Creating a Welcoming Entryway: How to design a great entry into your home

In architectural design, the entrance to a building is more than just a functional portal - it's a transition that can profoundly affect our senses and emotions. 

Designing this transition to evoke a specific feeling, whether it's one of grandeur, intimacy, or, my favourite, a sense of bliss, can turn the entryway in your home from boring or lacklustre, to welcoming and full of joy.

In this article, we’ll explore the key elements that make the entry into your home a great one.

The Art of the Entrance: Crafting a Sense of Bliss


To create an entrance that feels both welcoming and calming, you’ve got to think about the whole journey from start to finish.

It’s not just about the door itself. You also need to think about the approach to it and the experience you want to create when stepping inside. It’s a chance to have a carefully choreographed transition that engages all the senses, transforming a simple act of walking through a doorway into a moment of joy and feeling at home every time you or your guests step inside.

The Journey to the Door: Designing the exterior of your home entry

The feeling of bliss you want to create begins long before you touch the doorknob, so make sure you consider the approach. 

Is the entry obvious and grand, or is your style one that lends itself to a discoverable pathway that builds a sense of anticipation? 

The journey can be defined by the gradient of the land, guiding you gently upward to the threshold. 

Texture, like a path of crushed stone or a smooth concrete walkway can set the tone for your entryway. 

And as you get closer, a sense of shelter can be introduced through a large overhang or a covered porch, protecting you from the elements and creating a cozy, secluded feel.

Small details can make a big impact. Adding a beautifully crafted door knocker or a distinctive doorbell can serve as a tactile and auditory cue, signalling that you're about to enter a special place. Or if a more dramatic or protective entrance is your style, then a raised platform or hob can be used, creating a subtle barrier that distinguishes the interior from the exterior world. 

The visual element is key for your entryway. Should your front door be more striking? Or is it more subtle? The play of light and shadow on your home's facade can make the entrance feel more dynamic and inviting.


Stepping into Serenity: Designing the interior of your home entry

The moment you open the door, a new sensory world could unfold. 

The visual experience can be defined by a clear line of sight into a beautiful space, drawing you in. The sound of the door closing softly behind you can create a sense of quietude and separation from the outside world.

The interior entrance (which is also called an entryway or vestibule) should be a place of calm and order. 

For a family home, this space needs to accommodate the daily chaos of coming and going. A mudroom or dedicated space to drop things is essential for clutter avoidance. 

Think about a bench to sit on while you take off your shoes, hooks for coats and hats, a designated spot for bags, umbrellas or dog leashes. 

This not only keeps the main living areas tidy but also helps you feel organised and in control from the moment you step inside.

A strategically placed mirror is another crucial element. These are great from a practical standpoint, giving you a place to check your makeup, or straighten your tie. But it’s also a clever device for expanding the sense of spaciousness and reflects light, making the area feel brighter and more open.

The sensory elements of your entryway continue inside. The right colour palette can have a profound impact, with a choice of soft, muted tones creating calm, while bold colours can create a sense of excitement and energy. 

Smell matters too. Whether the smell of home for you means a fresh bouquet of flowers, a scented candle, or the aroma of a meal being prepared, designing your entryway to enhance your favourite smell can instantly trigger a feeling of warmth and home.

Ultimately, designing an entrance is about creating a feeling. 

By carefully considering the journey, from the pace of the walk to the door to the feel of the space just inside, an architect can transform a simple passage into a portal to bliss.