Interior design for house entrance


42 Entryway Ideas for a Fantastic First Impression

Homes + Decor

An elegant foyer introduces your home’s personality and welcomes your guests—these AD-approved entryway ideas are guaranteed to make a stylish first impression

Photo: Oberto Gili

Consider the entrance hall your opportunity to sweep guests off their feet. There’s no shortage of entryway ideas; whether visitors are welcomed into a soaring space crowned with a sparkling chandelier, or a cozy foyer with warm wood floors and a bouquet of blooms, the entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home. This transitory spot is the perfect place to showcase a sleek console table and statement mirror, a bold painting or sculpture, or an ornately tiled floor with a vibrant color palette.  

If you’re looking for entryway decor ideas, why not take a cue from some of the most stunning entrances featured in the AD archives to ensure that the foyer of your home is as spectacular as the rooms that follow? You know what they say: You rarely get a second chance to make a good first impression. 

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The Best Entryway Ideas of 2022

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Come on in.

By Emma Bazilian and Hadley Mendelsohn

Stephen Karlisch

You shouldn't judge a book by its cover—but in many cases, we think it's fair to judge a home by its foyer. Whether it's a grand house or a tiny apartment with a nook by the door, your home's entry is the first thing visitors see when they step inside your house and the sight that welcomes you home every day. So make it a good one! From high-drama to super-cozy, here are 50 of our favorite entryways from the pages of House Beautiful as well as our favorite new designers.

Romanek Design Studio

1 of 50

Hang a Pet's Portrait

Commission an artist to capture a hyperrealistic portrait of your pet to hang in the entryway to greet you and your guests each time you walk through the front door. We're loving this foyer by Romanek Design Studio. The juxtaposition between the dog's serious expression and the laidback floor tiles, throw pillow, settee, and sconces create a fun air of irreverence.

FRANCESCO LAGNESE

2 of 50

Use a Daring Color

Lipstick pink might not be the most obvious choice for a foyer, but in this 19th-century Brooklyn townhouse, it's a total showstopper. Designer Jonathan Berger, who used Benjamin Moore's Razzle Daz, played up the historic glamour with a Louis XV chair and table and an 18th-century Italian mirror.

PAUL RAESIDE

3 of 50

Add Animal Print

Designers love animal prints for stair runners—they're great at camouflaging muddy footprints, spills, and other wear and tear from daily life. Garrow Kedigian used Stark's classic Antilocarpa for the stairs of his Montreal townhouse in homage to the region's fur-trading history.

STEPHEN KARLISCH

4 of 50

Feature a Prominent Instrument

What better way to make a grand entrance than with a grand piano? In this entryway designed by Dallas-based decorator Jean Liu, the glossy black piano asserts a stately, formal air while the light wood flooring, modern glass elements, and worn leather pieces ensure a grounded welcome.

Tamsin Johnson Interiors

5 of 50

Pack It All In

If you're working with a pint-sized entryway, you can still make it feel grand. Case in point? This foyer designed Tamsin Johnson. All it takes is a chic mirror, accent chair, umbrella holder, and a couple of hooks. With the right pieces, you can stretch just a few items into a sculptural statement.

CHRISTOPHER BAKER

6 of 50

Utilize Smart Storage

The coral skirted table isn't just striking—it also hides the family's clutter. "It has a lot of stuff stored under it on a shelf—baseball mitts and Wellington boots," says designer Tom Scheerer, who worked with Quadrille to create the lattice wallcovering.

Werner Straube

7 of 50

Invest In Custom Builds

Designed by Corey Jenkins, this little nook is another great example of a small but impactful entryway. He maximized limited space with a built-in bench and slim side table for keys and other essentials. Then he covered the wall in an eye-catching blue wallpaper to break up all the white space. It's the perfect complement to the chevron throw pillow and graphic artwork.

ANNIE SCHLECHTER

8 of 50

Embrace Old-School Styling

Architect James Carter and designer Jane Hawkins opted for a low-ceilinged entry with an up-and-down stair landing in this newly-built (but old-looking) country house. "When you enter, it feels like a tiny cottage. We wanted to delay the drama," says Carter.

JOSHUA McHUGH

9 of 50

Let Light In With Glass Panels

The inky pigment and sharp angles of the light fixtures and graphic area rugs assert a modern edge to the foyer, which also gets just a splash of old-school decadence with an ornate console table. It's eclectic without being jarring. Also, pro tip: If you're redoing the entryway, consider flanking your front doors with glass panels to flood the entire space with natural light.

AMY NEUNSINGER

10 of 50

#blueandwhiteforever

No one does blue and white quite like Mark D. Sikes. He piled on the patterns in this Beverly Hills foyer, mixing China Seas wallpaper and textiles with Fermoie chandelier shades and an Elizabeth Eakins striped rug.

Romanek Design Studio

11 of 50

Fill Negative Space

That awkward space under the stairs doesn't have to be so, well, awkward. Romanek Design Studio spruced up the negative space with an elegant settee and set of small frames that work with the scale of the niche but speak to the other design concepts of the room, like the black and white stone tiles and elaborate chandelier. An architectural stool and modern accents bring the perfect balance.

MAURA McEVOY

12 of 50

Opt for Natural Textures

A sisal rug as wallcovering? Why not?, says Colleen Bashaw. "I didn’t want to cover up that great cement-tile floor, so that sparked the idea of putting sisal on the wall," she explains. "[The contractor] mixed up a custom paste, applied it to the back of the rug, and hung it like wallpaper."

ANNIE SCHLECHTER

13 of 50

Update Coastal Style

“We found this incredible carpet from 1stdibs and the blue-glass console from Avenue Road and just followed that thread,” says Philip Mitchell of the blue-and-white—but by no means nautical—palette.

14 of 50

Choose a Statement Rug

This entryway designed by Arent & Pyke shows both restraint and personality thanks to the architectural staircase, double frosted glass doors, and burnt orange rug, which leads the eye straight back. The rust and sage colors in the rug warm up the darker elements and tie everything together nicely.

Douglas Friedman

15 of 50

Go Grand

A sweeping staircase makes a major statement in the entry of a Fifth Avenue duplex. Garrow Kedigian, a Paris flea market regular, found these neoclassical-style antique gilt stools during one of his shopping trips.

ANNIE SCHLECHTER

16 of 50

Save Space Stylishly

Schuyler Samperton used a vintage console and West Elm basket to turn the vestibule of her pint-sized Miami Beach rental into a drop zone for keys and dog leashes. "That Chinese console is a vibrant blast of green in such a tiny zone, but the slim shape makes it work," she says.

Arent & Pyke

17 of 50

Make Room for Storage

"'Moments' rather than looks best encapsulate a home’s positive impact, and the ultimate moment experienced in Magnolia House is the slow and elegant descent down its new sculptural staircase, the metaphorical spine of both the home and the project," write designers Arent & Pyke. The jib door is continuous with the baby-blue painted paneling as to not interrupt visual flow while also providing extra storage.

STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON

18 of 50

Add Globe-Trotting Flair

South African designer Mally Skok mixed pieces from her travels in the foyer of her Massachusetts home.

LAURA RESEN

19 of 50

Modernize Midcentury Elements

Architect Ray Booth of McAlpine used a louvered screen in the entry of a 1961 Houston house to replace an old '60s room divider. The screen keeps the space separate from the dining room while still feeling airy.

MALI AZIMA

20 of 50

Keep it Elegant

Black-and-white marble entryway floors never go out of style—see this Georgian-style Atlanta home designed by Melanie Turner for proof.

David A. Land

21 of 50

Upgrade Your Drop Zone

Who says a kid-friendly foyer can't be ultra-luxe too? This circular settee upholstered in fuchsia velvet has become a New York family's landing pad for backpacks and sweaters. "The kids come through this hallway and toss everything on that ottoman. It really functions," says designer Fawn Galli.

NGOC MINH NGO

22 of 50

Keep it Small But Mighty

Even a corner can become a proper entry with the right accessories, says Sarah Bartholomew. For a Georgetown house where the front door opens right onto the living room, she explains, "I wanted to create a moment by the front door where you could pause and hang your coat, but it had to feel cohesive with the room. That’s why there’s a bird print over the entry console instead of a mirror."

Peter Murdock

23 of 50

Add a Tropical Punch

A classic banana-leaf motif by Hinson announces you're in warm-weather territory as soon as you set foot in Lindsey Lane's Palm Beach bungalow.

James Merrell

24 of 50

Go Wild with Floor-to-Ceiling Pattern

John Fondas' trick for a low-ceilinged space: top-to-bottom pattern—and an oversized round mirror. "Unlike horizontal mirrors, round ones don’t lower the ceiling," he explains.

Roland Bello

25 of 50

Cultivate a Jewelbox Allure

King of color Miles Redd went all-out in this Manhattan foyer, mixing bold tones and a black-and-white floor. "The wife is super-stylish, and she wanted it to feel like an opium den where Yves Saint Laurent had just left the room," he says.

Eric Piasecki

26 of 50

Embrace Wood Tones

Gideon Mendelson updated a new home's Neo-Elizabethan woodwork with a modern chandelier by Apparatus. Brass spindles on the staircase add another metallic touch.

Björn Wallander

27 of 50

Create a Gallery

Janie Molster used a collection of black-and-white art to add a contemporary touch to the muted pinks and grays of her Richmond entryway.

STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON

28 of 50

Go Green

Traditional woodwork in Juan Carretero's Catskills house is anything but staid thanks to lush green paint (Sherwin Williams' Country Squire) and black-and-white cement tile.

Thomas Loof

29 of 50

Update the Classics

In a Maine summer house, classic New England style gets a bold update with millwork in Farrow & Ball's Red Earth. "We wanted to keep the feeling of an authentic old farmhouse while using rich and unexpected colors," says designer Kari McCabe.

eRic Piasecki

30 of 50

Show Off Shiplap

For an example of shiplap done right, see how architect Ruard Veltman used horizontal paneling to create a shaker-inspired entryway that's rustic but not theme-y.

28 of the Most Stunning House Exteriors Ever

Emma Bazilian Senior Features Editor Emma Bazilian is a writer and editor covering interior design, market trends and culture.

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

Home design | 300+ photos, prices, examples of work

Choice of style in the interior Modern style Classic style Chalet Country Scandinavian style Provence Arabic style American style Minimalism High-tech style Loft English style Interior design in the house

The ideal design of a country house is a single space of comfort and beauty, in which everything is thought out to the smallest detail. It does not even start from the facade or the entrance to the house, but from the site, which can become a magnificent garden with a gazebo, a fountain, a pond or an alpine lawn. And, of course, the architectural appearance of such a house or cottage should ideally be in harmony with the interior style you have chosen.

The choice of style in the interior

When choosing a style solution, many factors are taken into account - from the peculiarities of the location of engineering communications to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe premises. It's no secret that even the size of the latter affects the choice of style - some of them love very large spaces. And yet, with a professional approach, a variety of solutions are possible, and the interior will be designed and implemented in your favorite style!

Modern style, or contemporary. There is a lot of air and light in the interior, he loves simplicity, practicality and functionality. But at the same time, it does not reject bright, interesting decorative elements. Prevailing features: inexpensive, but stylish furniture, a combination of various finishing materials. Rational and at the same time - comfortable!

Classic style - the epitome of elegance and grace. He borrowed all the best from such styles as baroque, rococo, empire. Finishing, furniture, curtains - everywhere preference is given to natural materials. "Classic" loves symmetry and clear zoning of space. Special attention to lighting - in the interiors, in addition to the main ones, there are many additional lighting fixtures. The decor is very rich and varied - these are paintings, vases, sculptures, figurines and much more. There is often stucco on the ceiling.

Chalet . A noble style, formed over the centuries in the most beautiful mountainous Alpine region. The emphasis is on natural materials: aged wood, natural stone. Almost always unchanged attributes are a fireplace and beams on the ceiling. The windows are characterized by a large size - in the rooms, as a rule, there is a lot of light. Decor - forged, bronze items, hunting trophies.

Country, or rustic style. It is somewhat reminiscent of a chalet: the priority is wood, stone, natural textiles. However, it is not so “strict”, more “homely” and colorful in terms of color palette and finishes. Great attention is paid to textiles (curtains, tablecloths, napkins, etc.). Ceiling beams are optional; wall decoration, in addition to wood, - white plaster or wallpaper. A lot of all sorts of cozy home trifles - decorative figurines, plates and much more.

Scandinavian style is light, simple, natural. It is minimalist in its own way, but comfort and convenience are at the forefront. Preference in decoration and furniture - natural materials. The walls are usually painted white, the interiors have a lot of air and light. A few decorative elements: flowers, colored sofa cushions, decorative vases or dishes, paintings brightly enliven the space.






Provence is a style originally from southern France. The interiors are filled with light, and the decoration itself is light: a white ceiling, walls plastered in white or pastel colors (as an option - wallpaper or painted wood), light (mostly) and often artificially aged elegant furniture. Natural materials and natural plant motifs in decoration and textiles (furniture upholstery, light curtains, bedspreads, etc.). Much attention - indoor plants, flower arrangements. 9






Arabic style. Bright, rich in saturated colors (shades of red, blue, and gold predominate). Arched structures (entrance and window openings) are not uncommon. Floor coverings (often walls) are decorated with carpets and rugs, a lot of upholstered furniture, cushions, natural textiles. The style is instantly recognizable by the characteristic oriental ornament - an intricate patterned tie, reminiscent of the letters of the Arabic alphabet. Among the decor are bronze vessels, lamps, plates.




American style. It can be called an "American modern classic". The interior with many different lamps is executed in light colors. Everything about it is "substantial" and "good". Comfortable massive upholstered furniture (deep armchairs, sofas), elegant cabinet furniture (of which there is not much in the living room), as a rule, a large fireplace portal is a real American home. The decor is elegant and discreet - these are paintings or photographs in strict frames, an elegant floor lamp, a vase of flowers.

Minimalism. In this style, almost everything is subject to a rational principle. Lots of light and air. The design is dominated by straight lines. Minimum furniture. Perfectly organized hidden storage systems, built-in appliances. But the “almost” clause is important: the style does not reject a bright decorative accent, which, for example, can become an abstract picture without a frame.






Hi-tech style is the epitome of high technology. It is as rationalistic as minimalism, loves straight lines, simple geometry in design and plenty of free space. At the same time, a bright emphasis is placed on metal, glass, plastic surfaces. Particular attention is paid to technical solutions: these are modern built-in household appliances, LCD panels, and a carefully thought-out lighting system. Preferred colors and textures - gray, white, black, metallic, chrome.






Loft - industrial, urban style. However, it can also fit perfectly into the space of a country house, especially when it comes to spacious rooms and free planning. The interior decoration in this style is dominated by stone, concrete, aged brick, but against such a seemingly “brutal” background, thanks to furniture, lighting, accessories, and decor, you can create a cozy space that will pleasantly surprise you and your guests.






English style is colorful, but very conservative. Classic solid wood furniture is harmoniously combined with a large fireplace and high-backed armchairs. Lighting is usually somewhat subdued. Wall decor options are wood, wallpaper with a checkered, striped or floral print, or matte paint in neutral tones. Decor - paintings, figurines, sets and decorative plates, vases.





House design

Living room. Whatever the style of the interior of the “main” room in the house, it is important to conveniently and practically zone the space by identifying one or more compositional centers and focal points on which attention is most focused (fireplace portal, large picture, etc.) .






Bedroom interior. This is a room for rest and sleep, which means that the design in it (whatever the style) should create a feeling of absolute comfort and peace, promote relaxation. The classic and most popular option is subdued lighting, neutral tones and shades in the decoration of walls, ceiling and floor, a large bed, natural fabrics (curtains, bedspreads, bedding), but the choice of solutions is far from exhausted! 9






Nursery interior. And here - the choice of options is huge! Key points - we take into account the gender and age of the child and buy exclusively natural materials that are safe for him. Thoughtful space zoning is also important: areas for recreation, classes, storage systems, perhaps a sports corner, etc. We are thinking about the best lighting option. And, of course, we carefully select the color palette - so that the color does not put pressure on the baby, does not act too exciting or tiring.






Regardless of whether the hallway in your house is spacious or small, the interior should be practical and rational. But if the room is small, make sure that the space can be both visually and physically enlarged. Visually - due to lighting, light colors in the finish, possibly - a glossy stretch ceiling, mirrors, etc. Physically - due to properly selected furniture - a sliding locker, open storage systems and other details. 9






As a rule, the kitchen in a cottage or a country house is quite spacious. This means that it needs to be zoned wisely - so that it is convenient to cook and eat. In other words, both the working and dining areas should be as comfortable as possible, and perhaps an elegant bar counter will not be superfluous. If, nevertheless, the kitchen is small, the optimally selected configuration of the headset and built-in kitchen appliances will save space.






The interior of the bathroom should also be conducive to comfort and relaxation, which is taken into account in the selection of materials for decoration. And, of course, even for the smallest bathroom, you should choose comfortable, practical and compact furniture. At the same time, the front part of the furniture should be made of materials that are resistant to moisture, steam and elevated temperatures. 9Bath, sauna. It is important to consider a few key points here. Firstly, this is the configuration and area of ​​​​the premises themselves (in the Russian bath, this is traditionally a dressing room, a washing room and a steam room). Secondly, it is necessary to choose the right model of the heating unit - the choice of stove depends on the size of the bath and other characteristics. Powerful models with a water circuit are able to heat adjacent rooms and even the second floor, which should also be taken into account when designing a house design. And a spacious dressing room can be a great place to receive guests - with appropriate furniture, a TV, etc. 9Landscaping. Speaking about the ideal design of a country house, one cannot ignore the territory adjacent to it. A professionally created landscape design can become its magnificent continuation and addition, not only in harmony with it, but emphasizing all the architectural advantages and style features of the building.




Return to the list style. And this is far from the only difference. How to decorate your country house inside in terms of design so that it becomes comfortable and beautiful?

Basic principles of private house interior design

Design: Maria Ivanova

One of the highlights is the large area. It even scares a lot of people. But if you take a closer look, it turns out that in a country house there are often fewer partitions than in a city apartment. And this means that there will not be so much trouble with the repair. Another significant factor characteristic of large suburban buildings is the presence of large (sometimes panoramic) windows. This leaves its mark on the choice of style inside a private house. If the house is two-story or with an attic, then you will have to think carefully about how to more harmoniously fit the stairs into the interior. But on the other hand, there is a common main plus: you can “reshape” the interior as you like, without issuing permits.

Interior design of a private house: economy, medium and elite options

Architect: Tatyana Morozova

Construction of a country dwelling is a very costly business, so after the completion of work on interior design, in most cases there is very little money left. On the other hand, for those for whom such a problem does not exist, the question also arises of the most efficient use of finances. What are the features of interior design, which differ significantly in costs?

  1. Economy version. Inexpensive materials such as wallpaper, plaster (walls), linoleum or wood flooring (floor) and wide plastic panels (ceiling) can be used to decorate the house inside. Old furniture is also suitable: however, this does not mean that you need to completely abandon the new one: the main thing here is to maintain balance and not turn the room into a “flea market”. In addition, the facades of old cabinets can always be at least painted in the same color as the new ones: this will ensure the unity of the interior. And one more thing - the use of old things as decorative elements. Depending on the style, this will create the effect of a designer accent on a particular item. From styles it is better to choose minimalism, hi-tech.
  2. Medium version. Even at the stage of construction or repair, it is recommended to choose an interior style. It is desirable that it be sustained in all rooms. But there may be deviations from this rule - if the taste of one family member does not coincide with the preferences of others. Use natural materials when finishing - this will reduce costs when creating a certain style. For example, if it is country, and the walls are made of geometrically correct logs, then they do not need to be finished additionally. It is possible to use imitation materials: laminate, decorative plaster, MDF, etc., it is only important that it be of high quality.
  3. Elite version. The main features of modern design include:
  • the use of high quality and environmentally friendly finishing materials;
  • individuality: all rooms are kept in the same style, but this does not mean that one room will be similar to another;
  • originality: the design should include unusual, sometimes even daring ideas that can delight guests and emphasize the taste of the hosts;
  • functionality and harmony between all interior items.

In addition to the availability of funds that the owner can spend on arranging his home, the design depends on the area of ​​the house and its number of storeys. More on this below.

Design for a small country house

Project of a cozy Scandinavian house in Kratovo

In a small country house, the main task is the need to equip a specific and rather limited area with comfortable living conditions and an aesthetically attractive interior. What do we have to do?

  1. Think about what will be superfluous in your home. In a small house, you should not equip a gym: if there is still a need for constant training, equip a modest place for an exercise bike. Remove unnecessary partitions: combine the kitchen and living room or study and bedroom: this will give more space.
  2. Provide multifunctional items. Get a closet (or a pair) that reaches the ceiling - this saves space. Also, when arranging the kitchen, it is recommended to purchase built-in appliances. Skip the full stove if you're not using the oven: a hob might be enough. Actively use hanging shelves, rails (hooks, hangers for kitchen utensils), which will partially replace bulky cabinets.

Layouts and design for a one-story house

Design: Katherine Ireland

The absence of a second floor allows you to plan all the necessary premises in one area: living room, kitchen, bedroom and dining room. This makes it logical to strive to equip all rooms in the same style - the main thing is to take into account the wishes of the household and come to a common "denominator". The one-story layout has its own plus: you don’t have to equip the stairs up, which is especially important if there are children and the elderly in the family. However, many immediately or over time begin to finish the attic: a cross between a living space and an attic. But with the correct use of insulating and finishing materials, you can get a completely full-fledged room where it is best to equip a bedroom.

There are also some original planning ideas: in the southern regions of the country it is possible to create a flat roof. On it, if there are appropriate fences, you can arrange a place to relax (sun, air baths) or play. And another planning option is the construction of a garage that has a common roof with the house: this makes it possible to make an entrance to the car directly from the living room.

Design features of a two-storey house

On the ground floor there is a living room, dining room, kitchen, toilet and one bedroom. There is also room for ancillary facilities. On the second floor there is another bedroom, a second toilet, sometimes a study. Downstairs, in the living room, it is advisable to put panoramic windows: this will give a feeling of spaciousness, freedom. Here you can receive guests, admiring the beauty of the landscape of the site. The staircase leading up is best done in contrasting color. If the interior is made in light colors, then make the railings and steps dark: you get a kind of design accent.

Styles in country houses

Design: Evgeniya Zhdanova

In principle, a dacha inside can be designed in the same way as an apartment in the city. But, getting out of it, the owners of suburban real estate crave rural peace and quiet. Therefore, arranging a style that matches the mood will be quite natural. And if modern classics or modern, hi-tech, minimalism are not common in the design of a country interior, then other styles, which will be discussed below, are much more widespread.

Country

Country house in Georgia

Translated means "rural". Here the interior should be associated with rural life. This is a slightly rough wooden furniture, simple finishes and a slightly naive decor. The tones used should correspond to natural and be light: white, "coffee with milk", beige, "golden pine". The style can also have a national coloring: Russian country (hut style), American (ranch), Ukrainian (hut), etc.

Provence

Design: Olesya Shlyakhtina

The style is quite heterogeneous: this includes the elegant interior of southern French villas and the modest decoration of a fisherman's house or a peasant dwelling. In any case, pastel shades prevail here: light blue, milky, fawn, beige. On the windows - textiles to match the walls or furniture. The latter is made from solid wood or using high-quality imitation.

Chalet

Designer: Maria Nasedkina Architect: Ilya Nasonov

Design of a private house, made in the Alpine style, implies conciseness and comfort due to British elegance, American thoughtfulness and richness of textures characteristic of Italy. Here comfort is practical. Among the materials, wood predominates, there is also a place for stone (wall cladding, kitchen countertops). “Standard” decorative elements are animal skins, fur, deer antlers, knitted items, panels with landscapes.

Eco

Designer: Margarita Melnikova Architect: Evgeny Kovanovsky

This is a style that implies a lot of free space and the use of natural materials (finishing, furniture). There should also be plenty of natural light. Of the shades, warm ones predominate: woody, sandy, pastel. From decorative elements, choose those that are related to nature: an aquarium with fish, fresh flowers, indoor plants.

Fireplaces

Interior ideas from Fine Living

Hearth, which serves as a symbol of comfort and family unity - this is how they perceive this design, which many dream of installing in their home. However, the full arrangement of this heating structure is a very costly business that requires a serious alteration of part of the house. Therefore, often the fireplace plays a decorative role or only performs its functions to a limited extent. The fireplace can be: