The first steps up to and into your house should match the overall feel you want in your home. But in your entryway, the scale and adaptable elements of the inviting space make it a great place to try bolder design ideas. You may not want highly patterned wallpaper in your living room, but wall-to-ceiling patterns with a large decorative mirror might be the perfect introduction to the modern interior of your home.

Your entryway decor can make a memorable first impression and sets the tone for the ambiance and personality of your home. Consider one or more of these foyer design ideas to create an unforgettable experience every time you walk in the door.

A Place to Gather

You can never have too many places to entertain. Especially in the fresh desert evenings surrounded by a sky filled with stars, it will be hard to stay inside. A front courtyard makes for a secluded but easy-to-access spot for entertaining (and containing pets).

With a front courtyard, you may opt for low walls that clearly define the area while still being able to see who is pulling into your property. But you can also create a high-walled front patio for an extra layer of privacy.

Great patios need comfortable seating and an interesting focal point, and your front courtyard is no different. Kiva fireplaces or other firepit styles offer a great spot for your guests to gravitate towards, and it helps keep them comfortable. You can also consider a water feature, such as a fountain, for a serene centerpiece to your courtyard. Arrange your Arizona-appropriate outdoor furniture–that doesn’t absorb the heat or fade in the sun–around your fireplace or water feature for a cozy conversation spot.

Landscaping is a key part of the curb appeal of your home, and with a front courtyard, you can up the “wow” factor. Large potted palms create shade while the edges of the seating area contain a variety of native plants, such as flowering sage and cactus. UDA’s Shade Villa property created a “secret” garden gate in the front courtyard that featured a trellis, a sculpture garden, and several different types of cacti that brought the magic of the desert surroundings all the way to the front entry.

A Custom Front Door

Your entry door can make a statement by blending in or standing out. From the color to the type of door, there are several ways to make a grand entry door to your home.

The simplest, and most flexible, is to choose a color for your door that will stand out. A sunshine yellow or sky blue can accentuate the hues found in the natural landscape and brighten up covered doorways. If you choose a color that you later decide doesn’t work, changing is as simple as a new coat of paint.

If you prefer a more natural look while limiting the environmental footprint of the home, look for opportunities to upcycle wood from local buildings that have been torn down or renovated. Bring a little history to your home by incorporating wood sections from family estates or from a specific area of the world that you visit regularly. You’ll feel the connection every time you turn the handle.

A different door configuration can also make an interesting first impression. If you like the fresh air of open doors and windows, consider a Dutch door where you can open the top and leave the bottom closed and locked. Pivot doors, like at the Mountain Shadows Mission, also make for an unexpected entrance option.

Regardless of the door choice, you can also customize your front door with a metal accent. Go beyond the traditional wreaths and add a bronze or iron sunburst to introduce an industrial feel that extends throughout the house.

Artwork That is Distinctly Yours

Personalize your entryway by celebrating what is important to you. Build in nooks and creative showcases for treasured memorabilia or heirloom pieces that have special meaning for you.

This is a great place for a piece of commissioned artwork featuring a favorite pet or an enlarged map of your favorite city. Hang a propeller commemorating the plane you flew when you earned your pilot’s license or rotate your interesting finds from recent travels. An oversized piece of abstract art works well too if you prefer a more minimalist approach to design.

You can also make the space special by including a statement rug or an original sculpture from an artist you admire. Include one-of-a-kind antiques, such as an ornate chest of drawers or a suit of armor, if it matches your tastes. Experiment with textured tapestries or wallpaper with large patterns to set the tone for the rest of the interior design. Or go big with a custom mural to make a bold statement your guests will remember.

Unexpected Storage

You can never have enough storage, but you have more options in your entryway than a standard coat closet. Be intentional about consoles, hooks, and umbrella stands. These functional pieces can work as stylish elements when not holding outerwear and accessories. Find beautiful bowls and accent pieces that can work as landing places for keys and mail but that also stand out when not helping you keep track of items. Another way to easily add extra storage is by putting a skirt around your mail table, where you can keep bins or baskets concealed.

If you are building from scratch or willing to do a little construction, there are a few places to create storage without taking up much space. You can add a built-in bench or seating nooks with hidden space underneath. In addition to being a convenient place to store sports equipment or jackets, this is a great spot to tie shoes or wait for slower-moving members of your party.

If your entryway also includes a staircase, you can create a carve-out under the stairs. This space can either be closed off as a hidden compartment or left open. It is a great place for shelves, hooks, and easy-to-organize bins for items you need to grab as you walk out the door.

Intentional Lighting Fixtures

Lighting can be tricky in smaller spaces. Too much and it washes out your entryway decor. Not enough light and it will feel unwelcoming. Create multiple layers of lighting that you can adjust for different occasions and different times of the day.

Natural light is always a good choice, but it can be difficult to get in the entryway. Install glass panels in the door frame or side panels along the door to capture the abundant Scottsdale sunshine. A texture treatment on the glass or some sheer curtains can add a little privacy.

For more deliberate lighting choices, consider both overhead and eye-level options. Wall sconces and table lamps can light up corners without overwhelming the small space. A low-hanging chandelier can provide both a focal point and add dimension to a high ceiling.

Luxury Foyer Decor for the Ultimate First Impression

Your entryway is more than a pass-through to the rest of your home. It is a place that should welcome you and feel uniquely yours. With the small scale, it’s a great area to experiment with a new design idea before you decide if you want to implement it in a larger room.

If you are ready to build a house that you love coming home to, contact the architects of the Southwest at UDA, Ltd. We can help you design a space that incorporates your distinct style and creates a memorable impression each time you walk through the door.

Entryway Design Ideas for a Memorable First Impression