I see a lot of houses every year in many distinct configurations: some in-town, and some way out in the country. I’m always amazed by the frequency by which I have a hard time finding the front door of a home. Occasionally I will even wind up in a rear or a side door. This ideabook contains 6 helpful ways about the best way best to make an entry to your home that guides your visitors from the exterior in.

1. Lead individuals to the front door. This is actually the initial step in helping your visitors get to where they have to be. A very clear and well-marked pathway from the street or driveway to the front door let’s people know you need them there. This entry’s design produces a hallway of sorts people directly to the front door. The lights provide illumination in the dark and also the columns provide an almost hallway-like barrier.

Phillips Garden

Here the big white steps are bordered by lots of greenery, directing visitors to where they ought to go.

Blue Sky Building Company

2. Envelop your visitors by making the entry inviting. Almost as though they’re arms embracing visitors, this curve of the railings with this grand stairs gently guides up visitors to the front door. The stairs is equally impressive and welcoming at the same time.

Sutton Suzuki Architects

3. Utilize light as a cue to the front door. Especially critical in the wintertime, having a well-lit front entry helps your holiday partygoers find their way indoors. This house front, while bathed in light, does a perfect job of directing individuals to the front door. The light around the entry is just a little brighter than the rest. Landscape and hardscape lighting should not be the main focus, it ought to just highlight specific areas and features. Front door should be the primary attraction.

Harrell Remodeling, Inc..

4. Soften the entry for a wonderful transition from outside to indoors. There is nothing more uninviting than a completely bare front entry. To really welcome your visitors use some decoration around the front door. An easy chair or some kind of greenery such as flowers is a small statement on how you feel about your home and your visitors.

ACANTHUS Architecture & Design, San Francisco, CA

Soft, green and welcoming. This enchanting entry encourages visitors to stop by just to experience this atmosphere.

Monique Jacqueline Design

5. Once indoors, give a place to rest and shed the outside. Your visitors are now indoors and they need to get rid of their outdoor clothes. Having a small bench and coat rack encourages individuals to take off their coat and stay a while. This specific setup is very good for visitors and family.

Max Crosby Construction

For a somewhat more luxurious feel, a classic seat lining a hallway provides exactly the same type of resting place. Having a nearby coat closet just completes the space.

Thomas Shafer Architects LLC

6. Guide your visitors to where you need them. Your guests are presently in your home, where do you need them to go? I have discovered in my own home (that is narrow and long ), that folks almost immediately travel to the rear of the home where the kitchen is located. Utilize the architecture of this home as the trail mark. In this home, smart design shows visitors where the true story is: The view out the rear of the house. Visitors can make a quick stop to take their coats off and then go back to viewing the natural art.

Jim Tetro

Another smart use of architecture and decoration to help visitors find their way to the middle of the home. The entry runner begins the trail with it’s directional branches. You then see the entertaining area from the backdrop and the light in the end of the tunnel (not literally, of course).

Which of these tips will you use in your home to welcome visitors?

More: 8 Suggestions for Lighting Your Entrance
8 Suggestions for a Small Entry
How to Choose the Right Rug For The Entryway
12 Ways to Prevent Entryway Chaos

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