No longer just a quick-drop area for boots, keys and bookbags, the entryway is finally getting its time to shine. Today’s entryway has been re-envisioned into a fully functional, aesthetically pleasing sanctuary. Here, two local pros share tips for turning this previously overlooked space into a tranquil room that marries practicality and charm.
Make It Feel Peaceful
“The entryway is where the energy of the day shifts,” says Ansley Majit, principal designer and owner of Sausalito-based L+P Interiors. “It’s about creating a mini moment of calm and style before you drop the day and settle in at home.” Majit says her firm designs these spaces to “feel good,” by employing layered materials, intentional lighting and personalitydriven details. “Our clients lead really busy lives, so this space is where they can slow down, drop their bags, kick off their shoes and exhale,” she says.
Fine-Tune Functionality
Unlike traditional entryway closets that feature a generic mix of hanging rods and shelving, today’s iterations can be dialed-in to homeowners’ personal needs. “Storage solutions are now very personalized to address busy lifestyles with open storage for convenience; closed areas with specific functions, like for backpacks or sports equipment; and oftentimes a seating area,” explains Kelly DeFonzo, owner and principal designer of the San Carlos-based Spruce Studio Interiors. “This area can really be a workhorse to support daily routines and activities.”
Opt For Durable Finishings
Entryways are high-traffic areas, so design choices should prioritize durability, stresses Majit. “You want materials that can take a hit and still look good,” she says. For the mudroom in a Kentfield project L+P worked on, the team painted the bottom half of one wall in a deep teal shade — great for hiding the scuffs of backpacks and busy kids. Meanwhile, for a project in San Carlos, DeFonzo selected handmade floor tiles that do double duty, adding both durability and visual interest to the space.
Elevate The Aesthetic
Though an entryway’s primary purpose is to house everyday items, functionality needn’t come at the expense of form and design. Custom cabinetry, unique hardware, colorful tile, warm lighting and textured surfaces are some of the many ways DeFonzo and Majit enhance the aesthetic of entryway storage areas. “Now, this area of the home has become a real design opportunity to create spaces that are not only functional but also have an aesthetic appeal,” DeFonzo says. L+P Interiors’ Ansley Majit used hand-painted floor tiles in the mudroom of a Kentfield home to blur the line between outdoors and in. Other touches include concealed storage; warm lighting; a half-wall painted in a dark, scuff-resistant teal shade; and a multifunctional sink for washing up after playing outside, topping up the dog’s water bowl and even chilling beverages during backyard parties.
