The Front Entryway

When people walk in your front door they want to be greeted with a warm and welcoming first step into your home. It is important to give your guests a great first impression of your home by inviting them into a neat, friendly and organized front entryway. It will also make them feel more welcome in your home.

The key to a great front entryway is a minimalist approach. A rug, a closet or a coat rack of some sort, maybe some flowers and a place for shoes is about all you should have. Maybe a table and a bench. Much more than that and you've gone too far.

Of course the approach you take depends on the layout and size of your home and how you choose to design the space. As a child, my favorite home that I grew up in had an attached garage with a super fantastic mudroom to walk into, but it also had a separate front door with a large entryway that invited you into the house where you weren't bombarded with kids stuff everywhere. If your home allows you to separate your jackets, shoes, umbrellas, hats, mittens, boots and the likes from the door to which your guests walk through, that is outstanding. But, my guess is that most homes are not like that.



In that case, it is most important to keep a tidy front entry. There are several stores that offer shelves, baskets, benches, built-ins, coat racks, wall hooks and entryway suites to help give your guests a wonderful first impression of your home. The takeaway home points are: get rid of the clutter and make sure there's a place for your guests to put their coats.

Here is what to avoid in your front entryway: dirt, clutter, mail buildup, jackets and clothing piled up on the floor, kids' sports equipment, dog food and leashes and really anything that isn't absolutely necessary. It's okay if you have stuff in your entry, just keep it organized and looking nice and uncluttered and you'll be fine.