How to create a grand entry
Tina Stephen looks at the importance of making the most of the front door.
In many Kiwi homes, there is often no designated space for a grand entry, and the front door entry, as well as the adjacent floor area, becomes a dumping ground for family life – shoes, coats and school bags. Shrinking floor areas also mean that often even in a new build the entranceway size is compromised, meaning that clever storage solutions and tricks to define the area are still needed.
Whether you prefer a tidy and sorted entry, or don’t care about a few items lying around, the importance of light cannot be underestimated. While many homes do not have the luxury of expansive natural light, landing in a dark and dingy hall upon entering a home is anything but ideal. The expense of skylights might be warranted but investing in a few appropriate light fixtures can be a wiser choice. Longer villa-style halls can be broken up visually by placing a pendant light at the beginning, essentially lowering the appearance of the front section, and creating a warm and welcoming glow in the evening. Downlights can also help to illuminate the space – if installed close to a wall they can be directed to illuminate a wall, which not only lights the vertical space (tricking the eye to look at a focal point instead of at the floor) but also adds reflected, low-glare light into the space.
New Zealanders have taken to openplan living with reverence, but the downside can often be a total lack of an entrance, and when knocking down walls to create space, the front-door area (or lack thereof) is usually the first casualty.
When a front door opens directly onto a living area, there are a few tricks that can instantly create the illusion of an entry. Using a physical barrier in the form of a bookshelf, or even the back of a sofa, creates a mini hall, which you can treat like its own space by adding a drop zone and a focal point.
Creating a drop zone is another important element to a streamlined entrance. If you have the floor space and managed to designate your ‘‘mini hall’’, then adding a drop zone can be as simple as installing a console or bench.
Taking care to measure and purchase a size-appropriate console goes without saying, and it is important that, before purchasing, you take a moment to visualise the furniture in the space, and ensure that it will fit and function as you intend it to. Is there enough surface area for putting keys and mail on? Do you need drawers to tidy away items? Is there enough room underneath to store bags and shoes?
If you have a severe lack of floor space to work with, then utilising the vertical space (ie, the walls) can work in your best interest. Installing wall-mounted shelves and hooks designates a place to hang your coat and leave your keys. This can also define a transitional space and allow an area for styling – adding a piece of art or a mirror can add interest and anchor the setting.
Creating an illusion of space at the entrance to your home can be as simple as a focal point as you enter, adding a considered piece of furniture or taking the time to reconsider your existing layout.
Tina Stephen is creative director at roomie.co.nz.