Create a Welcoming Entryway to Your Home

A warm, welcoming entryway invites guests further into your home, helping to make them feel at ease. On the other hand, a dingy, cluttered entry that is cramped (or one that is virtually nonexistent) does just the opposite. To put it simply, a home's foyer give visitors an impression of what is to come. Do you want your guests to feel comfortable wandering beyond the front door? Then create a welcoming entryway to your home.

Store loose items behind closed doors

While a house doesn't have to be spotless to feel warm and cozy, loose items should be stored behind closed doors to give your entryway a welcoming atmosphere. Benches work great in the entry, as they can double as seating and storage for hats and gloves. And if there is space, a coat closet helps keep jackets contained better than coat hooks.

Keep it simple and minimalistic

Cut the clutter; keep anything out of the entryway that doesn't belong there. While some decor helps to give this space a welcoming atmosphere, keep it simple to avoid a cluttered look. Your guests are just passing through this room, so there is no need to overwhelm them with too many things to see.

Incorporate texture and interesting decor

On the other hand, an undecorated foyer can look cold and uninviting. The few decorations you select for this area should be interesting. Look for items with interesting textures, and don't be afraid to mix up the texture and color for added warmth. Think about combining cool tile with a contrasting, patterned rug and add a houseplant for a touch of nature.

Make your guests feel comfortable

Oftentimes, people need to sit down to take their shoes off, particularly elderly people and children. Give them a bench or chair to make them feel comfortable. We all need plenty of space for putting on our jackets, so make sure to leave enough room to avoid having your pictures fall down from the walls.

Use a warm, inviting color scheme

Warm colors are often more inviting than cool ones. Think creamy neutrals, red, orange and yellow. However, try to avoid too much of the bold colors because they can be very overwhelming, especially when you are first entering a friend's home. Personally, I like to use warm, neutral hues in the entry with pops of color in the accessories.

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