New This Week: 6 Attractive Front Entries
See the design details pros used to give these welcoming front entryways style and functionality
We recently highlighted stylish front entries that are new on Houzz. But there were so many wonderful designs that we couldn’t fit them all into one article. So here are six more. See how designers used functional furniture and fashionable decor to create a welcoming first — and last — impression.
2. Eclectic Electric
Designer: Annie Graunke of Studio M Interiors
Location: Minnetrista, Minnesota
Size: 168 square feet (16 square meters); 12 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was new construction, so we had a blank canvas,” designer Annie Graunke says. She and the homeowners were going for eclectic traditional style with modern flair.
Main feature. “The herringbone white oak floor speaks to the traditional element we were after, while using a black metal front door makes the overall space modern,” Graunke says. “Together with the artwork, a peek into the guest powder room and the accessories, the flow is intentional and feels natural.”
Other special features. Mix of brushed-brass finishes on the lights. Crisp white walls (Pure White by Sherwin-Williams). “So fresh and classic,” Graunke says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “When we realized we had to plug the lamps in and we would see the cords — ugh,” Graunke says. “The day was saved by 3M Scotch Tape. We used it to tape cords to the back of the console and then hide discreetly [them] behind the ottomans.”
Shop for ottomans and footstools
Designer: Annie Graunke of Studio M Interiors
Location: Minnetrista, Minnesota
Size: 168 square feet (16 square meters); 12 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was new construction, so we had a blank canvas,” designer Annie Graunke says. She and the homeowners were going for eclectic traditional style with modern flair.
Main feature. “The herringbone white oak floor speaks to the traditional element we were after, while using a black metal front door makes the overall space modern,” Graunke says. “Together with the artwork, a peek into the guest powder room and the accessories, the flow is intentional and feels natural.”
Other special features. Mix of brushed-brass finishes on the lights. Crisp white walls (Pure White by Sherwin-Williams). “So fresh and classic,” Graunke says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “When we realized we had to plug the lamps in and we would see the cords — ugh,” Graunke says. “The day was saved by 3M Scotch Tape. We used it to tape cords to the back of the console and then hide discreetly [them] behind the ottomans.”
Shop for ottomans and footstools
3. Inside Job
Designer: Nicole Forina Home
Location: Rumson, New Jersey
Size: 120 square feet (11 square meters); 10 by 12 feet
Homeowners’ request. “When we first met this client, they told us they liked neutrals, but we’ve certainly injected color into this house, and that was due to [interior designer] Nicole pushing color just a bit,” project manager Mike Forina says. “Once the scheme started coming together, the client was happy they went in that direction.”
Main feature. Stylish accessories. “The accessory phase of the project is very underrated by many,” Forina says. “Underrated in both price and time. It could easily require numerous shopping trips and online purchases from several different boutiques. In order to make a home feel curated and personalized, though, it’s essential to strike the perfect balance of new life with sentimental treasures.”
Other special features. Blue door (New Providence Navy by Benjamin Moore). Custom floating wall console. Mirror with frame made of 20 large iron disks. Flush-mount light fixture with banana bark shades.
Designer tip. “The open-concept prevalence often found in today’s homes lends itself to a more neutral color palette so that one can achieve cohesiveness throughout an entire design,” Forina says. “But older homes tend to have smaller rooms that are more compartmentalized, which makes it a lot easier to have a bit of a color theme for each specific room.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “This is an awkward entry because it’s completely open to the dining room — there is no wall separating the two whatsoever,” Forina says. “Because of that, we weren’t able to include all of the traditional entry elements. Instead, we knew we’d have to pare down the design and include the essential items — a console to store your keys and a mirror to give yourself the once-over before walking out the door — to create the vignette we were looking for.”
Wall paint: Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore
Shop for coat racks and umbrella stands
Designer: Nicole Forina Home
Location: Rumson, New Jersey
Size: 120 square feet (11 square meters); 10 by 12 feet
Homeowners’ request. “When we first met this client, they told us they liked neutrals, but we’ve certainly injected color into this house, and that was due to [interior designer] Nicole pushing color just a bit,” project manager Mike Forina says. “Once the scheme started coming together, the client was happy they went in that direction.”
Main feature. Stylish accessories. “The accessory phase of the project is very underrated by many,” Forina says. “Underrated in both price and time. It could easily require numerous shopping trips and online purchases from several different boutiques. In order to make a home feel curated and personalized, though, it’s essential to strike the perfect balance of new life with sentimental treasures.”
Other special features. Blue door (New Providence Navy by Benjamin Moore). Custom floating wall console. Mirror with frame made of 20 large iron disks. Flush-mount light fixture with banana bark shades.
Designer tip. “The open-concept prevalence often found in today’s homes lends itself to a more neutral color palette so that one can achieve cohesiveness throughout an entire design,” Forina says. “But older homes tend to have smaller rooms that are more compartmentalized, which makes it a lot easier to have a bit of a color theme for each specific room.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “This is an awkward entry because it’s completely open to the dining room — there is no wall separating the two whatsoever,” Forina says. “Because of that, we weren’t able to include all of the traditional entry elements. Instead, we knew we’d have to pare down the design and include the essential items — a console to store your keys and a mirror to give yourself the once-over before walking out the door — to create the vignette we were looking for.”
Wall paint: Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore
Shop for coat racks and umbrella stands
4. Going Dutch
Designer: Fallon Liles of Gather Projects
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Size: 64 square feet (5.9 square meters); 8 by 8 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This project was a speculative build, so we had the creative freedom to dream up the space and plan for the way the home will function,” designer Fallon Liles says. “This particular home sits on a quiet street enjoyed by the neighborhood. We chose to add some sidelights and a Dutch door to create a bright and airy feel that easily transitions from indoors to front yard living.”
Main feature. “We knew we wanted a Dutch door in this home, so we built this entryway around that concept,” Liles says. “We worked with Pella to create a custom door that fit the modern ranch aesthetic we were going for on this project.”
Other special features. French white oak flooring with inlay detail. Aged-brass three-globe flush-mount light.
Designer tip. “The entryway is the first impression of a home, so add a little something special to make it stand out,” Liles says. “We love changing the flooring or the flooring layout for interest. In this home, we changed the flooring pattern in the entryway to create a little warmth and separation from the main living space.”
Light: Stella in aged brass, Hudson Valley Lighting; wall and door paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore; furniture staging: Lexi Grace Design
Designer: Fallon Liles of Gather Projects
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Size: 64 square feet (5.9 square meters); 8 by 8 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This project was a speculative build, so we had the creative freedom to dream up the space and plan for the way the home will function,” designer Fallon Liles says. “This particular home sits on a quiet street enjoyed by the neighborhood. We chose to add some sidelights and a Dutch door to create a bright and airy feel that easily transitions from indoors to front yard living.”
Main feature. “We knew we wanted a Dutch door in this home, so we built this entryway around that concept,” Liles says. “We worked with Pella to create a custom door that fit the modern ranch aesthetic we were going for on this project.”
Other special features. French white oak flooring with inlay detail. Aged-brass three-globe flush-mount light.
Designer tip. “The entryway is the first impression of a home, so add a little something special to make it stand out,” Liles says. “We love changing the flooring or the flooring layout for interest. In this home, we changed the flooring pattern in the entryway to create a little warmth and separation from the main living space.”
Light: Stella in aged brass, Hudson Valley Lighting; wall and door paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore; furniture staging: Lexi Grace Design
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5. Fashionable Foyer
Designer: Roman Malantchouk of walkTHIShouse
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey
Size: 168 square feet (16 square meters); 10½ by 16 feet
Homeowners’ request. This renovation was part of a real estate development project. “The exterior of the home is a beautiful historic facade, so we knew that we wanted to bring some of the classic traditional style into the entry foyer,” designer Roman Malantchouk says. “We achieved this by combining traditional details with more contemporary paints, tiles and lighting.”
Main feature. “The original interior of the house was in complete disrepair,” Malantchouk says. “During our first site visit, we documented original details of an old staircase, which had to be demolished due to structural issues. We knew that this was going to be the focal point of the foyer. We carefully re-created every detail of the original staircase in order to properly pay tribute to the original structure. In the end it looked like it was there all along. That was our goal.”
Other special features. “We wanted to bring in contemporary colors and textures to the foyer,” Malantchouk. “We chose patterned tile, board-and-batten wainscoting and chunky window moldings. All of the millwork was painted dark charcoal for a dramatic effect.”
Designer tip. “In a space like this, we knew that a large mirror and lighting fixtures were going to be key,” Malantchouk says. “Those items really brought everything together.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The foyer stair railing detail was based on the original staircase, but the railing upstairs had to be slimmer,” Malantchouk says. “We didn’t know this condition at the beginning, so on the second floor the railing transitions into a sleek metal profile. It all worked out in the end.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Designer: Roman Malantchouk of walkTHIShouse
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey
Size: 168 square feet (16 square meters); 10½ by 16 feet
Homeowners’ request. This renovation was part of a real estate development project. “The exterior of the home is a beautiful historic facade, so we knew that we wanted to bring some of the classic traditional style into the entry foyer,” designer Roman Malantchouk says. “We achieved this by combining traditional details with more contemporary paints, tiles and lighting.”
Main feature. “The original interior of the house was in complete disrepair,” Malantchouk says. “During our first site visit, we documented original details of an old staircase, which had to be demolished due to structural issues. We knew that this was going to be the focal point of the foyer. We carefully re-created every detail of the original staircase in order to properly pay tribute to the original structure. In the end it looked like it was there all along. That was our goal.”
Other special features. “We wanted to bring in contemporary colors and textures to the foyer,” Malantchouk. “We chose patterned tile, board-and-batten wainscoting and chunky window moldings. All of the millwork was painted dark charcoal for a dramatic effect.”
Designer tip. “In a space like this, we knew that a large mirror and lighting fixtures were going to be key,” Malantchouk says. “Those items really brought everything together.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The foyer stair railing detail was based on the original staircase, but the railing upstairs had to be slimmer,” Malantchouk says. “We didn’t know this condition at the beginning, so on the second floor the railing transitions into a sleek metal profile. It all worked out in the end.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
6. Stair Flair
Designer: Lindsey Swanson of Swanson Homes
Location: Medina, Minnesota
Homeowners’ request. “Our homeowners were looking to design a modern open-concept home that fit their needs for entertaining,” designer Lindsey Swanson says. “They also looked to incorporate unique and fun selections that would delight their kids. When it came to their entryway, we looked to design a space that allowed the entry into their home to be warm and inviting while integrating an urban farmhouse style.”
Main feature. “The exterior architecture led to the design throughout the home,” Swanson says. “This entry especially resonates with the same mix of natural materials as the exterior of the home.”
Other special features. “A special feature of this entryway is the custom-designed metal staircase by Bilt Fab, built to fit the two-story architecture design of this home,” Swanson says. “We also love the reclaimed-white oak wood flooring, staircase and ceiling details.”
Designer tip. “Be consistent with colors and style while mixing textures and materials,” Swanson says.
Wall paint: Aesthetic White, Benjamin Moore
More on Houzz
The 10 Most Popular Entryways of Summer 2021
Read more entryway stories on Houzz
Browse entryway photos
Find a professional
Designer: Lindsey Swanson of Swanson Homes
Location: Medina, Minnesota
Homeowners’ request. “Our homeowners were looking to design a modern open-concept home that fit their needs for entertaining,” designer Lindsey Swanson says. “They also looked to incorporate unique and fun selections that would delight their kids. When it came to their entryway, we looked to design a space that allowed the entry into their home to be warm and inviting while integrating an urban farmhouse style.”
Main feature. “The exterior architecture led to the design throughout the home,” Swanson says. “This entry especially resonates with the same mix of natural materials as the exterior of the home.”
Other special features. “A special feature of this entryway is the custom-designed metal staircase by Bilt Fab, built to fit the two-story architecture design of this home,” Swanson says. “We also love the reclaimed-white oak wood flooring, staircase and ceiling details.”
Designer tip. “Be consistent with colors and style while mixing textures and materials,” Swanson says.
Wall paint: Aesthetic White, Benjamin Moore
More on Houzz
The 10 Most Popular Entryways of Summer 2021
Read more entryway stories on Houzz
Browse entryway photos
Find a professional
Designers: Dana Bender of Pine Street Carpenters (interior design and styling) and Warren Claytor Architects
Builder and general contractor: Pine Street Carpenters
Location: Malvern, Pennsylvania
Size: 108 square feet (10 square meters); 9 by 12 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The owner wanted to update the look of the entry and bring more natural light into the space, and allow a visual to guests and the front driveway,” says interior designer Dana Bender, who used Houzz photos for design inspiration. “Warren Claytor Architects redesigned the front entry to reduce the two solid doors with transom down to one single door with more glass, new transom and two glass sidelights. The owner also wanted to make the stairs safer by redesigning the baluster-and-rail system and adding a custom continuous curved rail to the outside of the treads.”
Main feature. “The foyer now feels light and bright with the new doors and sidelights,” Bender says. “The owners love rabbits, so the architect personalized the staircase and included a custom rabbit profile detail on the stringer executed by Pine Street Carpenters that playfully shows the animals ascending the stairs to the second floor.”
Other special features. Oversize light fixture. High-gloss finish on the front door, which “adds formality and elegance,” Bender says. “The client also loves and uses a combination of blues, whites and brass throughout the house, so this was key for selecting finishes like the front door hardware and carpet runner.”
Designer tip. “When working with a two-story foyer, it’s important to remember scale and find ways to utilize the full volume of the space from floor to ceiling,” Bender says. “And a table for dropping keys with upholstered stools below, and layers of interesting accessories on top, provides an instant sense of personality when arriving into the space.”
Paint: Eider White (walls), Tricorn Black (front door and handrail), Sherwin-Williams
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