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Design Dilemma for “Entryway”

last month

Suggestions on how to restyle this space.

I have a design dilemma for my “Entryway”- as you can see it’s a box like cave and I’ve got many ideas but still trying to figure out what I’d like to do. I can’t do anything about changing the drop ceiling there are pipes and duct work above. I hope to make it less cave like.

I’ve finished styling most of the house but stuck on this one.

Some ideas:

-Hang artwork and or mirror
-New front door (on the list)
-Do thick door casing around opening (AI generated pic included)
-Put a light colored area rug/mat which fills that space
-Replace ceiling tiles with light wood

Comments (32)

  • last month

    What is the measurement from the door edge when fully open and the wall across from the doorway? Wondering if you have room for a console on that wall or just mirror or art.

  • last month

    I wish, it’s a closet. There’s no room and it’s about 4 ft or so. I thought of removing closet door and styling an entry as the flooring runs into the closet. The noise would be noticeable if closet door was removed. Here is pic.

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    I wouldn't make the ceiling dark, it would lower the feel.

    Yes to a larger, brighter rug and a full view front door. I would also paint the entry and the doors. Yes, remove one door that opens to shelves and make them like an open shelf unit, with art and a lamp at 30" off the floor, as you would a table.

    IF you need the hanging storage and a place to sit, a petite version of this is cute.


  • last month

    I would wallpaper or hang a picture, on the back wall, that has depth. Think a winding path through the woods or cityscape down a road.

  • last month

    AI has neatly removed your light switch, which is in the way of your trim. It also lightened up the space, changed your door at given your room crown molding and baseboards. I would not put trim around the door. It doesn't fit with the rest of your space. I wouldn't do a mirror either, given the way the door swings. Yes to art or wallpaper, and a bigger rug.

  • last month

    Thank you all for great feedback !

  • last month

    I agree with a new rug, art, no mirror. Not much you can do with such a small area.

  • last month

    Installing a recessed light is the best solution. Uou often need bery little space to do so. I’d have an electrician look at it. It will transform the cave feeling into a nice bright, well lit entry that needs nothing else but a little rug you love.

  • last month

    Add a battery operated motion sensor light.

  • last month

    What is the rectangle in the ceiling?


    AI sucks. It magically lit your interior. Snap. If only it were that easy.

  • last month

    Hi @Kendrah - there actually is a recessed light it’s just turned off in the pic 😄

  • last month

    Hahaha! That's great. Can you turn on the light and also take a pic from far back so we can see what is already in the rest of this room?

  • PRO
    last month

    Get a great ceiling hugger light and a pretty dormat and if possible a piece of art on the wall facing the door . Not sure how much space there is in that facing space . It seems you have a coat closet so no need for hooks . IMO your entry is the introduction to your home so the same style and often even same color scheme as at least the LR

  • PRO
    last month

    The casing in the AI generated photo does a lot to improve the entryway. Replacing the front door will also go a long way in improving the look. A mirror might be useful if you frequently check your appearance before leaving home. Otherwise, will suggest a large piece of artwork.

  • last month

    I would spend the money on a new front door with a lot of glass. This area is too tight for anything else.

  • last month

    I have a very small foyer and these have really helped: front door with a full window, rug that fills most of the floor, a mirror and good lighting. When redoing the ceiling, suggest adding potlights.

  • last month

    Thank you all ! Front door with glass is definitely on the list! We are going to do casing and some art and space filling rug. Even

  • last month

    I’ve taken some pics with light on and hung some temporary artwork until we decide what we want. I ordered a 4x4 neutral colored rug (beige/cream) to fill the space. New door will be done eventually. Also attached is a possible piece we’ll purchase or it’s inspiration for other choices. We will most like put some casing around opening to dress it up.

  • last month

    Art looks silly on a door. New door and larger, nicer rug is all you need.

  • last month

    It’s not on a door it’s on a wall. The circular item is a knob bumper so front door knob doesn’t make home in the es

  • last month

    It’s not on a door it’s on a wall. The circular item is a knob bumper so front door knob doesn’t make a hole in the wall

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Yes to door with more glass.


    Your instinct to remove entryway closet door is absolutely correct. More homeowners with tight entryways should consider this provided family members get in the habit if using dedicated spaces as they come in. Lyn Nielsen shows you an example. Here are other closets transformed into attractive drop zones. In yours, add a mirror to reflect light from new door that lets in more light.

    Pond Overlook · More Info


    Once was a closet with a door: Note the terrific indoor outdoor rug that fills the space so it's a a separate space. The wainscoting enhances that effect as well.

    Isle of Wight Holiday Home · More Info


  • last month

    Beautiful! Thank you! This is definitely in the list- removing closet door. I can “shop” my home for decor items.

  • last month

    Yes, removing the door is a great idea!

  • last month
    last modified: last month



    This rug can be found in a vinyl material. Saw it yesterday and will back in my history to find it. Here is a full list of colors and patterns from the company.

    https://www.rugs-direct.com/Store/nav/Category-Area-Rugs-Brand-Spicher-and-Company

  • last month

    Oh this is great- thank you Judy Graham for the link and pic!

  • 29 days ago

    Thank you Poovi Art these are quite beautiful- I could also pair our chosen piece with a small over picture gallery light.

  • 29 days ago

    I also thought of having a tall semi narrow framed print made (12x36) of one our own photos (the person in the pic is my husband) :) I’m just concerned it’s too dark for the space.

  • 29 days ago

    In my viewpoint that is begging to be an enclosed foyer. I'd get a nicer entry door and put some beautiful interior glass French doors on the living room opening, maybe something leaded. All sorts of styles to choose from there.

  • 28 days ago
    last modified: 28 days ago

    If you remove the foyer’s closet door, that is likely fine if you don't use it as it can be staged to look like the photos posted. But if the opened-up area will be used to hold coats, etc., this works best if your family is super neat as you and your guests will see this open area from your living room.

  • 28 days ago

    Why not do something fun and interesting in that little space? Kind of on the order of what Judy shows. You can make the entryway into a really cute space...a mundane floor mat and a small piece of art is a missed opportunity. Pics for wallpaper and color ideas only; I know there is no room for furniture:




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