Let’s face it- first impressions count! Especially for vacation rentals and Airbnbs. Crafting the perfect home entrance is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Guests appreciate a beautiful entrance and also seek a place to put stuff down, such as their car keys or phone. The first area guests see when entering must be beautiful, functional, and well thought out; it’s an instant mood boost and sets the tone for their entire stay.
So what’s the secret sauce to crafting a perfect entryway? We’ve designed one using today’s shoppable picks and our 7-item go-to formula we use time and time again:
1. The console table
This is the bread-and-butter component of a successful entryway. It’s where everything starts. Look for visually chic and slender pieces. They tend to have lesser depth so they fit in small square footage spaces which is great for an entryway. We usually go with drawerless pieces (because guests can easily leave things behind).
2. Mirror, mirror, on the wall…
Mirrors and console tables are THE power couple. As much as we love art, we choose mirrors almost every time. They make an entryway appear larger by reflecting light into the space. But most importantly, they’re functional. Guests won’t miss the fact that maybe they forgot to brush their hair or have lipstick on their teeth before hurrying out the door. This is also an opportunity to “go big” without it looking overwhelming.
3. Table lamp(s)
We’re obsessed with finding cool table lamps for entryways because they add romance and ambience to the entryway. Let’s face it, don’t we all look better from the soft glow of a table lamp rather than overhead canned lighting? This is also a place in your foyer where you can have a lot of fun and create a ‘Wow!’ factor.
If you have a wider console table, go with two lamps; otherwise one is fine.
4. Seating under the console table
Stools are great for an entryway because they afford a place to sit and put on or take off one’s shoes. They are also useful for guests waiting for others- how easy to just pull one out, sit down, and have a place to sit while waiting for your friends.
5. Rug
Rugs make people feel grounded and safe. We don’t know why, they just do. We always specify them in entryways because we want guests to have a warm landing upon entering. We favor antique tribal rugs or natural fiber rugs because they can take a beating and not complain.
6. The catch-all
People misplace their stuff, especially on vacation. That’s why it’s essential to have a catch-all like a basket or tray on the entryway console table in which to put the car keys or other small essential items. Guests will appreciate it.
7. Books
New or old, one or two hardcover books are always appealing on the interesting topics of travel, architecture, history, or design. In a vacation rental or Airbnb space, make them ones that visitors will want to thumb through during their stay. They add depth, color, and interest to the entryway.
And now for the final reveal….
We went for a symmetrical design with this entryway – two lamps, two stools, and a large mirror in the middle. We centered the look with two colorful hardback books on which sits a rattan bowl. The jute rug grounds the space, making this entryway warm and comforting.
