Everyone has heard the expression "you only get one chance to make a first impression," and for your house, the Entry Hall is just that. Not only is this the place for a first impression, it is also the place for most people where car keys are put, school bags dropped and newspapers delivered. So how do you go about creating a space that works well for all of these different needs? Here are some ideas for making your entrance something special:
- Lighting is important, have the ability to make the space bright. I like to have lots of dimmers, that way when you are entertaining the space can have a warm glow, but on a day to day basis, you can keep it bright so that you can sort your mail, etc.
- A mirror is a great idea. You will want to check yourself before answering the door, or at least a last moment of preening on your way out.
- A coat rack is a handy thing to have as well. I am not a big fan of having one out all the time ( it feels a bit untidy to me), but if you are expecting guests, its not a bad idea to bring one out. That way if guests have to leave, they do not have to rummage through your closet to find their things.
- A space set aside near the front door to unload is something you will use every day. It should have a place for keys, your cell phone charger, baskets for mail, both ingoing and outgoing, and a hook for dry cleaning. This activity area will keep you organised and will help decompress you as you enter the house.
- Most importantly, make your Entry the most honest expression of you and your values. Family pictures (not too many), a few books on your favorite subjects, maybe even some flowers from your garden. All these things signify that you are home, and there is no better place to be.
4 comments:
good post. i know many people who don't do anything with their entry because they don't feel it's a real space but i agree, it's the first impression made when someone enters your space.
i love the mirror idea. i have a full length mirror by my front door because you know you need that last glance before you step out, make sure everything is where it's suppose to be. haha.
Absolutely! Thanks for all of these tips, Mark. Your blog is such a gem.
I have a small mirror on the back of the front door and so can check before I leave the house or answer the door.
I love your blog.
Maybe you can offer a suggestion or two for the following problem:
Because traffic patterns have changed since our home was built, we now end up welcoming most people into our home via our tiny back-door area, which is no bigger than a landing for the basement stairs.
(For a small home, we have a decent front entry. We just can't get anybody to use it.)
Short of construction, what's a homeowner to do?
Post a Comment