The first impression that the visitors get when they step into your house is from the entrance of the house. It sets the tone of the entire home’s interiors. Hence, it’s absolutely important that the entrances are designed functionally, and also give a welcoming vibe.
While there are several elements that should be considered while designing a house entrance, this article will mainly focus on the 3 key aspects:
- Wall designs
- Decorative elements, like hanging lights and wall art
- Shoe Cabinets
1. Wall Designs: Making A Statement
The walls at the entrance of your house are a canvas that showcases your style. I have listed down some of the design ideas. Check it out:
· Accent walls:
Create a focal point by highlighting one wall with a bold or vibrant colour or a textures wallpaper. This will add visual interest and depth to your house entrance.
· Trims/ Mouldings/ Wainscoting
Installing wooden/POP trims on the lower portion of the walls adds a sense of craftsmanship and elegance to the space. This technique especially looks amazing in a transitional or a traditional interior style.
· Mirrors
It’s a fact that mirrors enlarge the spaces. Strategically placed mirrors make small entrances look spacious. They reflect light and create an illusion of depth, which makes the area feel larger and brighter.
· Stencils or Wallpaper
Explore different textures, patterns or nature-inspired designs to add personality to your house entrance. Stencils or wallpapers are used for creating a visually appealing and unique space.
2. Decorative Elements: Add Personality & Warmth
Incorporate some decorative elements in your entrance to add personality and warmth to the space. The right elements can make your space look visually appealing and inviting. The décor that you select for your house entrance will reflect your style and taste.
You might want to consider these options:
· Wall Art
Hang photographs or artwork that resonate with your style and create an impressive first impression. Choose pieces that look proportionally right in the entrance space and also complement the overall colour scheme.
· Pendant Lights/ Hanging Lights
Install chandeliers or pendant lights to provide ambient lighting. Hanging lights make a statement. These fixtures can act as a focal point to the space, while also illuminating the area.
· Greenery
Add small indoor plants near the entrance to bring a touch of nature inside. Look how I have done it.
Plants only just add freshness, but also contribute to a calming atmosphere.
· Decorative Rugs / Runners
Use rugs or runners to give the entrance area a definition and add warmth underfoot. Don’t just randomly spread any rug. Choose the design of the rug very carefully. It should complement the overall interior theme and colour scheme.
3. Shoe Cabinets: Combining Functionality and Style
Shoe cabinets are a practical storage solution that can also add an overall aesthetic appeal to the entrance. They help in keeping the space clutter-free and organized. It’s essential to consider the available space before purchasing or building a new shoe cabinet.
Also, keep into account the number of pairs you want to keep in it. Go for the design that complements the overall interior style of your house.
For entrances with limited depths, the perfect solution is to have a shoe cabinet with a pull-down shutter opening. These cabinets efficiently utilize the vertical space for storing shoes. You can arrange and keep your shoes in a slightly slanted manner inside the cabinet.
I have recently designed a similar shoe cabinet for the house entrance that doesn’t have a depth of more than 9 inches. The cabinet allows for compact shoe storage without compromising on accessibility. I prefer to go with this design for narrow hallways and entrances.
Selecting the right type of shoe cabinet for your space-
Selecting the right shoe cabinet can be tricky. There are a variety of types to choose from. Each shoe cabinet has its own benefits and unique features. Here are some common choices:
· Pull-Out Shoe Cabinet:
Pull-out shoe cabinets have shelves that slid out horizontally giving easy access to the shoes. These are perfect for entrances that have wide spaces and offer good organization and visibility.
These cabinets come in different sizes and configurations to accommodate different shoe sizes and quantities.
· Open Shoe Cabinet:
Shoe racks with open shelves are straightforward. These have open shelves where you can horizontally keep your shoes. These are versatile cabinets that can fit into almost any entrance space.
They give visibility and quick access to the shoes. For additional organization, consider using shoe baskets or shoe bins to keep the shoes neatly grouped.
· Custom-Built Shoe Cabinets:
If you have a specific requirement or a unique space, you might consider custom-built shoe cabinets. With this option, you can design a shoe cabinet tailored to your needs.
These cabinets can be integrated seamlessly into the entrance area, giving you maximum storage capacity and matching immaculately with your desired aesthetics.
Factors to Consider While Selecting a Shoe Cabinet
- Number of shoes you want to keep
- The available space
- The interior style of the house
It’s important to find a balance between aesthetics and functionality to create a visually appealing and practical entrance area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, designing a perfect house entrance requires detail-oriented consideration of wall designs, decorative elements and shoe cabinets.
Enhance the storage with shoe cabinets that goes well with your available space and offer efficient accessibility, especially in spaces that have a limited depth.
Adorn the visual aesthetics of the entrance with wainscoting, accent walls, wallpapers or mirrors.