First impressions have an ever-lasting effect, they say. I would not go that far, but they do matter. When you meet someone for something important, say a job interview or a date, you present yourself in a certain way to make a certain impression. So, why should it be any different for your house? And the first impression of your home is determined at your entrance. This area of the house is often overlooked and confused with an entryway. An entryway or a foyer is the passage that starts from the front door leading to the living spaces in the house. The entrance, right outside your home, ends at your front door and is flanked by walls. Given the limitation in space and some amount of inherent standardisation, it should be an easy-to-do space. But unfortunately, no one really puts any thought into it.

As a designer, it speaks volumes to me when my eye catches a beautiful entrance, regardless of whether it’s an independent house or an apartment. It instantly sparks my curiosity about the interiors of the house since, in my experience, a good-looking entrance is a sneak peek into a good-looking home.

So, what makes for an impressive entrance? Let’s get break it down one piece at a time, including the must-haves and good-to-haves in home entrance design.

1. Get a name or a number

While this may seem like the most obvious thing to place at an entrance, I have observed many either give it a miss, especially home renters, or put something that can easily be missed. The house number or name on the house is not just an identifier, but it’s about taking pride in your home. You worked hard to build it or work hard to pay the rent. It also makes it a whole lot easier for deliveries to find you. The variety in name and number plates is massive, giving you the freedom to show your creativity. If you don’t like what’s in the market, customise. Just remember, readability is key.

TIPS:

• Avoid cursive or hard-to-read fonts. Stick to capital letters.
• Keep the font size between four to eight inches. This depends on the entrance door size.
• One solid colour is preferable. Avoid busy patterns or multiple colours.
• Place the name or number in a way that it’s visible from at least six feet away.
• Make sure it’s close to a light source.

Brass name and number plates by Housenama

2. Plan good lighting

Dingy lighting can make your home look like a horror movie set. It is always a good idea to have your entrance well lit, especially in apartments where power backup is not in place. Ensure your entrance door light is connected to a temporary power source, like an inverter. As an added bonus, good lighting at your home entrance makes the corridors easier to navigate. Renters, don’t shy away from investing in good lighting for your entrance, you can always take it with you.

TIPS:

• Keep the light fixture size between 8-12 inches.
• LED bulbs of 7 watts and above work well.
• Select a design that is easy to clean and does not become a dust collector.
• It is best placed right above the door or fixed on the ceiling above the door.

Get it here

Get it here

3. Get a sturdy mat

A doormat at the entrance of your home is non-negotiable. This is a must-have, especially for those who don’t have shoe racks or maybe just don’t have the space for it outside their home. A door mat is an item that functions almost 18 hours a day, seven days a week, and is a necessity in all sorts of weather. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, whether you have kids, pets, or neither, make sure you own a good-looking, durable doormat.

TIPS:

• The material of the mat should be waterproof and easy to clean.
• Choose a large size, around L 30” x B 20”. Thanks to the size, it is heavier and tends to stay in one place as opposed to smaller ones that are prone to shifting with movement.
• Get in the habit of cleaning the mat once a week.
• Don’t wait to replace the mat until it is worn out completely. Change it after 8-12 months.

Get it here

Get it here

4. Make a little home for your shoes

Shoe racks are now becoming standard practice which is good in every way. Almost every client I have had has requested it to be a part of the home design. I recommend having a shoe rack at the entrance as well as the entryway. The one at the entrance should cater to visitors, while the one in the entryway should be for the occupants of the home. It may seem excessive, but post-pandemic, it is best to keep what’s stuck on the shoes outside.

TIPS:

• If you choose to keep a shoe rack only at the entrance, select one which can accommodate 8-10 pairs.
• Select a sleek shoe rack. It should not hinder the front door or the common passageways.
• Make sure to air it out once in three days. Add a freshener that absorbs odour and moisture.
• Keep a small stool nearby to sit on.

Get it here

Get it here

Get it here

5. A multipurpose rack

I simply love a single rack that can multitask. I highly recommend this feature for your home, especially since we are all more aware after the pandemic. A rack where deliveries can be left, an umbrella can be hung, shoes can be kept, and where coats can be stored too just makes sense.

A few other cool things a multipurpose rack can do is hold a small jute bag where your milkman can leave the milk packets or bottles in a clean space.

Hang another small bag and your newspaper has a place too. This home entrance design idea is great for both homeowners and renters since it is a standalone piece that can be carried away.

TIPS:

• Avoid big, boxy, or bulky pieces.
• Make sure you are not blocking any common passageways.
• Select a piece that can survive all kinds of weather.
• Avoid light colours.
• If you feel this is a big investment, solid wall hooks with a bench shoe cabinet are equally effective.

Get it here

These were the essentials, but you can always add more layers to your home entrance with these good-to-have items.

6. Greens

Plants are always a good idea. However, I would not recommend more than two at your entrance. Select ones that can survive in the shade and spread vertically. They add to the aesthetics of the space.

7. Bunting

Indian households almost always have one hanging across the door. Usually, it’s made from mango leaves, but if you want it all year round, pick a different material. Metals or handmade paper buntings make for beautiful, easy home entrance design ideas.

Get it here

Get it here

8. Accessorise

Adding small items such as a doorknocker or a good-looking handle can create a huge impact at the entrance of your home.

9. A coloured door

Drab to fab in a few brush strokes! Paint your entrance door in a single solid colour, and while you are at it, throw in some moulding work. A handsome, cost-effective home entrance design idea!

Remember, don’t neglect your home entrance, folks.

Featured Image Source