Entryway Design Tips: 6 Ways to Make an Entrance in Your Home

While often overlooked, the entryway might be one of the most important spaces in your home. After all, it’s the place that welcomes people into your home and, in some cases, might be the only part that visitors see. So why treat your entryway like a total afterthought? You can use clever design features to get organized, brighten the space and make the best first impression possible. Go beyond the welcome mat and make sure your entryway says exactly what you want. Follow these design tips to really make an entrance with your front entryway.

Everything in its place

Cut the clutter with smart storage solutions. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

If you’re like most homeowners, your entryway can get a little cluttered. As the landing place for kids, guests and even pets, it’s all too easy to let piles stack up. The best design tip for your entry is to make sure that everything has a place. Be realistic when planning out your foyer: if you tend to drop your mail when you walk in the door, make sure it has a place to go. Sure, in a perfect world your kids would hang their backpacks in their room, but a couple of hooks in the entry can keep them off of the floor. Even a place to stash shoes out of the way means you’re not tripping over boots and flip flops–and a shoe bin doesn’t need to be perfectly organized. Think about how you and your family uses the entryway and get organized.

Offer a seat

A bench makes a comfortable place to take off shoes. Image: Svet_Feo/Shutterstock

One thing that most entryways tend to miss is a place to sit. Naturally, you’re not going to invite people to pull up a chair in your front foyer. Still, a place to sit gives a convenient place to slip on shoes or sort through the mail when coming and going. What’s more, a bench can double as a clever storage solution for shoes and jackets to help cut down on clutter. Look for a bench with shelving or one that hinges open to make your entryway comfortable and convenient.

Look up

Use wall space to set the tone for your house. Image: Vadym Andrushchenko/Shutterstock

Your entryway is the perfect place to define your style. While it might be a tighter area, you can capitalize on wall and ceiling space to bring in some extra style. A statement chandelier, for example, can give guests an idea of your home’s style. Or, a grouping of picture frames can add some interest to the walls. Travel much? Your foyer walls are the perfect place to display shadow boxes, mementos, and souvenirs so visitors get an idea of what’s important to you.

Define the space

Use a rug to define the space. Image: Ambient Ideas/Shutterstock

If you live in an open concept home, a front entryway can be tricky. Without a clear definition between the foyer area and the rest of the home, you could be left scratching your head. Defining the space with color and furniture lets visitors know where the entry ends and the home begins. Stage your entry with furniture so there’s a clear delineation between it and the rest of your home. A well-placed bookcase or table gives a place to set keys or a bench and locker set shows guests where to stash their stuff. Entryway too small for furniture? Utilize a bold color or even wallpaper to bring attention to the foyer without clutter.

Reflect light

Use mirrors to open up a tight space. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Entryways are notoriously tight in some homes and others can suffer from a lack of light. Bounce some brightness into the entry by utilizing mirrors to reflect light. This works especially well if your front door features windows. By angling a mirror directly across the source of light, you can essentially double down on whatever natural brightness you have to make your entry feel larger and airier.

Invite guests

Give visitors a place to stash their stuff. Image:
Michael Higginson/Shutterstock

Remember that your entryway should serve as a way to welcome guests into your home. Make sure that it gives the right impression and help your guests always feel comfortable. Offer a defined place to put things so that guests aren’t left holding coats and shoes. Diffusing essential oils or lighting a candle ensures your home smells as great as it looks. Keeping necessities like phone chargers, ice scrapers and umbrellas at the ready means you always have what visitors need on hand.

Take a look around your entryway and ask yourself: does this foyer say what I want it to? When you start thinking of your entryway as a personal space (and not just a place to drop your stuff) you can start to see how visitors feel when they walk through your front door. Focus on comfort and style to make sure your entryway really makes an entrance.

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Take a Look at the Latest Faucet Trends from Industry Leaders

Perhaps nowhere is the marriage between form and function more apparent than in faucets. In your kitchen and bathrooms, and even in your laundry room or at your bar, faucets are not only practical, but can also be pieces of art. You may still be in the valley of decision regarding hardwood floors in kitchens and bathrooms, and whether farmhouse sinks are still trendy or if the kitchen work triangle is an outdated design rule. However, after you read what the industry experts at several of the top companies told Freshome about the latest faucet trends and designs, your only faucet decision will be which one to choose.

GRAFF

The Vintage collection. Image: GRAFF

“From coast to coast, we are seeing a rapid shift in faucet style preferences, with the market moving away from traditional styles and toward contemporary silhouettes and finishes,” according to Celine Marcotte, business development manager at GRAFF.  “What we call living finishes, which age over time, are immensely popular, with Brushed Brass being particularly popular, along with Gunmetal and Rose Gold,” she adds.

The Vintage Collection, photo 2. Image: GRAFF

GRAFF’s Vintage collection pays homage to the historic Chicago Fire Department Illinois Fire Safety Alliance. It draws inspiration from the design of fire hose nozzles, with a modern spout and bold handles.

Incanto collection. Image: GRAFF

GRAFF’s Incanto collection also fits into its maximalist design style. “Maximalism is an evolving term and in today’s context, it has become a product that evokes glamour and opulence. It can be minimal in shape, but made maximalist by its hue or finish. A product can be minimal in one respect, such as its shape, but made maximalist by its finish or hue,” she says. “For example,” she continues, “GRAFF’s Incanto faucet in Rose Gold is maximalist in style and minimalist in form.”

Kohler

Ombré Faucet collection. Image: Kohler

Eric Moore, interior designer at the Kohler Design Center, describes some of their recent faucet trends. “At Kohler, we pride ourselves on developing products at the forefront of design and technology to create highly durable, unique products that marry form and function,” says Moore.  “Our latest finish innovation—and the first of its kind in the industry—is a new Ombré faucet finish for the bath, which is available in two sets of color pairings: rose gold to polished nickel, and titanium to rose gold,” he says. “The new finish uses an innovative technique that melds two vibrant metal finishes together to render a subtle but striking transition from light to dark.” Moore adds that Ombré also uses Kohler’s proprietary physical vapor deposition process (PVD) to create a scratch- and tarnish-resistant surface.

The Components collection. Image: Kohler

Moore says another major trend is mixing and matching finishes and products. “Sometimes it can be tricky to achieve the perfect complement of products, so we’ve made it easy with our new KOHLER Components faucet collection,” he says. “Homeowners can mix and match spouts, handles and finishes for a tailor-made environment, marrying modern designs with timeless shapes.”

Delta

Voice activated pull-down faucet. Image: Delta

Other faucet trends include technological innovations. “Some of the latest trends are in increased technology and new relevant finishes,” says Peggy Gallagher, senior product manager at Delta. She says there’s a trend for increased functionality and innovative ways to incorporate technology. “We are always exploring better ways to live with water, and we also understand that consumers are looking for a faucet to be part kitchen faucet, part ‘kitchen assistant.'” She also explains that “In addition to innovations in finishes, consumers want advanced functionality, unique spray patterns and either touch or hands-free activation.”

ShieldSpray Technology faucet. Image: Delta

“One of our newest innovations for the kitchen that I am excited about is our new spray technology, Delta® ShieldSpray Technology,” Gallagher says. “A concentrated jet powers away stubborn messes while an innovative shield of water contains splatter and clears off the mess, so you can spend less time soaking, scrubbing and shirt swapping.” The new spray technology is currently available across several popular Delta kitchen collections.

Franke

Pescara faucet. Image: Franke

One of the most common faucet trends is increased functionality. “Today’s consumer also thrives on products with multi-functionality,” says Heather Jach, retail marketing manager of Franke Kitchen Systems. “Faucets with the ability to swivel 360 degrees, toggle between full and needle spray and dock easily with magnetic docking, like the Franke Pescara faucet, have become increasingly popular,” she says.

3-in-1 faucet. Image: Franke

Another trend is point of use faucets. “Consumers continue to show interest in eco-friendly design and technology – like the Franke StillPure system, which tracks water usage and filter lifespan through an app that pairs with consumers’ phones,” says Jach. The Franke 3-in-1 faucet delivers hot water, cold water and distilled water to ensure that you have pure water when you need it for cooking, prepping or rinsing.

ROHL

Perrin and Rowe Holborn bar prep faucet in unlacquered finish. Image: ROHL

Offering a wide selection of finishes continues to be one of the significant faucet trends.”One of the biggest trends we are seeing for both kitchen and bath faucets is the variety of finishes now available,” says Greg Rohl, vice president and design leader, House of ROHL. “Over this last year, we’ve seen an increased interest in matte metallic, as well as living finishes, which are untreated and therefore will patina over time as it’s exposed to various elements.”

Another new finish is the Satin English matte gold finish from Perrin & Rowe. “Because of this popularity in both of these finish styles, we introduced a new Satin Unlacquered Brass,” he says. “Similar to unlacquered brass, this new finish will patina, but has a matte finish, instead of a polished shine.”

Italian Campo Bridge Kitchen Sink. Image: ROHL

Rohl says another trend is darker sink and faucet finishes. He explains that consumers aren’t afraid to introduce color anymore. “Having witnessed the growing popularity of black stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, you are now seeing this same trend in both sinks and faucets throughout the home.”

ROHL now offers a Black Matte finish in a variety of faucet styles. “These join our Black Matte Fireclay Sinks which have been a popular finish for our Allia Sink Collection for years, as well as our new black stainless steel sinks.”

Elkay

Explore Three Hole Bridge Faucet with Pull Down Spray and Level Handles. Image: Elkay

Other industry professionals are also seeing faucet trends that introduce darker colors into the kitchen.”We’re seeing a fashion forward blend of dark and metallic colors,” says Dan Worst, product manager at Elkay. “This faucet [in the photo above] brings a more classic style to the kitchen while providing beautiful function with convenient features like the pull-down spray head.” Worst says this design is one of the most popular in the Elkay line. It’s currently available in Antique Steel, Chrome and Lustrous Steel, but he says more option are scheduled to launch this year.

Elkay Avado Single Hole Bar Faucet with Pull-out Spray in Lustrous Steel. Image: Elkay

Worst describes this faucet as a “long-standing favorite for kitchens and bars” that “combines clean modern lines with commercial designs that look as great as they function.” He adds that this “popular faucet currently comes in Chrome and Lustrous Steel, with plans of releasing a matte black and brushed gold this year as well.”

What are your favorite faucet trends? Let us know in the comments!

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Trends in Window Treatments

Window treatments provide privacy, let the sun in (or not) and help to keep the cold weather out. And they do all of this while dressing up your windows and making your rooms look formal and elegant, modern or romantic – or while making a whimsical or bold design statement. So, what’s popular in the world of window treatments? Freshome asked several interior designers and window treatment experts to share some of the trends in this area.

Roman and Roller Shades

These stylish Roman shades add texture to the space. Image: KhongkitWiriyachan/Getty Images

“Clean and simple is one of the biggest trends in window treatments, like pairing treatments for coverage with simple side panels just to give that pop of color and texture to make a statement in the room,” says Shane Aidala, Marketing Director at Gotcha Covered. “Traditional items such as shutters and Roman shades are popular in many areas.” Aidala says that roller and solar shades are some of the fastest-growing products because they are now available in a variety of colors and transparencies.

Regarding colors, Aidala says brown remains a staple color for treatments. “Blues, soft greens, lavenders, berries and grays are popular, as well as jewel tones in orange and gold,” he adds.

Tailor-made Roman shades. Image courtesy of Pulp Design Studios.

“Roman shades are classic and have the clean lines for modern interiors,” explains Carol Marcotte, Lead Designer at Form & Function in Raleigh, NC. And that’s why they’re also recommended by Carolina V. Gentry of Pulp Design Studios in Dallas, TX. “For letting in the light, top up, bottom down Roman shades are great because they create privacy but let light in.” Gentry also likes the look of tailored window treatments. “For a simple and clean look, use decorative trim on the edge of drapery panels or Roman shades,” Gentry advises.

Roller shades on the windows and Roman shades on the doors. Image courtesy of Form and Function.

“Roller shades are seeing a huge increase in popularity in our region,” says Jeff King, Shutters and Blinds Specialist at The Blind King in Fort Worth, TX. This sentiment is shared by Lyndsey Dianne, Owner and Operator of DianneDecor.com in Houston, TX. “The choice to use shades in lieu of blinds as your primary window treatment is really popular right now, especially shades made from natural woven fibers, such as bamboo,” Dianne says. “The natural, neutral color of the shades paired with a white curtain is a lovely combination, especially if you like the modern farmhouse decorating style.”

Shutters and Blinds

Shutters can increase your home’s energy efficiency. Image: Robert Daly/Getty Images

Plantation shutters add character and elegance – and they’re super easy to operate. In addition to wood and faux wood plantation shutters, you can choose moisture resistant, light control, and even insulated options. However, wood shutters are not recommended for use in high-moisture areas, whereas composite shutters can resist moisture damage, warping and staining.

Blinds are also available in a variety of materials and styles, such as the wood, faux wood with embossed colors that look like real wood, and vinyl. Blinds can also be horizontal or vertical and either corded, cordless, or motorized.

Faux wood blinds may be a better option in the bathroom. Image: Pinopic/Getty Images

Hardware

The right hardware can bring the entire look together. Image: phototropic/Getty Images

While the window treatments themselves are important, the hardware can add another level of style to the design. “Acrylic accents on finials, tie backs and rods are huge right now,” says Gentry. Metal hardware is another popular trend, according to Aidala. “It adds a simpler and more streamlined look to the treatments,” he explains.

Technology

Motorized window treatments are convenient. Image: Automated XiXinXing/Getty Images

Imagine being able to open and close your blinds while you’re sitting on the sofa, in another room or before you even enter the house. “Technology is now something to consider with your window treatments,” says Aidala. “High-tech touches with home automation and motorization are on the rise because of their convenience and safety.”

Motorized window treatments are also safer than cords. Image: Onzon/Shutterstock

And that’s why King says smart home automation and motorization aren’t the future – they’re happening now. “Cordless blinds and shades are quickly becoming standard because cords are not safe for kids and pets,” he explains. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, between 1990 and 2015, there were 16,827 window blind-related injuries among children under six years old.

Dos and Don’ts When Choosing Window Treatments

Functionality is an important consideration. Image: Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock

Aidala recommends choosing something that you love, instead of selecting something that is trending at the moment. “You will be the one to look at it every day, so make sure that it is something that you will enjoy,” he says. “Also, consider not only how the treatment looks, but how it is going to function and meet your needs for the room.” Aidala says this means you should consider factors including privacy, light control and insulation.

Combine window treatments to achieve the perfect look. Image: Irena Misevic/Shutterstock

“When choosing blinds, go for a wider slat. No mini-blinds. Look for 2.5″ slats on your blinds to maximize view, light and ease of cleaning,” recommends King. “Stay away from heavy draperies. They’re not as in right now, and are also hard to automate and motorize.”

This room is crisp and clean. Image: scovad/Getty Images

Marcotte advises consumers to consider organic and textural elements like a woven or matchstick blind. “These are lovely alone with or without lining (depending on privacy needs), but you could also have a layer of drapes over the top, as well.” She adds that neutral linen drapes are timeless. “They’re classic and can be decorated around over the years and have a more calming effect.” Another option is sheers. “They come in a variety of subtle patterns now and are not your ‘grandma’s sheers.’ They can be stylish and still allow light in, where privacy and blackout are not necessary,” Marcotte says.

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Now You can Buy Scalamandré, Jackie Kennedy’s Favorite Textile Line

The eternally stylish Jacqueline Kennedy loved to use Scalamandré, an American luxury textile manufacturer. She featured it in her home and the Kennedy White House. The line was only available to the trade for years and a yard of fabric could set you back $100 — until now.

In a collaboration with The Inside, they now offer accents, furniture and textiles featuring several of the most famous patterns at affordable prices.

The new collection features classic and affordable home staples like beds, ottomans and occasional chairs in seven patterns. All images courtesy of The Inside.

The team went through the nearly 100 year old Scalamandré archive to choose six of the luxury textile house’s most iconic fabrics. They included the famous Zebra print from The Royal Tenenbaums, as well as one never-before-seen print, Leaping Cheetahs. The graphic Baldwin Bamboo lattice pattern is also perfect for today’s interiors.

They also tweaked each of the seven prints to look fresh and modern for today’s homes. Chad Stark, President of Scalamandré, says, “By rescaling and recoloring a selection of iconic patterns, we’ve crafted an assortment that complements our trade-only offering and showcases our 90 year-old heritage brand.”

Here are some of our favorite pieces from the new line. You can explore the entire line here.

Each of the furniture pieces and accessories can be purchased in any of the Scalamandré prints.

What’s your favorite piece from of the Scalamandré + The Inside collaboration? How would you work it into your space? Let us know in the comments!

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source https://freshome.com/scalamandre-jackie-kennedy/