Your entryway is essentially the handshake of your home. It’s the first thing your family, friends, and guests see when they enter your space. It’s also an area that frequently gets forgotten when it comes to design, since it’s often used purely as a practical space to toss your coat and slip off your shoes after a long day.

That said, there are many unique ways to make your entryway functional and beautiful. Here are a few gorgeous entryway design ideas to get you started!

1. Choose a Theme That Reflects Your Taste

Your foyer, mudroom, or other entry area is the gateway to the rest of your house. Use this space to introduce your home to guests by filling it with design elements you love—elements that reflect your personality and aesthetic preferences.

For example, is your home filled with old books and sentimental art pieces? Consider adding a bookshelf to your entryway and filling it with some classic books and trinkets. Do you love pops of color? Add an armchair with a few bright throw pillows to your space to tie your entryway into the rest of your home.

2. Include Seating

A great way to make your entryway more usable and practical (and add a homey touch) is to add a bench or a couple of chairs where you can sit down to take your shoes off when you come home.

A bay window with a built-in window seat and drawers creates a traditional look, while an iron bench with a few decorative throw pillows will add a unique and creative flavor.

3. Opt for Durable, Mud-Resistant Materials

The Pacific Northwest is known for its natural beauty and rainy seasons, and with all that rain comes mud and soggy boots. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose durable, water-resistant materials that will stand up to the elements and last for years.

Although it’s ideal to choose tough materials for all the surfaces in your entryway or mudroom design, the flooring is especially important. Here are a few sturdy flooring options to consider:

  • Waterproof vinyl
  • Concrete
  • Bamboo
  • Natural stone
  • Porcelain
  • Solid or engineered wood

4. Don’t Forget Storage

Does it seem like you have an ever-growing pile of coats, gloves, and shoes in your entry area? One of the easiest ways to keep this space tidy and organized is to add plenty of usable, well-designed storage. Stacked crates, wall hooks, built-in cabinets, and even small cubbies for your most-used shoes will make your space beautiful and practical.

5. Add Unique Details

Even though it acts as your path to the great outdoors, your entryway should still feel like part of your home. That’s why adding touches that suit your own personal style and design preferences are as important in your foyer or mudroom as anywhere else in your living space.

Everyone’s taste is different, and the details you choose to highlight should be unique and special to you. Here are just a few ideas:

  • DIY coat rack
  • Patterned throw blankets or quilts
  • Vintage or reclaimed furniture
  • Unique wallpaper
  • A collage of family photos
  • Vinyl records hung on the wall

6. Reflect Light to Brighten the Space

Especially if your front door is tucked away and doesn’t get a lot of sunlight, light colors and mirrors can really help brighten up your entryway and add dimension to your space.

There are many ways to incorporate mirrors, even if you don’t want a full-length mirror in your entryway. Add a mirrored mosaic or vanity mirror to scatter the light throughout your space, or opt for mirrored furniture, or glass or crystal globe lights.

7. Add a Welcome Message, Bulletin Board, or Chalkboard

Since you walk through your entryway every time you leave the house, a unique and practical design choice is to have a whiteboard, chalkboard, or bulletin board in or near your entryway. This can help you stay organized and productive by allowing you to keep a shopping list, schedule, or even a positive message to put you in a good mood right near your front door. It’s also a super unique, personal, and smart design choice.

Are you planning an entryway remodel or other remodeling project?

Square Deal Remodeling has been working to give homeowners in the Portland and Vancouver area the spaces of their dreams since 1992. We know that remodeling your home can seem daunting; that’s why we make the process as clear and streamlined as possible. 

We always start by developing a thorough plan, and we’re with you every step of the way, from the initial design process to project cleanup. Let us help you create the home you’ve always wanted.

Contact us online or give us a call at (503) 254-4156 to get started!