If something feels off in your entryway but you just can’t place your finger on it, it might be time to call in backup and borrow a designer’s eye.
Erin Hackett designs homes with her sister, Meghan Hackett Cassidy. When working on projects, they always put extra thought into curating a beautiful entryway.
“Your entryway is more than just a pass-through,” Erin says. “It’s the first and last impression your guests have of your home. It sets the tone, creates a feeling, and offers a glimpse into the style and energy that carries through the rest of your space.”
There’s one glaring entryway eye sore that Erin says she comes across in the majority of homes she works in. There’s a good chance it’s in your entryway, too, but the good news is that there’s an easy fix.
A Basic Doormat
Erin and her sister share a design business, and they also share the same pet peeve when it comes to entryways. It’s a doormat.
But more specifically and in their own words, it’s a “too-small, utilitarian doormat that feels like an afterthought.”
According to Erin, a standard-sized doormat isn’t the best option for most entryways. However, she’s not saying to ditch the concept entirely.
Try an Area Rug Instead
Doormats do serve their purpose in an entryway. They act as a tool to catch debris and collect moisture. But Erin says there’s a better option that can serve the same purpose.
“We always encourage clients to skip the standard-issue mat and instead invest in a beautiful, well-sized rug that fits the space and complements the rest of the home,” she says.
A large rug may be even more effective at collecting dirt and snow from boots, and it will look great while doing the job.
“A larger rug not only helps define the entry but also adds warmth, texture, and a sense of intention,” Erin says. “It should feel like part of the room, not just something tossed down to catch dirt.”
Bonus Tips for Designing an Entryway
While we had her, we figured we’d ask Erin if she had any bonus entryway design tips. Our main takeaway is that less is more.
“This hardworking space doesn’t need much to make a lasting impression,” she says.
So rather than adding decor to your entryway, start by removing things first. Once you’re working with a fresh slate, she suggests following this formula.
- Start with a slim, unobtrusive console table, ideally with storage.
- Hang a mirror above it. “A mirror not only offers a quick glance before you head out the door, but also helps bounce natural light around, opening up even the smallest vestibule,” she says.
- Add a bench or a stool for sitting while putting on or taking off shoes.
- Update the lighting with a fixture that adds instant character and matches the tone of the rest of your home.
- Finish it all off with a durable and large area rug.