Hi all, Gabrielle from Savvy Home here for another top 5. Even though Christmas is right around the corner, I’m taking a break from holiday related topics. That being said, some of these tips may still serve useful for the holidays as I’m talking about a home’s first impressions: the entrance hall.

Entrance halls often receive very little attention while it should be the exact opposite. After all, it sets the tone for the entire house. Why not go bold, dramatic and vibrant? Whatever you do, make sure it gives a sense of what’s to come.

Here are a few ways to add a bit of spice to your entryway.

1. Impact should be high on the priority list for the entrance hall. This doesn’t necessarily mean ultra-bold wallpaper if that’s not your cup of tea, but there are a million ways to make an entrance hall one to remember.

2. A bench, no matter how small, is bliss in a entrance hall, especially when you have kids. But even adults sometimes like to lace their shoes sitting down – it’s always a more pleasant experience.

3. Repetition is a decorator’s best kept secret and that rings even truer in a long and narrow space. Whether you’re repeting sconces down the hallway, setting up a gallery wall or displaying a china collection, repetition always works wonders.

4. Lighting is important in an entry hall and should be soft and inviting. It shouldn’t feel like FBI questioning so I suggest dimmers and one or two lamps at eye level on the console table. You can also add a great amount of impact by including a large scale pendant light or chandelier.

5. If you don’t have an entry hall closet, plan storage space for shoes and coats. Storage baskets, I suggest weave, are great especially in colder climates, with kids or for anyone who doesn’t have an entrance closet. Besides, it’s the easiest place to dump all the junk that’s lying around when unannounced guests ring your doorbell.

How have you spiced up your entrance hall?

Gabrielle | Savvy Home

Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Sources: 1. Suellen Gregory 2. Celerie Kemble 3. Mark D Sikes 4. Miles Redd 5. Interiors Digital 6. Jean Louis Deniot 7. Architectural Digest Espana 8. Massucco Warner Miller