4 Things To Keep Out Of Your Entryway, According To Designers

Living rooms are often seen as multi-functional spaces, serving as gathering spots, relaxation zones, and the first impression for guests. However, design professionals suggest that certain items should be excluded from this central area to maintain its aesthetic appeal and functionality. Matching furniture sets are discouraged by designers like Chanda Kea and Dawn Heuer, who argue that they lead to generic decorating and make a space resemble a furniture showroom. Instead, mixing pieces from various sources can create a more personalized and 'lived-in' look, adding character and uniqueness to the room. Children's toys are another item designers recommend keeping out of the living room. Chanda Kea suggests designating alternative storage areas such as a playroom, closet, or the child's bedroom to keep the living space tidy and organized. Similarly, pet beds and cages are often large and not aesthetically pleasing, making them unsuitable for prominent placement in a living room. Caroline Harvey advises relocating these items to less visible areas like a laundry or utility room to maintain the room's visual appeal. Recliner-style sectionals and armchairs are also on the list of items to avoid. Caroline Harvey points out that while they are comfortable, they tend to be bulky and do not complement various decor styles, making them difficult to integrate seamlessly into a well-designed living room. Zoe Feldman adds that such seating can hinder group engagement, suggesting they are better suited for a family room. Modern sectionals or slip-covered couches are recommended as more attractive and versatile alternatives. Undersized rugs are a common design mistake that can make a room feel disjointed and disproportionate. Dawn Heuer emphasizes the importance of a properly sized rug to define a cohesive area, anchor furniture, and add warmth to the space. Ceiling fans, while practical in bedrooms, are generally considered out of place in a living room. Molly Basile suggests opting for statement light fixtures or decorative sconces instead to enhance the room's ambiance and design. Impersonal artwork, such as mass-produced or generic pieces, should be replaced with items that reflect personal meaning and family history. McCall Dulkys highlights that the living room is a frequently used space, making it crucial to fill it with art that resonates with the family and aligns with the desired feelings for the space. Bar carts are another item designers suggest rethinking for the living room. Rachel Little recommends more substantial and less functionally awkward alternatives like small armoires, sideboards, or commodes to serve a similar purpose while enhancing the room's sophistication. Work-related items, including desks, computers, and filing cabinets, are advised to be kept out of the living room, even for those who work from home. Margie Kaercher views the living room as a sanctuary for rest and escape from work life, emphasizing the need to keep professional clutter concealed. Finally, designers universally agree that any item not serving a purpose or adding value to the living room should be removed. Maggie Dillon advocates for living spaces that adapt to one's current life stage, suggesting that items constantly needing to be moved or those collecting dust, such as old DVD collections or excessive catalogs, should be stored elsewhere to create a more functional and beautiful environment. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #LivingRoom #DesignTips #HomeOrganization #FurnitureArrangement #RoomStyling #Decluttering

The dining room is a designated space for entertaining and dining, and designers emphasize the importance of keeping it clear of items that detract from its primary function. Overly fragile or expensive area rugs are not recommended for dining rooms. Kate Figler, founder of Kate Figler Interiors, suggests that these rooms are meant to be used and enjoyed, making delicate rugs impractical due to the risk of spills and wear. Instead, more durable and easily maintainable floor coverings are preferred. Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance of a dining room. Harsh overhead lighting should be avoided. Figler advises using dimmers and warm white bulbs, specifically nothing over 2700 Kelvin, to create a softer, more inviting atmosphere. Erin Tripodi of Erin Tripodi Design notes that soft, warm yellow bulbs enhance guests' appearance, making them look younger and more relaxed, thereby encouraging a more enjoyable dining experience. Televisions, regardless of how cleverly concealed, do not belong in the dining room. Designers stress that this space should be dedicated to dining and social interaction, not TV viewing. Introducing screens can divert attention and hinder conversation, undermining the room's purpose as a gathering area. Similarly, children's toys and games should be kept out of the dining room. Valerie Darden, founder of Brexton Cole Interiors, highlights instances where dining rooms are repurposed as makeshift playrooms with plastic toys, dolls, and Play-Doh. This practice diminishes the formality and intended use of the space. Plastic storage bins, often used to corral extra items like papers or craft supplies, are also deemed inappropriate for the dining room. Darden recommends storing these items in a closet or home office to maintain the room's elegant appearance. Stray china, when not in use for a dinner party, should be stored in a sideboard or china cabinet. Maggie Clarke, founder of Maggie Clarke Interiors, believes that decor should be useful, suggesting that table settings be put away when not actively needed. This approach helps maintain a tidy and purposeful dining area. Pet crates are another item that should be excluded from the dining room. Holly Hickey Moore, founder of an eponymous firm, states that despite the undeniable cuteness of pets, their crates are best kept out of dining spaces where meals and socializing occur, ensuring a hygienic and appropriate environment for guests. Family photos, while cherished, are best displayed in other areas of the home, such as hallways, bedroom walls, or less formal family rooms. Carla Aston, founder of DESIGNED w/ Carla Aston, suggests focusing on art and mirrors for dining room wall decoration to maintain a more neutral and sophisticated aesthetic suitable for a formal setting. Finally, backless benches are not recommended for adult dining. Aston explains that while they might be suitable for breakfast rooms with children, most adults prefer individual chairs for comfort during a meal in a dining room. Ensuring guest comfort is paramount for a successful dining experience. #DiningRoomDecor #HomeOrganization #InteriorDesignTips #DiningRoomLighting #HomeStaging #DesignerTips #RoomFunctionality #Decluttering #EntertainingSpace

The entryway of a home serves as its initial impression, functioning as a 'handshake' that sets the tone for the entire living space. Designing this area effectively is crucial, as it needs to accommodate daily necessities like mail and shoes while also projecting a stylish and curated aesthetic for guests. The challenge is often amplified by the limited space typical of entryways, making every design choice highly significant. Achieving balance, mixing old with new, and blending collected items with intentional pieces are key to creating a curated look, as advised by designer Katie Lindquist. However, striking this balance can be difficult, particularly when individuals enjoy discovering unique items. Several common accessories and design practices can inadvertently detract from an entryway's appeal, making it appear tacky rather than sophisticated. One such item is the shoe rack. While practical for storing footwear, especially in entryways that double as mudrooms, visible shoe racks are often considered unsightly and prone to disorganization, particularly in households with children. Designers recommend relocating shoe racks to less visible areas, such as hall closets or garages, for seasonal items. A more aesthetically pleasing and functional alternative for daily use is a tall, lidded basket placed under a console, allowing for easy shoe storage without compromising the entryway's neatness. Another element that can cheapen the look is the display of inappropriate books. While tabletop vignettes often feature stacks of books, their relevance to the space is paramount. Cookbooks, for instance, are best suited for the kitchen rather than the entryway, as they can create confusion. To remedy this, one can either swap out cookbooks for more relevant titles or turn their spines toward the wall for a cleaner look. For those seeking storage, decorative boxes offer a flexible alternative, providing similar height and visual interest without the contextual mismatch of misplaced books. Welcome mats, while essential for preventing dirt from entering the home, can also contribute to a cluttered appearance if not thoughtfully integrated. A common design misstep is having both a doormat immediately inside the door and a separate rug floating in the middle of the foyer. To streamline this, designers suggest either extending a hallway runner directly to the door or selecting a welcome mat that is both intentional and functional. This could involve a woven mat that adds texture and color while complementing other nearby rugs, creating a more cohesive look. Overly-matchy furniture sets are another design pitfall. While sourcing furniture from the same line might seem efficient, identical mirror-and-table combinations from big-box stores can lack character and make the space feel flat and uninspired. Instead, elevating individual pieces through thoughtful curation is recommended. For existing matching sets, re-framing a mirror, layering artwork in front of it, painting the existing frame, or introducing a different mirror from elsewhere in the home can refresh the look without incurring significant costs. Artificial greenery can also detract from an entryway’s authenticity, especially when used as a substitute for real plants in areas lacking natural light. Rather than appearing fresh, faux plants can look lifeless and undermine the layered authenticity that makes an entryway memorable. To add dimension, incorporating real greenery in a vase alongside faux stems can enhance the visual appeal and make the arrangement appear fuller. Lastly, mass-produced lamps from box stores can contribute to an impersonal feel. To combat this, refreshing such lamps with a pleated fabric shade or a custom linen cover can imbue them with a one-of-a-kind character, softening the light and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that transforms a mere pass-through area into a lived-in space. #EntrywayDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DesignTips #HomeStyling #TackyDecor #FunctionalDecor #DesignerAdvice

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