When someone walks through your front door, they form an impression. An instant one. Before they even know what words they’d use to describe it.
Your guests notice what the airfeels like…and whether there’s a place to set their bag. They feel welcomed, or they feel nothing.
In the first TEN seconds, your guests are inevitably answering questions like, “is this home comfortable? Thoughtful? Lived-in? Luxurious?”
Your entryway is the answer those questions.
A well-designed entryway looks AND feels good. It offers guests a pause and the cue that your home has been designed with care and consideration. The most impressive entryways aren’t necessarily the ones with custom art or flashy fixtures, either. They’re the ones that make guests instantly relax and settle in.
Keep reading for the 12 entryway ideas that elevate the very MOMENT your guests arrive…
1. A Hidden Drop Zone
A beautiful entryway can be instantly undermined by clutter.
Depending on the season, guests might arrive carrying bags, coats, and more…(hello, boxes and bags of holiday gifts.) Whatever the occasion, guests always need somewhere to put things.
A hidden drop zone offers concealed, intuitive storage that keeps the entryway pristine while demonstrating conscientious hospitality.
- Aesthetic value: Consider seamless millwork or cabinetry that blends into the architecture for a refined aesthetic touch.
- Comfort value: Guests don’t have to awkwardly hold bags or guess where to put things…and your entryway stays totally free of clutter.
- Design tip: Match the wood tone or paint color of a built-in drop zone to your trim or walls for a high-end look and flow.
2. An Air-Conditioned Buffer Zone
Especially in our Keller, Texas heat, guests who walk in from the sun should feel immediate relief!! A cool, well-ventilated entryway feels like a breath of fresh air…literally.
- Aesthetic value: Clean-lined vents or floor materials can stay cool to the touch and leave your entryway’s “look” uninterrupted.
- Comfort value: Immediate temperature shift reduces tension and refreshes guests physically (and emotionally).
- Design tip: Consider radiant cooling or natural stone underfoot to reinforce the effect!!
3. A Personalized Scent Experience
Scent leaves a lasting impression in ways that people remember, even when they can’t put it to words.
For an unexpected entryway “wow,” add a soft, subtle fragrance in your home’s entry (never a heavy plug-in or candle). This can evoke peacefulness and luxury all at once. (And keeping it subtle will avoid triggering negative reactions, like migraines in guests ultra-sensitive to smell.)
- Aesthetic value: Use a sleek, tech-integrated diffuser or designer vessel for the cleanest look.
- Comfort value: Creates an emotional sense of “welcome” before anything is said!
- Design tip: Choose one scent for the entire home to reinforce the impression of harmony and intention.
4. Purpose-Specific Seating
Even a small chair or bench signals grace. It says, “this is a place to relax.”
A beautiful seating element in your entryway makes guests feel considered…especially older guests. And it’s essential in homes where you ask that guests remove their shoes.
- Aesthetic value: A bench also gives you opportunity for textiles, upholstery, and architectural accents!!
- Comfort value: Offers physical relief and a sense of instant ease and relief.
- Design tip: Add a tray or drawer below your bench for extra storage of shoes, pet leashes or similar.
This custom Charleston Forge bench was designed by our very own Robin Burrill. The bench is available for purchase through her.
5. Lighting Designed to Flatter
The entryway should glow. Layered lighting (overhead and wall-mounted) sets mood, offers you flexibility, and makes everyone look their best.
- Aesthetic value: Combine a decorative pendant, chandelier, or sculptural sconce to have REAL fun with your lighting selections!!
- Comfort value: Warm lighting (2700K or below) soothes eyes and softens skin tones.
- Design tip: Use dimmers to adapt lighting for evening gatherings vs. daytime arrivals.
6. The Beverage Welcome Station!!
Hospitality is most impressive in the small touches.
Consider this…a sideboard with built-in cold storage, or even a discreet wine fridge. These details say: stay a while. And enjoy the time while you’re here!!
- Aesthetic value: Custom cabinetry or antique-style consoles add the high-end look that keeps things classy, not overdone.
- Comfort value: Offers guests a sense of ceremony as well as generosity…
- Design tip: Keep offerings minimal, like a few waters, a chilled bottle, and clean glassware. The full bar is still kept elsewhere.
7. Artwork That Starts Conversations
Rather than a generic print or mirror, choose a bold piece with a story.
Of course, you want to think about which story will take you where. Do you want to talk about a local artist? A personal travel find? Or a piece that says something about your home and space?
- Aesthetic value: Set the tone for your home’s entire aesthetic.
- Comfort value: Gives guests something to connect with or ask about.
- Design tip: Illuminate your piece with a gallery-style light to create real presence and to invite pause.
8. Acoustics That Calm
Acoustical comfort is the most frequent kind of comfort overlooked. But when done well, it creates a sense of sanctuary the moment someone walks in.
Soften echoes and noise in your entryway with rugs, drapery, or hidden panels.
- Aesthetic value: Add texture and warmth through layering and the use of soft materials (best for absorbing sound).
- Comfort value: Reduces reverb from hard floors and tall ceilings, and offers more comfortable conversation for everyone coming in.
- Design tip: Use acoustic art panels or fabric-wrapped surfaces in complementary colors…designing for acoustics can be fun!!
9. The Statement Mirror
Yes, mirrors open spaces up. But when selecting the right mirror and placing it where it ought to go, they also reflect natural light in truly transformative ways.
And, let’s be honest…mirrors also give guests a natural place to primp and ensure they feel their best!
- Aesthetic value: Anchor your overall design with a mirror that adds drama or softness, depending on your design style.
- Comfort value: Offers subtle reassurance and function while beautifying the space with bouncing light.
- Design tip: Hang your mirror at true eye level and angle it to reflect light from a window or pendant.
10. Yes, A Charging Zone…
Guests sometimes need a place to discreetly charge their phones or other devices. A drawer with USB ports or wireless charging hidden in a console in your entryway can be a thoughtful surprise!!
Just imagine it…your guests raving, “your home is better than the nicest hotel!”
- Aesthetic value: Keeps cords and clutter out of sight wherever else people might be inclined to plug in.
- Comfort value: Offers modern convenience without intruding on your preferred vibe.
- Design tip: Hide the outlet or device tray behind a lift-top or sliding drawer.
11. Ambient Sound Greeting Softly
Choose low instrumental music or a personalized soundscape to provide gentle ambient sound right in your entryway. This helps guests decompress after being outside or on the road, and it instantly sets a mood.
- Aesthetic value: Enhances the sensory experience without adding visual clutter.
- Comfort value: Reduces tension and makes your home feel welcoming.
- Design tip: Use hidden ceiling speakers or table-integrated sound sources.
12. Discreet Umbrella Storage
When rain hits, guests do NOT want to drip their way through your entry!! A built-in umbrella stand with a drainage tray is a small touch that speaks volumes.
- Aesthetic value: Can be hidden inside built-ins or styled as a sculptural stand. (Yes, you can get that creative!)
- Comfort value: Gives guests an intuitive option while protecting your flooring, too.
- Design tip: Match the stand’s finishes to other fixtures for design cohesion.
Which of these ideas are you tempted to try first?!
Or do you want guidance on how to integrate some of these in smallerentryways?
That’s all something we can talk about…inquire with our team today!!
About the author:
Robin Burrill, RID, NCIDQ, ASID, IDS, CAPS, is an award-winning professional kitchen, bath, and interior designer. Robin and her husband, Robert Mathews, have owned Signature Home Services, Inc. for over three decades, establishing a superior in-house team with a widespread reputation for delivering meticulous design to their many repeat clients.
In 2022, the national publication, Kitchen and Bath Design News magazine, named Robin to their Top Innovator list in recognition of her achievements in the field of kitchen and bath design. In 2024, she was named one of the Fall 2024 Market Pros and “tastemakers” by ANDMORE at High Point Market. Also in 2024, Fixr identified her as one of the Top Professional Interior Designers for their nationwide audience. At the start of 2025, she then acted as one of Dallas Market’s “Style Eyes” at Lightovation and Total Home & Gift Market.
Over her extensive career, Robin has been quoted in Architectural Digest and Forbes multiple times; her design work has been featured in top national trade publications; and she has been interviewed for Designers Today magazine’s “Profiles in Design” video series, among others. Widely respected for the depth of her knowledge, Robin is a sought after speaker and judge for many design industry events.
In 2023, Robin designed a bench for Charleston Forge, making her foray into product design. Robin currently serves as a volunteer on the board of the Dallas/Ft. Worth chapter of the Interior Design Society.
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