If your home has a spacious building size, having an entry hall area is certainly a consideration. The entry hall area serves as a transitional space between the exterior of the building and the living room or other rooms. Its function is similar to that of a lobby. In this area, unknown guests can wait briefly before entering the living space. Additionally, the hall can also function as a mudroom where guests can hang their coats or place their footwear on available racks. For those planning to design a house with an entry hall area, here are some tips you can apply.
1. Let the light enter the room
The entry hall itself is the first impression for guests. This space should be bright and welcoming. Allow the morning sunlight to enter through the windows, and when night falls, soft lighting should already be in place within the room. The various types of lighting fixtures will undoubtedly influence the room's ambiance, so it's essential to carefully consider what lighting style suits your home. The use of unique lantern shapes can also add aesthetic value to the space.
2. Match the furniture and items arranged with the size of the space
The arrangement of furniture and various artworks within the room should be tailored to the room's size. If the entry hall area is small, avoid using large sofas or wide tables that would make the space feel cramped. Conversely, if the hall space is designed to be grand, it's advisable to select furniture and arrange it accordingly to maintain a sense of grandeur.
3. Provide decorations of various unique and captivating art pieces
In addition to functional furniture, the entry hall should also be adorned with various works of art such as wall paintings, decorative vases, or mirrors with decorative frames. These elements will make the space come alive and vibrant. Guests can also enjoy the entry hall while waiting for the homeowner to greet them. This creates a positive impression of the home in the eyes of visitors entering it for the first time.
4. Design a room that aligns with the overall house design style
As a transitional space, the design of the entry hall should still maintain a cohesive connection with the overall interior design of the house. This is because the hall is still a part of the house. Although it may be designed to be bolder than other rooms like the living room or other spaces, the hall should still maintain a sense of continuity with the interior design, unless you intentionally plan to create a contrasting and distinct style throughout the different spaces within the house.
5. Provide storage areas such as hooks or cabinet shelves
As mentioned earlier, this hallway area can also serve as a mudroom. This will make the space multifunctional. Guests or homeowners can store various outdoor essentials in this area, making them easy to find and readily accessible when leaving the house. This includes hooks for jackets, shoe racks, or a secure yet easily accessible key holder. Certainly, as a mudroom, this space will make the home appear more organized and clean.
6. The prominent and bright wall color.
Walls are something to be mindful of as they will leave an impression on visitors. There's nothing wrong with opting for neutral colors like white or cream, but if you want a standout room, it's a good idea to choose primary colors. Bright primary colors bring a sense of cheerfulness to the entry hall. Using unique wallpaper with interesting patterns and colors can also be a solution for this space.
7. Choose wisely the material for the hall floor covering
The floor covering can be made of natural materials such as wood or ceramic. In addition to matching the material with the overall design of the house, the floor covering in this area must be easy to clean. This is important because the hall will serve as an entry and exit point for the house, making it prone to getting dirty easily. If you choose to use a carpet in this area, you will need to take care of it regularly by cleaning and washing it to keep the room looking clean and comfortable.
8. Place plants in the transition space
One way to keep a room looking fresh at all times is by placing green potted plants inside it. When choosing plants, it's important to consider those that are safe to be kept indoors. Having these plants can also blur the boundaries between the outside and inside of the house. Additionally, consider adding a comfortable wooden bench to complete the entry hall area of your home.
