Come on in!

Adding comfort and style to your entryway

by MALI ANDERSON

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, the saying goes. When decorating a home, take time to focus on your entryway—your home’s first impression. To create a welcoming space, consider a few key additions.

Providing a place to sit

A seating area is the perfect spot to put shoes on and take them off, set down packages or have a quick conversation to begin or end a visit. Make it easy and comfortable with chairs and benches. “Pieces that are sculpturally interesting are nice, and scale is important. If you have a long wall, and a bench that feels like the appropriate length. Or use a chair and a side table,” says Costco member Rebekah Zaveloff, co-founder and principal designer of KitchenLab Interiors.

Adding storage solutions

Whether you have a large foyer or a small entrance hall, keep storage considerations in mind. Evaluate the requirements of your household and align those needs with the size of your space. You may opt for a shoe rack and an umbrella stand, or maybe a coat rack and a basket for keys and mail is more useful for you.

Choosing the right rug

Rugs are an inviting element—be sure to choose a size and shape that makes sense for that space. Rectangular rugs are a popular entryway choice, but a runner may be a better fit for long, lean spaces. Also, remember that the rug will likely need to withstand some wear.

“A durable material like wool is always a good idea. Many people make the mistake of selecting low-quality, inexpensive rugs because people are just going to be tracking in dirt. But the truth is, it’s the first impression your home makes and wool rugs last hundreds of years and can be easily cleaned,” Zaveloff says. For a forgiving option, go for a rug with darker colors or a pattern to hide any dustiness until cleaning day.

Accent items

Once you have the basics in place, get creative. Designer Rebekah Zaveloff suggests adding art, a pretty vintage lamp, fun wallpaper or any item that gives people a sense of the home they’re walking into. To give visitors a glimpse into your personal style:

Bring life into the space with indoor greenery.
Hang mirrors to bounce light and add elegance.
Celebrate times of year with seasonal decorations.—MA

Costco Connection: Costco members will find a variety of furnishings and accessories for their entryway and other rooms in Costco warehouses and at Costco.com.

Costco member Mali Anderson is a freelance writer based in Chicago.