home opened directly into the main living area, so we designed a built-in seating nook with integrated storage to create a clear sense of arrival. Wall sconces introduce soft lighting, while artwork anchors the vignette and helps shape a welcoming moment within the larger space. The result is an architectural feature that gives purpose to an otherwise undefined zone and feels completely at home in the surrounding design.
Built-ins are often the most effective way to define an entry in an open-concept layout because they offer structure and function without interrupting the flow.
Key Points on Designing an Entryway
- The entryway sets the tone for the entire home, even if you spend little time there.
- Storage and aesthetics must work together to keep the space both useful and beautiful.
- Soft lighting, artwork, and personal touches create warmth and make guests feel at home.
- Durable, washable materials are ideal in high-traffic areas.
- Built-ins and multifunctional pieces can transform even the smallest entryways.
- A sense of arrival is essential, whether through layout, materials, or subtle architectural details.
Creating a Warm Welcome
A carefully designed entryway becomes more than a space you move through. It offers a warm welcome, supports day-to-day living, and hints at the story unfolding in the rest of your home.
If you would like to reimagine your own home, reach out here. I would be delighted to help you create personal spaces that make you feel at ease every time you step through the door.
Yours,
Lori
