16 Welcoming Entryways For A Fantastic First Impression

“As you enter the home, a glimpse of the kitchen is visible through this wood-and-metal geometric screen,” says lead designer Alison Connor. The staircase doubles as sculpture, thanks to wooden steps and risers. Light from the windows above streams through the banister’s pared-back spindles, offering an ever-changing display of shadows.

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The subtle diamond pattern on the woven rug plays off the harlequin treatment on the entryway floor.

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An antique Oushak runner adds an old-world patina to the transitional entryway. “It weaves in welcoming peach and blush colours, which look amazing against the white walls and hardwood floor,” says Amie. A pair of spherical brass-and-crystal pendant lights infuse a dose of modern glamour.

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A show-stopping antique bench brings an air of eccentricity to the front hallway. "This is one of the first pieces my husband and I bought after we were married," says Michele. "It's made of wood salvaged from a church organ and pew. Twenty-two years later, we still love it! Our dog, Oliver, often sleeps here during the day while waiting for us to come home."

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"When Blake saw this vintage French poster at a store in New York City, he fell in love with 'the girl' and asked to bring her home wtih us," says Marina with a laugh. "In fact, the front entrance was designed to accomodate her." The rattan loveseat, a piece the couple's had for years, was painted cobalt blue to match the artwork.

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The entryway is brilliantly sunlit, thanks to the wall-to-wall floor-to-ceiling windows left over from the area’s days as a storefront. From the rough-hewn wooden console to the concrete-based table lamp to the evocative painting, each piece here is more intriguing than the last, yet nothing is superfluous, amounting to a warm welcome befitting this boho-chic Toronto home. 

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"The entryway feels grand for a 16-foot-wide house," says designer Jennifer Ferreira. The oversized mirror creates the illusion of space, and the large pendant light complements the black trim on the sisal runner.

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“Originally, a four-by-eight-foot mirror hung from the ceiling and separated the entryway from the living room,” says designer Jacquelyn Clark. “But we removed it to open up the space.” Encaustic-look porcelain tiles, which supplanted dark green slate that had seen better days, are low-maintenance and durable in this high-traffic area.

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The black, white and wood entryway sets the tone for the whole home, which exudes the same modern classic vibe. This streamlined setup sends your eye immediately to the artwork resting casually on the floor - a moody shot of grassy rock terrain, which provides a whisper of colour of the space.

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To make a statement in the foyer, Jessica set visually interesting pieces like the vintage spool-legged console with a curvy linen-upholstered settee against a simple, traditional pedestal table. The jug of maple branches is a nod to the cottage’s sylvan surroundings. 

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In the foyer, the staircase’s natural wood handrail and treads were a purposeful choice. “If we had painted them black, it would have drawn the eye up the stairs as opposed to straight through the cottage to the lake,” says Lidia. 

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“A couple with two little girls lives here so I wanted the home to feel young and fresh. This small entrance needed to convey that, and make an impactful statement that would set the tone for the rest of the home. I chose wallpaper that felt bold, graphic and fun. Using it in a small area like a foyer maximizes impact but minimizes cost.”

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Like a friendly smile and a firm handshake, the entryway makes a confident and inviting introduction to the home.

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A chic cocktail bench that seems to float on its ethereal acrylic supports sets a luxe, contemporary tone in the front hall.

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With its contrasting curves and right angles, the entryway feels like an artful still life. Luxe finishes and textures – from warm, burled wood to bright chrome to nubbly grasscloth – herald the elegant spaces to come in the rest of the house. “I thought we should take a break from paint, so we used grasscloth wallpaper to mimic masonry,” says James. “It gives a really textural experience and adds a great deal of interest.”

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Finding a bookcase (a specific Jann request) that worked in the small entryway was challenging, so Tommy opted for an étagère. “The great thing about it, especially in a small space, is that it feels light. No sides, glass shelves, plenty of book storage for
the resident avid reader, and surface area left over for mail, keys and keepsakes,” says Tommy. The contemporary chair and artwork are edgy foils to the étagère’s pretty brass and glass.

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