Entryway Mistakes to Avoid in Your Custom Home Design
When I think about the entryway of a custom home, I see it as more than just a door or a hallway. To me, the entryway sets the mood for the entire house. It’s not just the first impression; it’s the first feeling. It’s that moment that welcomes me home or introduces guests to the life that unfolds within.
Over the years, I’ve mentally catalogued some mistakes that can diminish this critical space. Here are eight tips to make the most of your home's entryway.
1. Chasing Drama Instead of Intent
I’ve seen entries with towering ceilings and chandeliers that scream for attention. They look impressive but don’t always feel right. For a home that’s meant to be lived in with quiet confidence, I prefer the entry to feel purposeful, not theatrical.
2. Showing Too Much Too Soon
Some designs lay everything out the moment the door opens. I find this overwhelming. A good entry doesn’t reveal the entire house immediately. It should invite you to explore rather than overwhelm your senses in one glance.
3. Overlooking the Journey to the Door
I don’t consider the entry as just the space inside the door. The approach matters just as much. How the driveway curves, the landscaping, the steps and handrail materials, all effect the feeling of approaching the front door to your home.
4. Making the Entry Just a Pass-Through
An entry is often treated as a corridor to get through quickly. But I believe it should be a moment of pause. A simple bench, a quiet niche, or a subtle ceiling change gives you a second to breathe before moving deeper into the home.
5. Lighting That Doesn’t Work with the Day
Lighting in entryways often feels too harsh or too dim. I’ve learned that layering natural, ambient, and accent lighting makes a huge difference. The light should shift with the day, welcoming you gently instead of startling you.
6. Overlooking Practical Storage Solutions
Every day, I find myself juggling coats, keys, and packages. If there’s no discreet spot for them, the entryway can quickly turn into a chaotic mess. Built-in storage that seamlessly integrates with the design keeps things organized while still looking stylish.
7. Choosing Materials That Don’t Age Well
I prefer materials that become more intriguing over time, rather than those that require constant upkeep. Sturdy textures that gain character help the entryway feel warm and inviting, rather than delicate or high-maintenance.
8. Treating the Door as Just an Afterthought
The door is the first thing you interact with. Its weight, the sound it makes when it opens, and the feel of the handle—all these sensory experiences are important. A door should feel substantial and purposeful, not cheap or flimsy.
This is the space that welcomes guests to your home, and when crafted with intention, an entryway does more than just open a door. It is a welcome, a "I'm glad you're here, please come in and be safe and loved." With a bit of thought and careful application, your front door will become an extension of your heart and home.