How the designers make an entrance
Every week we ask a Kiwi interior expert to tell us what they’re loving now and how to use it. This week it’s Hawke’s Bay interior designers and bloggers Vic Bibby and Dael Brady who tell us how to make a great entrance.
You know what they say about first impressions.
Your entranceway not only welcomes you into your home, but it paints a picture to your guests about who you are, and what they can expect from the rest of your house.
You may want to make a bold statement in which case it’s hard to go past a beautiful wallpaper. Or you can keep it pared back with soft neutral colours and textures.
A good console table is often the first piece we look to source when we design an entranceway. If it has storage it’s great for stowing keys, hats, dog leads: all those things you like to grab as you’re leaving the house.
If not, add a small bowl for keys, and wall hooks for coats, hats and leads.
A beautiful piece of art or a mirror hung above the console is the next key piece. Then add some some favourite accessories to the table top: a vase with fresh flowers or greenery is greats.
Consider adding a rug or runner on the floor to help lead you into the house.
We’ve worked on several homes that don’t have a foyer or entrance, instead the first point of entry is straight into a living room.
You can still create a sense of entry by using the back of a sofa or a bookshelf to form a mini hallway. Or place something to instantly focus on as you enter - a small table or bench, and anchor it in place with a mirror or piece of art.
We love this entranceway from New York stylist Emma Henderson.
The stools under the console are great to pull out and take your shoes on and off.
A series of artworks makes great use of the vertical space and accentuates the grandness of the ceiling height.
Don’t forget your back entrance. A set of hooks above a bench seat is practical and keeps your entranceway tidy and organised.
A bench or stool is a great alternative to a console table and provides a place to put your shoes on as well as to throw your handbag.