Eye-Catching Entryways That Make the Ultimate First Impression

If you’re a clutter-bug, a console with storage is just what you need. Keep the surface stunning like in this art-filled Toronto home, where hits of metallic, an abstract painting, a midcentury-modern credenza and a jaunty fern make an inviting entranceway.

Here’s another entrance in that home you just saw. This one is all about paring it back to aesthetically pleasing essentials – flanking sconces, an IKEA mirror, a bench and a rug. It’s all set against a shiplap backdrop for a clean and inviting look. So don’t fret about that entrance – a little goes a long way!

Grouping artwork together is a fabulous, fun and super easy way to create an attention-grabbing hallway. It’s especially effective in smaller spaces that can’t handle a standalone piece of furniture. Take inspiration from this amazing 400-square-foot Toronto studio that’s packed with small-space tips.

You can’t help but smile at this entranceway that looks like a bubblegum machine exploded in the hallway (in the best way possible). It’s exactly what you need to bring spice to a condo.

Space tight? Choose a streamlined console that’s tidy and functional. Toss in throw baskets for texture (and storage) and fabulous accessories, like this antique mirror.

Don’t forget to pay attention to the ceiling. In this condo, large black pendant lights make a dramatic impression when paired with a slick space-saving shoe cabinet. Hallways tend to get scuffed, so Toronto designer Natalie Chong painted the lower half of the wall deep navy.

In Sarah Off The Grid, Sarah Richardson brings in character-filled vignettes, resulting in an infinitely interesting home. This is the basement foyer of the showstopper dwelling – if you can believe it. Here, wainscotting and an array of furniture – from the luxe bar cart to the twisty bench and hefty hewn console – make for a head-turning welcome.

It behooves you to copy this curated look that’s all about the mix: a pair of burnished brass lamps, a rustic console, enchanting equestrian artwork and a vintage typewriter are an unexpected combo that feels both refined and relaxed.

There is no excuse for not sprucing up the front entrance. Case in point: this compact and contemporary entrance featured on Love It Or List It Vancouver. Here, a space-saving IKEA shoe cabinet is both functional and fetching. Use the top as a ledge to display something pretty. And feel free to customize yours, like Jillian Harris did. The initials stand for each family member’s name.

Vintage pieces, like this tarnished console, bring a unique spin to a space. Hit up a salvage shop or flea market for a central piece that catches your eye and then build around it like the Property Brothers did here. A grid of artwork, country accessories and a sisal rug are charming choices.

This simple application gets big results every time: panelling, as seen on Home to Win Season 2. Now choose a colour – a deep hue is a good choice against white – and watch your friends ooh and ahh. A console with a thick trestle base and a wood mirror for contrast round out the look.

If you’ve got the time, a built-in cabinet is a great way to keep the coats, hats and scarves out of view. Add accessories – in three, please, it’s a designer’s eye-pleasing trick – and you’re good to go.

Scared of bright paint? Then restrict the loud colour to the door, which Jillian Harris did in this contemporary makeover. Such an easy and effective way to make an entrance!

Animate a hallway by grouping similar items together, like in this fun foyer seen on Home to Win. The sculptural chandelier made up of wavy branches is an interesting counterpoint to the hats and tall vases. Pro tip: Experiment with unlike things in an entrance to wow guests!

A sculptural console table is the only furnishing in this open and airy front entran. Which is why it needed to evoke interest. The lesson here? Be selective, but don’t be afraid to uplift the space with a statement-making piece or two.

This eye-popping entryway is the work of Kortney Wilson of Masters of Flip. They brought a host of zany elements to this tiny rundown cottage – there’s even a teal ceiling! This vignette is all about those massive stripes as a backdrop to that curved, cage-like console.

Elements of traditional decorating – the antique dresser, the brass coat rack – converge with a modern take on damask to bring sass to this space.

There’s no excuse to leave an entryway bare, even if space is snug. Case in point: this 1925-era Toronto hom this 1925-era Toronto home that’s inspired by a farmhouse. Open the door, and guests are met with an antique oval mirror that feels eclectic against the patterned staircase. Hooks and baskets hold miscellaneous items.

Bryan and Sarah Baeumler brought a refined design sensibility to this house, where the entranceway was treated to earthy-toned geometric floor tile, classic furnishings and big hooks for oomph.

A built-in storage bench with a handy mirror and an origami light fixture set the contemporary mood in this home designed by Toronto’s Alana Fletcher. The wood-and-white mix is a motif throughout this showstopper of a space.

In this entrance, the Property Brothers brought a dose of charm against the staircase. Gold, white, but most importantly black – such a captivating staple – are the main players. Varying the heights of the accessories is key. The brothers balanced the composition, which is centred around the geographic artwork.

Not every hallway needs to be stuffed. The Baeumlers brought elegance to this airy home with a duo of plum-coloured Lucite benches. The stylish seating and artwork reinforces the subdued glamour.

When faced with a long hallway, the Property Brothers knew they had to do something special: shiplap to the rescue! So simple, so inexpensive and so captivating. Jonathan then brought in a glass waterfall console for a clutter-free look. Sunny yellow accessories are instantly uplifting.