FLOORS

Image: Tilzz.com

By definition, entryways are just inside the outside, so you’ll likely want something practical and hardwearing that won’t show dirt. That doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful! Entryways are smaller than the average room, so you might even be able to splurge a little. A beautiful (non-slippery) tile can make a statement, and tiles laid on the diagonal make a space feel wider than it actually is. If your floors are wood, the entryway can match…but consider laying it in a different pattern, like a chevron that subtly points the way in. Or opt for a striking rug, a great way to help define an entry that doesn’t have walls.

FURNISHINGS

Image:  Pinterest

Ideally, an entryway has a place to sit, a place to set and a place to stash.  Sit—because it’s nice to sit and deal with shoes or wait for the rest of the family to gather. Set—because a convenient place to hold keys, purse or pizza money is always helpful. Stash—because you don’t really want all those coats, backpacks, etc. cluttering up your space, do you? Even a set of hooks helps organize clutter. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on custom furniture, either. A repurposed dresser, like the one in the picture, could be just what you need. (Training your kids to use it is another matter.)

COLORS

Image:  Sherwin-Williams

Unless you’re a grump who hates visitors, you’ll want your entryway to welcome all who enter. Color can help with that. As mentioned in the floors section, it’s a smaller space than most so you can go bold or stay neutral. Just make sure your entryway doesn’t look like it belongs in a completely different house. It should complement, not compete with, the rest of your décor. There are so many options: wallpaper, painted designs, a feature wall…or you can keep the walls the same as the rest of the house and add a pop of color on the door and ceiling, as shown in the cheerful entry above.

LIGHTS

Image:  West Elm

There is likely already a light of some kind overhead in your entry, but is that really enough? Brighten up your space with a well-placed lamp or two. It’s a way to add style and function in one go. No room for a table big enough to hold a lamp? Consider a floor lamp or wall sconces, which come in a multitude of styles and don’t always need an electrician to install.

DECOR

Image:  Collov Home Design on Unsplash

Introduce your personality right from the get-go with entryway artwork. The options are literally endless, from a statement painting or sculpture to a gallery wall of family photos. A mirror is almost always a good option. Not only does it offer a place to check yourself out before opening the door, it can reflect light and add the illusion of extra space. Before you hang that mirror, though, be sure to check out what’s being reflected in it. You may decide one version of that view is enough. Shelves or furniture offer more places to share your style with plants or flowers, a bowl for keys, or anything that makes you smile.

IF YOU DON’T HAVE A DEFINED ENTRYWAY

Image:  Wayfair

The trend for open floor plans has seen the demise of designated entryways in many modern homes. But you don’t need walls to create an entry. You can define a zone with furniture, like adding a bench, table or low bookshelf behind a couch. Or hang a handy shelf with hooks on the wall, pop a bench under it (and maybe pop baskets under that) and boom! Instant entryway. Even a tight space can be entryway-friendly with the addition of a skinny shelf and a mirror.

Now that you know what to look for, go outside and come back in. (We’ll wait.) Once you’re back inside, take a fresh look at your entryway and decide if any of these ideas would make your home’s first impression better. Happy decorating!

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TERRA ROSA BY DUNN-EDWARDS

Image: Dunne-Edwards

Swinging to the opposite side of the color wheel from all those 2022 greens, Terra Rosa is a mix of terra-cotta and dusty rose—but not your mama’s dusty rose. “Terra Rosa is a connection to the past through rose-tinted glasses,” Dunne-Edwards says. “As we attempt to untangle ourselves from the emotional ties of the pandemic, we look to powerful, comforting hues that evoke a sense of strength and protection. Terra Rosa can be both a neutral and empowering statement color.”

BLANK CANVAS BY BEHR

Image: Behr

This warm white helps “set the tone for relaxation” according to Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr Paint Company. “Blank Canvas effortlessly offers a clean and inviting blank slate that allows individuality and creativity to flow freely. This white easily harmonizes with a wide range of hues, including neutrals, earth tones and pastels for a charming and cozy appeal.”

RASPBERRY BLUSH BY BENJAMIN MOORE

Image: Benjamin Moore

While it’s not a hue for the faint of heart, Andrea Magno, Color Marketing & Development Director at Benjamin Moore, is convinced that, “People are ready to bring color back into the home, taking a step outside their color comfort zones.” Benjamin Moore says their 2023 color of the year is “the definition of charismatic color,” describing it as “a vivacious shade of coral tinged with pink” that delivers “delight and personality”.

RUSTIC GREIGE BY DUTCH BOY

Image: Dutch Boy

If Raspberry Blush is a little too much personality for you, soothe your senses with the calm tones of Rustic Greige. Described as an “adaptable hue,” Dutch Boy says, “Rustic Greige is a versatile neutral that brings harmony and contentment home” as part of their 2023 palettes that “reflect the best of what’s new and what we need now: a sense of deep-rooted comfort.”

VINING IVY BY GLIDDEN AND PPG

Image: Home Depot

Is it blue? Is it green? Is it both at the same time?  According to Glidden, “This ‘bluish-greenish-something-in-betweenish’ color serves up versatile vibes, making it an on-trend addition to any room. No matter if you think it looks more blue or more green, either way, it’s a vibe.”

REDEND POINT BY SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

Image: Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin Williams invites you to “embrace a spirit of connection with the world around us with this soulful-yet-subtle hue.” Described as “minimal yet cozy,” Redend Point “creates a comforting backdrop for the everyday moments that matter.” This neutral shade with a faintly desert feel pairs well with other warm earthy tones anywhere in your home.

Whether one of these colors tickles your fancy or you have something completely different in mind, request a consultation and we’ll color your world—or your home, at least—with any shade you choose. Here’s to a colorful new year!

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BLACK

Image: Charles Parker on Pexels

Black is a perennial favorite and, according to a recent study by Zillow, could even increase the selling price of your home by more than $6,000. If a classic black door is your goal, opt for a high-gloss paint; it adds depth and dimension to help your door avoid looking dull and drab.

BLUE

Image:  Dutch Boy

Blues and their moods range from light cheery aqua to traditional navy and everything in between. Lighter blues often give off a fresh, coastal vibe while darker blues can denote respectability and peace. Blue offers so many shades to choose from there’s bound to be a blue out there for you. 

GREEN

Image:  Window World of Connecticut

The color of balance and renewal according to Feng Shui, green is a friendly nature-inspired color. It can be calm and relaxing (think soft sage), bold and bright (neon lime, anyone?) or welcoming but stately (like all those doors in Charleston, SC).

YELLOW

Image:  Benjamin Moore

It doesn’t get more cheerful than a sunny yellow, which is particularly appealing against a dark-colored home (like gray or blue). Bonus:  yellow plays well with homes of many styles, from farmhouse to mid-century modern.

CORAL / ORANGE

Image:  Sherwin Williams

If yellow is a little too plain for your liking, warm it up a notch with coral or orange. Coral pairs well with warm neutral house colors like cream, yellow, or warm light gray. Orange is especially pleasing with dark gray, navy or black exteriors.

RED

Image:  Home Stratosphere

Taking one more step around the color wheel, red is another classic door color. When choosing your shade, pay attention to the undertones—there’s a big difference between heritage red and sun dried tomato, to name just two. For a fun read about the history of red front doors, check out this article from Apartment Therapy.

WHITE

Image: PPG Paints

If the body of your house is not white, white or cream are safe colors—but safe doesn’t always mean boring. According to PPG Paints, “pairing [neutral colors] purposefully with the surrounding palette can create elegant, modern beauty.” The “purposeful” part of the pairing is important. Get it wrong and your door may disappear into the walls, which could pose a problem for guests and delivery folks alike.

The next time you stand in the yard staring at your front door to picture it in different colors—and you know you will—take a minute to look at the rest of your house. Does your trim or siding need a fresh coat of paint? When you’re ready to paint anything from doors to trim to a whole-house paint job, request a consultation and we’ll turn that picture in your head into reality.

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CLASSIC BLUE

Whether you’re going for a coastal vibe or just want a classic color that never goes out of style, blue is a great go-to for your kitchen. With shades available from palest sky to deep navy to warm aqua you’re sure to find a blue that suits you.

BOLD RED

Red is one of the colors that inspire hunger, so it makes sense to have it in the kitchen. (Unless you’re constantly dieting, maybe?) If you’re not ready to go as bold as the kitchen shown here, you might opt for a more muted ‘country red’ or use it as an accent color instead.

TIMELESS GREEN

Green is super-trendy this year (see our post on the 2022 Colors of the Year) but it’s also a color that stands the test of time. Plus it’s the color of vegetables, so that makes it perfect for a kitchen, doesn’t it?

SUNNY YELLOW

Whether you choose a soft buttery shade like the one pictured above or go for more of a sunny-side up version, yellow is a happy color that can work in any size kitchen.

NOT-SO-BASIC BLACK

If your kitchen tends to be dark, this might not be your best option. But if you get a lot of natural daylight and have good kitchen lighting, going over to the dark side might add the drama you and your kitchen have been craving.

CAN’T DECIDE? PICK TWO!

Who says your cabinets all have to be the same color? The trick, according to HGTV.com, is “to put the light color on top and a darker one on the bottom to help ground the space.” If you’re not ready to go all the way with the two-tone look, try painting your kitchen island to give your space that ‘pop of color’ designers are always talking about.

Cabinet painting can be a daunting undertaking, but our team has the technical knowledge you need to get the job done right in no time. When you’re ready to spice up your kitchen—or if you just want an idea of what we can do to to make any space more appetizing—request a consultation and we’ll be happy to help.

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