It doesn’t matter if you live in a tiny urban apartment or a spacious suburban home (or somewhere in-between!), your entryway is the first thing you and your guests see when you walk in the door. So, you want it to make the right statement — a statement about you and your home — whether it’s spacious and grand, or small and efficient.
This season, we worked with the amazing Camille Styles to pull off an entryway makeover that shows exactly how to take advantage of every inch in this hardworking space. Read on to take a look at how Camille revamped this beautiful entry using some of our favorite organization and decorating must-haves for the entryway, and get her amazing tips and tricks to help makeover your entryway!
Photography by Jessica Pages
1. Get Personal
So your place doesn’t have a bonafide mudroom or elegant foyer? Don’t despair — with just a stretch of empty wall space, it’s easy to create an entryway that’s both functional and an expression of your personal style. Start by finding a bit of square footage by your front or back door, then determine what’s needed to make the space work for your lifestyle.
Seen above: Washed Velvet Pillow, Barclay Sconce, Beachcomber Utility Basket, Cornwall Stripe Kilim Runner, PB Found Dough Bowl, Rustic Ladder, Olivia Bench, Blacksmith Umbrella Stand, Blacksmith Row of Hooks, Framed Chalkboard
2. Hang Loose
The golden rule of entryway design is no secret: create hanging space. Hats, coats, dog leashes and grocery bags will easily find a home on a row of hooks, and there’s no better way to efficiently make use of that vertical real estate.
Seen above: Washed Velvet Pillow, Blacksmith Row of Hooks, Vintage Kilim Pillow
3. See the Light
Whether it’s for a cozy reading nook or next to your bed, lighting matters. And in the case of your home’s entry, mounting a sconce by the front door is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Use an industrial design like this one to keep a light on for loved ones or house guests at night, and let it act as a striking metallic accent during the day.
Seen above: Barclay Sconce, Blacksmith Row of Hooks
4. The Straight and Narrow
Not only does an umbrella stand come in handy on a rainy day, but it’s also a great place to store long, narrow items like rolls of wrapping paper, sports equipment and even a yoga mat. Set one by your front door for a storage solution that takes up little space but packs a major decorative punch.
Seen above: Washed Velvet Pillow, Beachcomber Utility Basket, Cornwall Stripe Kilim Runner, Olivia Bench, Blacksmith Umbrella Stand
5. Cut a Rug
Kick your old doormat to the curb, and instead, opt for a runner that’s equally as functional and a lot prettier to look at. Since this area of your home gets the most foot traffic, choose a durable, low pile one for easy cleaning and to avoid tripping. Best of all? There’s no better way to add color, pattern and natural texture to your space than with a gorgeous, eye-catching rug.
Seen above: Cornwall Stripe Kilim Runner
6. Sit Back and Relax
You can never have too much seating, and even though it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your entryway’s functionality, you won’t believe how useful a bench can be. Top yours with a cushion and patterned pillows for an inviting, comfortable place that’s perfect for tying up your laces or fastening Fido’s leash.
Seen above: Beachcomber Utility Basket, Cornwall Stripe Kilim Runner, Olivia Bench
7. Neat and Tidy
For all those items you’re constantly bringing in and out of the house — mail, library books, scarves, cameras — set up a convenient place that makes them easy to grab on the fly. The cubbies built into this bench create ample storage space, ensuring you’ll never leave anything important behind.
Seen above: Beachcomber Utility Basket, Cornwall Stripe Kilim Runner, Olivia Bench
8. Hideaway
To contain clutter or simply conceal any unsightly belongings, look to woven baskets as a universal solution. Slide yours into a cubby or perch them on a shelf for an easy, stylish way to stash sports equipment and those other loose items that always tend to pile up.
Seen above: Beachcomber Utility Basket, Olivia Bench
9. The Bare Necessities
Perhaps the most important tip for designing a hardworking entryway is to provide a space that’s designated as a catch-all for out-the-door necessities. Here, a handmade dough bowl is used as a convenient vessel for receiving keys, wallets, phones, and anything else you wouldn’t dare leave the house without.
Seen above: PB Found Dough Bowl
10. Sound Off
Since this is one area of the house that every family member is destined to pass through, consider mounting a chalkboard, dry erase board, or large notepad to the wall for easy messaging. More inclined to text one another? Use the surface to display words of encouragement, important reminders, or countdown to an exciting event.
Seen above: Framed Chalkboard
See more of Camille’s tips and tricks on CamilleStyles.com, and check out more of our favorite entryway must-haves here.