Designers Cringe When They See These 5 Things in an Entryway
Entryways and entries are one of the trickiest areas of a home as far as decor is concerned. From both a design and functionality standpoint, many people ask a lot of these smaller spaces. And as a result, things can start to feel a little funky. If your entryway feels cluttered, disconnected from the rest of your home, or uninviting, you might be committing one of the cringe-worthy faux pas that designers totally hate.
While some of the biggest downfalls of an entryway are not always in our control, you can often remedy even the most permanent of entryway no-nos. Here’s what designers say not to do when it comes to entryway decor and design — plus, you’ll find some redeeming solutions to transform what should be one of the most inviting spots in your home.
Cluttercore Decor
No matter the size of your entryway, clutter and everyday items not only interfere with design, but these things can also make the space feel smaller and overwhelming to you and whoever else steps through the doorway. “It’s easy to have shoes and backpacks lying around in the entry, but I recommend finding some storage solutions for those daily items,” says Lee Crowder, the national director of design at Taylor Morrison.
When it comes to entryway clutter, shoes are often the biggest culprit. A small and stylish shoe cabinet, such as this design from Wayfair, can help hide your shoes and make your entry feel more functional (if you don’t have enough room, consider this smaller-space shoe cabinet). Adding hooks to your entryway can also help keep some of the clutter at bay by getting it off the floor. Just make sure you hang only necessities like your set of keys and purse, and edit weekly to rehome anything that doesn’t belong.
If you can’t find a storage solution for your entryway, Crowder says to “identify a space in your home that’s not the entryway to house those items.” This could include the garage, a hall closet, or a cabinet in another, more spacious area of your home.
A Lack of Ample Lighting
Dark entryways are a home decor woe that, unfortunately, many (especially renters) can’t avoid. According to Crowder, many entries don’t have windows or lighting for privacy reasons, but that doesn’t make it any less cringe-worthy. The good news: You can remedy dark entryways with a little creativity and decor. “Adding LED disc lights, a ceiling fixture, or even a lamp on a console can help brighten up this space and make it more functional,” says Crowder.
For small spaces that might not have the square footage for extra light, play around with unconventional solutions, such as artwork lighting, which can create a more elevated look while providing some illumination. Or skip a lamp that has a base, and add a wireless wall sconce instead.
Too Much Furniture
Those who have larger entryways might feel the need to take advantage of that extra space, but Crowder says to avoid drowning your entryway with too much furniture. “The furniture should feel purposeful and appropriate for the space in terms of proportion and use,” he explains. “Large, overstuffed furniture pieces and tall hutches can often feel out of place and make the space feel small.”
Some furniture is OK and totally encouraged. Just look for more streamlined pieces that serve a function you’d need in an entry — something to help with taking off and putting on shoes, or maybe something to hold jackets and bags. This could include a bench with baskets below for storage, a console, a freestanding coat rack, or a cabinet that can fit your shoe collection. Look for pieces that wont’ overwhelm the area size-wise, too.
Lots of Small Art
As much as designers love a gallery wall, they’re not always the best option for an entryway. “Gallery walls are a great reflection of your life and style, but sometimes too many little pieces of art can be overwhelming to take in at an entryway,” Crowder explains. “Instead, try to find one or two complementary pieces of art to show off your style without overpowering the space.”
If you must scratch that gallery wall itch, you can also try something Apartment Therapy calls “gallery clusters.” This method consists of hanging just a few pieces of framed art together in a small cluster versus an entire collection of many pieces.
Odd Stops and Starts to Wall Paint
Because entryways are often transitional zones connected to many other rooms in the home, they can fall victim to one of the biggest paint faux pas (and cringe-worthy decor moments): odd stops and starts to wall paint. Crowder says if there is not an appropriate spot to stop, such as a corner or door trim, consider painting the entryway the same color as your hallways to avoid this awkward paint situation. “A beautiful color stopping in an off space can appear unfinished,” he notes.
The same rule also applies to wallpaper, which is popular for small spaces but can feel out of place (or too in your face) in an entryway. To open up your space, consider wallpapering your entryway and hallway so that they match instead of having a weird cut-off occur.
Design Defined
Never miss the style inspo and recommendations you crave with Design Defined. Follow along each week as our Home Director Danielle shares the best style advice, latest trends, and popular decor finds you just can't miss.