The Art of the Entryway
Photo by Donna Dotan
The entryway is the first space everyone sees when they walk into a home—it sets the stage for what’s to come, and should feel like a warm greeting for guests. The perfect place to balance personality and functionality, the entry offers myriad options for adornment. Whether you’re in a small city apartment or a home with multiple entry points, there are a few key elements you should always consider: storage, lighting, and charm.
One of the most important parts of any entryway is a clean surface. We’ve all walked inside with our hands full, looking for a place to drop everything, only to find a console filled with clutter. To keep organized, we recommend adding catchalls: designated places for keys, dog leashes, sunglasses, and more. You’ll never ask “where are my keys” again!
The glow from a small lamp can make all the difference in an entryway. Ambient lighting always makes a space feel more welcoming – as you may well know, we are not the biggest fans of can overhead lights here at Fenimore Lane! This is also a great opportunity to add personality: add in a pop of color with a unique lampshade, or texture with a glazed ceramic base that feels like a sculpture. Pro tip: get a custom shade made in a fabric of your choice!
Once you’ve sorted out the functionality of the space, it’s time to add a little personality. Sentimental trinkets, scent, and flowers all add to the charm of a space. Catchall dishes can add pattern to the casepiece or console, while a rug can bring pattern, color and texture (a triple whammy!). Make sure the rug material is usable for high-traffic areas (we love natural fibers like jute and sisal), and a pattern or print that can mask stains. Layer in personal touches like framed photographs, stack your favorite coffee table books under a dish, or display flowers for a thoughtful extra layer. A few simple items can take your space from wan to welcoming.
