5 entryway mistakes we all make – and how designers suggest we avoid them

The entryway of a home serves as the initial impression for both residents and guests, significantly influencing the perception of the entire living space. Especially during the holiday season, when entertaining is frequent, common entryway mistakes can detract from a welcoming atmosphere. Designer Valerie Darden identifies five key errors that can make an entryway appear uninviting and offers practical solutions to enhance its appeal. One prevalent issue is excessive clutter. During colder months, entryways often accumulate coats, boots, and accessories, leading to a disorganized and cramped feel. To combat this, Darden suggests investing in functional storage solutions such as shoe racks and storage benches to discreetly manage visual clutter. For larger gatherings, temporarily relocating extra coats to a less prominent area can free up space. Additionally, limiting each family member to one coat in the entryway during non-hosting times helps maintain order. Incorporating a small trinket tray provides a designated spot for keys and loose change, contributing to a tidier appearance. Another common oversight is neglecting to imbue the entryway with personality. The entry is an ideal space to showcase individual style and cherished items that reflect the home's occupants. Darden encourages incorporating art, personal trinkets, or making a bold statement with wallpaper or paint. This approach sets a cohesive tone for the rest of the home. Seasonal decor, such as fresh winter branches in a vase complemented by vintage Christmas ornaments, can add a festive and fragrant touch, making the space more inviting. The absence of a mirror is a third mistake that can negatively impact an entryway. While seemingly minor, a strategically placed mirror can create an illusion of greater space, making smaller entryways feel more open and expansive. Beyond its aesthetic benefits, a mirror also serves a practical purpose, allowing individuals to check their appearance before leaving the house, adding both function and style. Forgoing a rug in the entryway is a fourth mistake. Some homeowners might avoid rugs in this high-traffic area due to concerns about cleanliness. However, Darden highlights that a rug can effectively trap dirt and prevent it from spreading throughout the home, actually contributing to overall cleanliness. The market offers a wide array of machine-washable rugs, making maintenance straightforward and eliminating the primary objection to their use. Finally, poor lighting is a significant design flaw in many entryways. Adequate lighting is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and safety, especially during darker seasons. Darden emphasizes that lighting should not be an afterthought but rather an opportunity for a design statement that draws the eye upward. If overhead lighting is not an option or preference, adding a table lamp to an entryway console table can provide necessary illumination and create a warm, inviting glow. Beyond these visual aspects, Darden also points out a non-visual mistake: neglecting home odors. Residents may become accustomed to their home's scent, particularly if they have pets. Regularly airing out the house by opening windows helps refresh the air. For a more lasting solution, investing in a pleasant candle or diffuser with essential oils can establish a signature scent for the entryway, ensuring guests are greeted by a fresh and welcoming aroma. Addressing these five common mistakes can transform an entryway into a beautifully functional and welcoming space, setting a positive tone for the entire home. #EntrywayDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignMistakes #ClutterControl #PersonalStyle #EntrywayLighting #HomeOrganization #HolidayHosting #DesignTips

The entryway serves as the initial impression of a home, influencing how both residents and guests perceive the space. Interior designers emphasize the importance of optimizing this area, despite its often-small footprint, by avoiding common mistakes that can diminish its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The primary pitfalls identified by experts Lindsay Speace, Madison Massaro, and Andrea Taylor revolve around clutter, inadequate storage, neglected design, absence of seating, lack of mirrors, poor lighting, and the omission of an entryway rug. Clutter is a significant deterrent, making an entryway feel chaotic and uninviting. Designers advise prioritizing organization by integrating furniture pieces that streamline the space. For instance, an antique chest can serve as a multi-functional item, providing a surface for mail and drawers for essentials like dog leashes and reusable bags. Neatly tucking away items such as shoes and coats is also crucial. If a dedicated closet is unavailable, a shoe storage bench can offer a practical solution, which, when adorned with decorative elements like a lamp and a mirror, transforms into an aesthetically pleasing and functional area. Related to clutter, overly complex storage systems are discouraged. Simplicity is key in the entryway, with designers recommending practical solutions such as hooks, baskets, and benches. These elements offer straightforward organization without overwhelming the space. The absence of a thoughtful design is another common error. An entryway should not merely be a transitional space but rather an opportunity to showcase the home's unique style and set a welcoming tone. It is the first glimpse into the home's aesthetic, making a strong first impression vital. Seating, if space permits, is highly recommended for its dual benefit of functionality and style. Chairs, a bench, or a console table with stools can provide a convenient spot for putting on shoes or preparing to go outside, effectively treating the entryway as an extension of the home's living areas rather than just a corridor. The lack of a mirror is another oversight. Beyond its practical use for a quick reflection check before leaving, a mirror can visually expand the entryway, making it appear more spacious. Lighting often gets overlooked in entryways, especially in grand foyers with high ceilings. Designers note that small, inadequate light fixtures fail to do justice to the space. Opting for a bold, statement lighting fixture can enhance the entryway's impact and contribute significantly to the overall first impression. Finally, the absence of an entryway rug is a missed opportunity. A rug can introduce pattern and texture, anchor the space, and effectively minimize dirt and dust tracking into the home. For wider entryways, a 3x5 foot rug is suitable, while a runner is ideal for longer, narrower spaces. Addressing these common mistakes can transform an entryway into a welcoming, functional, and stylish introduction to any home. #EntrywayDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeOrganization #SmallSpaces #LightingDesign #HomeStyling #FunctionalDecor

The entryway of a home serves as its initial impression, and Southern interior designers identify five common mistakes that can make this space feel uninviting or chaotic. The first major error is failing to address clutter. A disorganized pile of shoes, a mountain of coats, or stacks of mail can immediately signal disarray, making the area feel cramped and unwelcoming. To rectify this, designers recommend corralling these items into hidden storage solutions, such as vintage furniture pieces, rather than leaving them exposed. It is also advised not to use the entryway as a catch-all for items like returns or donations; these should be stored in less visible areas like a mudroom or garage. Secondly, neglecting proper lighting is a significant mistake. An entryway should be bright and welcoming, not dim. Good layered lighting can transform a small space, making it feel expansive and inviting. This can be achieved by incorporating various light sources, such as a pendant light, a table lamp, and decorative elements like a picture light or sconce. Designers emphasize that lighting should not be an afterthought but rather a key design element that reflects the home's character. A dark entryway can subconsciously create an uneasy feeling for both residents and guests. Thirdly, a common error is not considering the scale of furnishings and decor. Many mistakenly believe that a small entryway requires tiny furniture, which can make the space appear timid. Instead, designers suggest going bold with oversized elements like a large mirror or a generous runner. These larger pieces can provide a visual anchor, transforming the entryway from a mere pass-through into a distinct and significant area within the home. A visual anchor, whether a mirror, a piece of furniture, or a lamp, is crucial for giving the space definition. Fourthly, overlooking the importance of scent is a frequently made mistake. The aroma of a home can significantly impact the first impression. Incorporating a pleasant scent through candles or diffusers can set a welcoming stage for anyone entering the house. Designers highlight that engaging all five senses, including smell, contributes to a more complete and positive experience of the entryway. Specific candle and diffuser recommendations are provided to help achieve a desirable ambiance. Finally, when designing an entryway from scratch, incorporating a window niche is often advised against. Designers note that window niches can easily look unfinished and are difficult to keep clean and dust-free, particularly in high spots. This element can detract from the overall aesthetic and functionality of the entryway, making it a design choice best avoided. #EntrywayDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignMistakes #ClutterManagement #EntrywayLighting #ScaleInDesign #HomeFragrance #FirstImpression

Hallways, despite being central to a home's flow and connecting various rooms, are frequently overlooked in design, often treated as mere transitional spaces. This neglect leads to common blunders that detract from a home's overall aesthetic and functionality. Interior designers emphasize that with thoughtful planning, hallways can be transformed into integral and engaging experiences. Neglecting hallways can result in them appearing uninviting or functionally inadequate. One significant mistake is selecting finishes that are not durable enough to withstand the high traffic characteristic of hallways. These areas endure constant footfall, moving furniture, and daily wear and tear. Choosing delicate wallpapers or easily scuffed paints can quickly lead to a worn-out appearance, necessitating frequent repairs or redecoration. Instead, designers recommend opting for robust, washable paints, durable wainscoting, or high-quality wall coverings that can resist abrasions and are easy to maintain, ensuring longevity and sustained visual appeal. Another common error is leaving floors bare or choosing inappropriate flooring materials. Bare floors can make hallways feel cold and unwelcoming, and hard surfaces like unadorned concrete or wood can amplify noise. Furthermore, slick surfaces pose a slip hazard, especially in busy households. Ideal solutions include durable, non-slip flooring options such as high-quality runners or carpets that provide comfort underfoot, absorb sound, and add a layer of texture and warmth. For hard flooring, selecting materials like engineered wood, durable tiles, or resilient vinyl with good slip resistance is crucial. Inadequate or supermarket-like lighting is another frequent design misstep. Hallways often lack natural light, making artificial illumination essential. Relying on a single, harsh overhead light can create an uninviting and poorly lit tunnel effect, failing to highlight any architectural features or decor. Designers suggest a multi-layered lighting approach, incorporating ambient, accent, and task lighting. This can include flush mounts, sconces, recessed lights, and even small table lamps on consoles to create a welcoming glow, enhance depth, and ensure practical visibility. Overlooking the opportunity to incorporate storage or functional elements is also a common mistake. Hallways are often narrow and can feel cluttered if not planned properly. Ignoring potential storage solutions can lead to shoes, bags, and coats being left out, creating disarray. Smart design includes integrating built-in shelving, slim console tables with drawers, wall-mounted hooks, or even recessed niches that offer practical storage without impeding traffic flow. These additions can declutter the space and add to its utility. Finally, failing to infuse personality and aesthetic appeal transforms hallways into bland, forgettable passages. These spaces offer an excellent canvas for showcasing art, family photos, or unique decorative elements. A common error is treating them as purely utilitarian. Designers encourage treating hallways as extensions of the home's overall design theme, incorporating elements like gallery walls, strategically placed mirrors to expand the perception of space, or a bold accent color. These thoughtful touches can make hallways feel like an integrated and vibrant part of the home, rather than just corridors between rooms. #HallwayDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignMistakes #Durability #LightingDesign #FunctionalStorage #AestheticAppeal #DesignTips

The internet offers a vast array of interior design aesthetics, from Scandinavian and Boho to Country House and Maximalist, each accompanied by experts and influencers providing guidance on essential items to achieve these trends. This has led Americans to spend an average of $1,599 annually on home decor, according to a 2024 Opendoor survey. However, LA-based content creators Robert Gigliotti and Ethan Gaskill have gained significant attention on TikTok by sharing their most disliked interior design and home decor trends, accumulating over 8 million views with their series called "home decor icks." Gigliotti and Gaskill, who are not professional designers but have developed a keen eye for design through personal and family experiences, advocate for working with a space's inherent features rather than against them. Gigliotti's interest in design stemmed from helping his mother flip houses, where he grew tired of the repetitive "builder gray" aesthetic and began influencing tile and finish choices. Gaskill was inspired by his father, a custom home builder, and his mother, a real estate agent, who instilled in him the importance of maintaining a tidy space that reflects one's identity and positively impacts their mindset. Their approach resonates with audiences because they openly admit to having made similar mistakes themselves. They emphasize that their critiques are lighthearted and not meant to be taken too seriously, encouraging individuals to have fun with their decor choices as long as they love the outcome. In the living room, Gigliotti suggests moving away from trendy, statement couches like the "funky bubble couches" or expensive Togo sofas, which he believes are impractical and difficult to integrate into different spaces or over time. He shares his own experience of quickly selling an orange bubble sofa after realizing it was a social media-driven purchase rather than a truly desired item. Instead, he recommends opting for more classic pieces or using versatile linen slipcovers, and also highlights thrifting as a viable option. The collaborators also caution against letting personal interests overwhelm home decor. Gaskill recounts an instance where his love for horror films led him to display a melting skull art print, which he later realized was too dominant. Gigliotti adds that while one can love fashion, there's no need to display luxury brand boxes as decor. Additionally, grommet curtains are described as an outdated and unappealing choice, likened to hanging a shower curtain in the living room. Moving to the kitchen, Gaskill advises against cluttering countertops with too many appliances, suggesting that only the most frequently used items, such as a coffee maker or toaster, should be left out, with others stored away. Gigliotti further emphasizes that appliances don't need to be a "design moment"; instead, they should blend into the space. He advocates for classic choices like stainless steel over "fake vintage or retro appliances." The article also addresses the trend of over-decorating bar carts and open shelving, which Gigliotti believes can make a space look overly curated and less lived-in. He suggests prioritizing functionality, as authentic and useful items contribute more to a home's appeal. For bathrooms, the duo strongly advises against peel-and-stick tiles, explaining that the adhesive often fails in steamy environments, leading to bubbling and an undesirable appearance. They suggest that poorly executed DIY projects can draw more attention to an area one is trying to mask, and that homes should not be treated like "craft projects." Furthermore, toiletries should not be treated as decorative items, and shelving should not be installed solely for displaying items like nail polish. The article also touches on "cringey" art prints, expanding beyond the well-known "Live, Laugh, Love" to include quirky food-themed or odd phrase art that is losing its appeal. In the bedroom, Gaskill advises against placing beds perpendicularly in a corner, as it creates unusable space and suggests a lack of thoughtful room layout. Lastly, the collaborators recommend against color-coding bookshelves, arguing that a mix-matched approach adds character and charm to a home. They conclude by stressing the importance of accepting a home's existing characteristics rather than forcing unnecessary design elements like fake beams or brick walls through DIY projects. For those seeking change, a new coat of paint and good artwork are recommended as the best starting points. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignMistakes #HomeImprovement #DecorTrends #TikTokTrends #SpacePlanning #DIYDecor #FunctionalDesign