Make Your Entryway Inviting

When you enter a home, the entryway sets the tone for your impression of the entire house.  By enlisting Feng Shui principles, you can make sure your home is a welcoming and positive place to enter for both you and your guests. 

An entryway that is spacious and open is ideal as it creates a space for energy to flow and welcome visitors into your home.  In most new homes, an open entryway is already existing, however, in many older homes the entryway is smaller and closed to the rest of the house.  This does not have to prevent you from creating an entryway that meshes with Feng Shui principles.  Use light colors and mirrors to create the illusion of light and energy bouncing throughout the space.

Photo: House Beautiful

Photo: Olga Adler Interiors

As you walk through the door, make sure there is something interesting to look at it.  Draw the eye into the home.  Avoid walking straight into a wall.  Place a table with an interesting centerpiece in the middle of a large entryway or try an eye-catching light fixture.  If a wall does happen to reside opposite the doorway, try placing a mirror or unique piece of artwork so that visitors are greeted with something to look at, a reason to come inside.

Photo: House Beautiful

Avoid clutter in your entryway at all costs.  This can make residents and visitors feel psychologically blocked the minute they walk into the home.  It prevents the flow of energy into the home and is an unhappy impression both coming and going.  To clear up inavoidable clutter such as coats, hats, and umbrellas, place a coat rack near the door.  This not only avoids these items from being strewn about the rest of the house, but creates a welcoming attitude for guests the minute they walk through the door.  It conveys a message of "come in and stay a while."

Most importantly, make sure your entryway is an expression of items that make you feel good.  Use bright, light colors that you love.  Incorporate favorite pieces of artwork or sculpture.  Make it a place that is all your own and shows your visitors your personality upon first stepping foot in your home.

Photo: Coastal Living