Decorating & Design
20 Beautiful Homes That Know How To Make An Entrance
Updated on January 8, 2024
Curb appeal is typically the first impression of your home, but the entryway comes at a close second! Whether it’s a grand foyer or a small apartment entryway, these designers achieved a wow-factor at the front door using bold colors, sculptural lighting and loads of pattern.
Scroll down for 20 homes that know how to make an entrance!
Archways
Simple yet striking, an archway can elevate any entryway. It’s a timeless design choice that evokes European style, and works well with minimalist touches like wall hooks and wicker baskets.
Color Punch
With a vibrant front door, graphic wall art and colorful floor tile, this Quebecois abode immediately captures attention. Designer Luke Havekes decided to mix various decorating elements for an eclectic look.
Brick Floors
Designer Halina Catherine likes the idea of informal formality, which is evident in the Ontario farmhouse she designed. The foyer strikes the right balance of rugged and modern with sturdy herringbone brick floors and sleek wall panelling painted a moody soot hue.
Full-height Doors
In this ultramodern vacation home, full-height windows and doors allow you to see right through to the stunning water backdrop on the other side.
Dark & Contemporary
An industrial-style entry filled with charcoal tones is a refreshing choice for this Toronto home. It’s designed with Caesarstone slabs, a bulbous light fixture and a floating bench for a clean look.
Historic Charm
Beadboard panelling and floral wallpaper preserve the historic charm of this Nova Scotia home. A rustic bench, seagrass carpet and woven baskets lend a summery aesthetic.
Limestone Walls
At this ranch-style home, a limestone exterior continues inside to the foyer. The white walls and a delicate light fixture achieve a contemporary yet historic feel.
Sculptural Lighting
Full height windows flood this entryway with natural light, but the real showstopper is the bubbly sculptural light that takes centre stage.
Whimsical Wallpaper
What better way to give a room dimension than by using stripes? Designed by Colette van den Thillart, this print conjures a joyful, circus-tent effect in an elegant Rosedale home’s entrance, which also stuns with a custom floor mosaic.
Wood Panelling
There’s nothing cozier than a cottage entrance with floor-to-ceiling wood panelling. A vintage rug and saffron velvet chair makes this lakehouse feel extra homey.
Artful Focal Point
As soon as you step into this foyer, you’re met with an elegant welcome. A modern light fixture that resembles an art piece hangs above a sleek table, while a jigsaw-edged rug warms up the space.
Sleek Architecture
This neutral entryway allows the architecture to make a statement with minimal decorating. The owners of this Whistler, B.C. retreat opted for a poured concrete staircase and warm oak risers.
Black and White
There’s nothing more classic than a black and white tiled floor, as seen in this modern foyer that features a zigzag floor design, warmed by merlot-colored walls, antiques and a gilded mirror.
Wall Mural
Rather than painting your entrway a solid color, you may consider going for something a little more artistic. Designer Olivia Botrie chose a mural with similar colors to the adjacent closets and doors, which help blend everything together.
Flagstone-inspired Flooring
Unique flooring makes an appearance in this Toronto home designed by Jamie Zimmerman. Upon entering, a mosaic of ordinary ceramic tile with heavier grout (and a lineup of leaves in vases) creates an indoor-outdoor effect.
Fresh Blooms
One of the easiest ways to make an impression in the entryway is with a sculptural vase and fresh blooms. For added dimension, display vases in varying heights and mix and match your florals.
Take A Seat
Instead of a typical bench, elevate your entryway with a mini sofa. This apartment used it as an opportunity to bring in a subtle a pop of color into the elegant space.
Modern Railing
This entryway keeps decorating to a minimum, allowing the art-like railing to capture your attention with its curved balusters. The designers chose this style to provide separation to the upstairs, without blocking natural light.
Rattan Chandler
A rattan chandelier stylishly breaks up this entryway’s black and white color palette. Designed by Ali Budd, the stairs were originally red before being given a modern facelift.
Patterned Floor Tile
Whether your entryway is big or small, you can make a statement with a patterned floor tile. Consider choosing a tile that’s different from the rest of your home to give your entryway a distinct presence.