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Gathering Season is Here — How to Make Your Entryway Its Most Inviting, According to a Dallas Designer

A Warm, Welcoming First Impression

BY // 11.02.21

It’s official — the Highland Park Village trees are sparkling and Mariah has literally stomped all the pumpkins. The holidays are no longer coming, they’re here, and if you typically play the role of host in your group, that likely means a whole lot of prep. On the home front, one room, in particular, is about to get far more face time: the entry. The space that so often becomes background noise is suddenly front and center, greeting guests and making first impressions. To help ensure it’s at its most warm and welcoming, we tapped a design expert for tips on how to style an entryway.

Designer Abbe Fenimore of Dallas-based Studio Ten 25 walks us through the ins and outs of creating an entryway that makes a stylish impact — no matter how big or small your space is.

 

how to style an entryway
If space is spare, Fenimore suggests adding a mirror to give the illusion of a larger entryway. (courtesy of Studio Ten 25)

If you’re low on space in the entryway, is there a piece you can add that makes things feel instantly inviting? 

Don’t let a lack of space stop you from creating a stylish entryway that sets the tone for your home. Adding mirrors helps to open up and introduce light to smaller entry spaces. Look for one that’s oversized and interesting to create a wow factor and make you want to take one last look before you walk out the door. Leaning a large floor mirror behind your console table or cabinet will help reflect light around the small space and give the illusion that the entryway is larger than it is.

 

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The entry should set the tone for the rest of your home, but don’t be afraid to play with color. (courtesy of Studio Ten 25)

The best materials to make an entryway feel inviting.

When choosing pieces for an entryway, look for items that are cohesive with the rest of your home, but don’t be afraid to play with color. An ottoman in a fun accent color, a great lamp with colorful details, and accessories that grab your attention make a great combination for any entryway. Layering is key to creating the depth and visual appeal that small spaces are usually missing.

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Fenimore prefers wallpaper over paint to open up a small entryway. (courtesy of Studio Ten 25)

Fun, functional touches that add a stylish statement. 

Instead of relying on light paint colors to help open up a small entryway, I prefer to install wallpaper with a light background and a fun print to make more of an impact.

A see-through entryway table can provide storage and surface space without creating extra visual clutter. Incorporate console tables made of acrylic or glass to trick your eye into thinking the area is more open than it actually is.

 

how to style an entryway
Fresh hardware can become a big statement. (courtesy of Studio Ten 25)

What are some of the most fun additions or projects you’ve done for an entry space?

Many of my client’s homes do not have a true entryway space, so we like to get creative and carve out a space to drop keys, mail, and other small items. This client’s (image above) front entryway doesn’t have any space to add a console, so we incorporated a hidden bookshelf into the door under the stairs. We dressed it up with chic hardware and styled the shelves with pops of color and our client’s favorite accessories.

 

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A good runner is invaluable in both the kitchen and your entryway. (courtesy of Studio Ten 25)

Some favorite sources for good runners — an entryway staple. 

Ruggable runners are perfect for high-traffic areas and they offer chic and colorful options. They are the perfect addition for busy kitchens and you won’t panic every time something spills. Another favorite resource is The Rug Company. They stock many of their popular designs in multiple lengths and even offer customization when you need something specific.

 

Scout Label pieces from Scout Design Studio paired with vintage finds. (Photo by Stephen Karlisch)

What are some of your favorite home stores to shop in Dallas?

Scout Design Studio: The best place for unique lighting, art, and accessories.
AF Home Interiors: This showroom has become my go-to for off-the-floor upholstery and pillows making designing during Covid much easier.
Mecox: I could walk around for hours taking in all of the coffee table books, gorgeous accessories, and well-styled vignettes.

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