From Grand Hotel to Humble Cottage - Creating An Inviting Entry

Whether you live in a small cottage, apartment or a grand mansion, your entrance/hallway creates a first impression.  When you open your front door what greets your guests apart from your charming smile, should be a welcoming entrance that reveals a glimpse of your home's style and makes visitors more interested to see what lies beyond.

Think of the entrance to a grand hotel, how welcoming it feels as you step through those big double doors. You may be greeted by an antique or contemporary piece of furniture, possibly a circular table with a vase of fresh blooms. Statement art and a large mirror may be seen. Usually you will find pairs of matching chairs and side tables to entice you to rest your weary legs. You look around and think, this is truly grand and this first impression will set the tone for your expectations of what is to come.

Above: The elegant entrance to the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat

The entrance to your home, whether small or grand, should also be a reflection of your style. Even the smallest of hallways can usually fit a single chair or small console. If you don't have floor space, you could hang artwork. Black and white photography can look stunning and need not cost a lot of money if you take the photos yourself. Creating a welcoming entrance can cost as little or as much as you want. 

 Above: 'Draw the eye' - A long rug and symmetrically placed furniture either side, lead the eye towards the the end of the hallway where a simple, over sized pear painting makes a statement. The vases of yellow flowers mimic the colours of the painting. Personally, I would enhance the chairs with two cushions reflecting the green and yellow of the pear, this would help to balance the hallway. However, in saying this, too much yellow and green could detract from the 'show-piece' itself.

 Above: Again, symmetry with carefully placed chairs, draws your eye from the entrance to beyond.

 Above: Black and white art works well in an entrance and helps lead the eye further down a narrow space.

 Above: Even the smallest of entrances can become inviting - These entrances have a cottage appeal to them and reflect the personal style of their owners love of cottage style.

Above: A regal entrance, simple but elegant and showcases the owner's love of antiques. The soft silver grey pattern and tone of the rug compliment the tones of the intricate detail of the carved table and the grain of its marble top.  

Above: If you have little space you could make a statement with a large piece of art. A simple stool below could be enhanced with a vignette. Here the designer has kept everything monochromatic. If your space is very small a glass or ghost table could be used. Keep vignettes down to maybe just three pieces such as above.

Above: These silver balls make a stunning impact in this grand entry. This large space could allow a larger table and a small sofa or chair could be placed against the stairs, however, the owners have chosen a minimalist look for this entry.

Above: Traditional furniture and accessories are always welcoming,I love to find bargains in charity shops.

Above: A simple vignette of three items of contrasting texture and colour, work in harmony on a circular ebony table. 

Above: Sometimes less is best and there is no need for furniture. This simple but statement entrance belongs to a lake house in Maine. If you would like to tour this house you can see more at Adore Your Place

Above: This pair of orange chairs add a pop of colour to the neutral surroundings. A mix of textures and interesting items reflect the owner's love of travel.

Above: A small entrance, however the large floral artwork creates a 'wow' factor as you enter the door.

Above: A relaxed, country look  is given a twist with the addition of a contemporary chair. The dark wooden armoire makes a statement beside the staircase. The mirror balances the darker wood used in this entrance.

As you can see, there are many ways to make an entrance look welcoming. Don't limit yourself by thinking I don't have much space, play around with different pieces until you achieve the look your after. Sometimes thinking 'out of the box' can work wonders and if you have limited floor space you could use a floating shelf... Above all, keep it simple and don't try to cram too much in.

Images are via my Pinterest board on Entrances/Hallways/Mudrooms which you will find below with many more ideas from contemporary to traditional.

Follow Lee Caroline - A World of Inspiration's board Entrances/Hallways/Mudrooms on Pinterest.