Elegant and Easy Entryways

Ideas for Your Foyer

The entryway is where form meets function. Like the cover of a book, the threshold of your home should quickly communicate the style and attitude of what’s beyond, without being weighed down by too many details. Preview the color scheme of the rest of your home, allude to the decor inside with a unique chandelier, or show a hint of luxury with architectural details near the ceiling. However, unlike a paperback, you’ll also need a place to put your coat and keys.

To create a memorable first impression: start at the curb.

If the front entry is the gateway to your home, then the landscaping is the gateway to the gateway. Make the first impression special, use landscaping to enhance the walk from the driveway to the front step. Guests to your home will appreciate the gradual transition from the hustle-and-bustle.

The right plantings can add color and floral aromas during the growing season, while providing critical habitat to pollinator insects. Paver walkways are an easy way to add a touch of luxury to your front door, as well as increase the curb appeal of your home.

Here the paver walkway sweeps through the front garden, and the porch provides shelter for “Minnesota goodbye’s” in all seasons and weather.

Lighting

The first steps inside the front door should be warm, welcoming, and inviting. Foyer lighting does a lot in a small space. Choosing the fixtures and lighting elements for the entryway can be a way to subtly preview the interior design of the rest of your home. Illuminate your foyer around the clock by combining natural light from windows, sidelights, and/or a transom with a distinctive chandelier.

This entry emphasizes elegance; featuring an arched transom that echoes the architectural archway separating the formal dining room from the foyer, as well as an elegant chandelier.

These homes inspired by the modern design movement make use of transoms and sidelights with bold proportions and feature the color palette of the rest of the home right away.


This unique entryway has an arched doorway with wrap-around sidelights and transom.

Rugs

As one of the first things seen upon entering your home, your entryway rug is one of the most important design decisions you will make. A rug will add color, texture, warmth and softness to a hardwood or tile entryway. Plan for your rug to absorb moisture and earth from the outdoors by choosing durable fibers and a color palette that can camouflage a little dirt.

The functional backdoor

Moms and Dads alike agree– a mudroom eases the transition from out and about to inside the house. Each boot has a cubby, each coat its hook. Never lose your keys again– add a small cabinet and your keys will always find their place on the counter. A garage-door mudroom helps keep your family organized and your home spotless, especially during the wet and muddy Minnesota spring.

Mudroom with built-in cubbies, coat hooks, and benches.


Gonyea Homes is one of the top custom home builders in Minnesota with a reputation for excellence in design, construction and service. Visit one of our new homes for sale in the Twin Cities best new developments. Or contact us to design a home for your homesite.

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