How to Use Entryways to Turn Your House Into a Home

Walk into any home, and the first you'll notice is probably the entryway. That's why, according to experts, choosing the right design for your entryway is the perfect way to make your house feel more like a home. For guests and hosts alike, the entryway is basically the foundation for how you feel about the space you've just walked into. According to designer Becky Shea, who's based in New York, "Entryways set the tone for your guests, so it's important to design it thoughtfully and keep it free of clutter for the best first impression." So here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing the right design.

Firstly, you'll want to make sure that the pieces you're choosing are timeless ones. Brooke Spreckman of Design Hutch's advice is to choose designs that most likely won't go out of style. While trendy interior design posts on Instagram are always nice to look at, it's overall more preferable to "use materials and furnishings that are timeless and durable and pieces you know you will love over a long period." This means neutral colors and soft textures, like linens and stones and woods. 

Next comes the lighting. As anyone who's experimented with different lighting in a room probably already knows, changing the color, brightness, and location of the source of light in a room can make the room look completely different. And entryways are no different! That's where dimmable lighting comes in - having the option to find the right kind of light to fit the vibe is key. Designer Alexandra Kaehler shares that this is why she prefers to "have a lamp so you can have some dim lower lighting in your entry."

Finally, find a mirror that fits the aesthetic of your home to place in the entryway. Madison Popper, who works at a Florida interiors company called Chill Casa, says, "a large mirror or statement pieces of artwork will add depth or reflection to the space make it appear larger." This will instantly add a more spacious feeling to your house. So go ahead and give these tips a try to make your house a little more home-y!