Entryway Decor

Is your entryway a bit bland?  Need to create a luxurious place where you can welcome guests into your home?  Here are some entryway decor ideas to help:

Awe-Inspiring Entryways – Secret of Luxury

By Harri Aalto

Be it a grand ballroom, a get-away cabin in the mountains for entertaining, or one’s personal residence, having an entryway atmosphere that surrounds one with both elegance and serenity makes a statement of luxury.

One catches their breath from the impact of entering an evocative, masterfully designed area which wraps one in a visual presence of both peace and safety. Prior stresses melt in the warmth and beauty.

Every entryway, foyer or rotunda possesses a significant, unique individuality. The entryways with the highest intrinsic value feature floors of natural stone, like marble, onyx, or granite – and even in-laid semi-precious stones. A master designer can create a unique medallion for insertion in the entryway floor. This medallion, a large emblem or medal that might be circular, oval or even square, can reflect the homeowner’s personality and could represent a family crest or a favorite architectural style. The medallion becomes the focal point of the entryway and the foundation for all interior design in the area.

Matching marble or other natural stone borders can be designed to surround the outer portions of the entryway floor, or even be placed on the walls, to graciously lead one on into other areas of the home. Because natural stone comes in thousands of color variations, the designer is never limited in expression.

In the case of commercial sites such as airports, theme parks, restaurants, or in institutional settings such as universities, government buildings, or museums, the medallion might be the logo of the local sport team or represent an historical happening unique to that area. It can represent a point of pride, an attraction that customers remember and bring visitors to see.

Public areas need entryways and floors that are durable and that can withstand dirt, snow and mud, along with the impact of high heels and other potentially damaging items. Fortunately, marble and natural stones are truly capable of handling all that befalls them. Plus, they are quite stain resistant.

A marble and natural stone medallion in an entryway is stunning and was once seen only in cathedrals built centuries ago. Now, due to the precision of waterjet technology, a master craftsman can design an intricate pattern consisting of thousands of pieces of fine marble, granite, onyx and semi-precious gems and have them cut to perfection. The assembling of these pieces reflects another artistic skill, as this assembling is done meticulously by hand and thus also requires a unique craftsman.

Those who love luxury cherish a grand entryway that reflects true artistic expression and inspires both peace and joy.

Harri Aalto is cofounder and Creative Director of Creative Edge Master Shop, a leader in the architectural design community. He designs all of the company’s products, including lobbies and entryway medallions.

Fall Front Door Decor & Porch Ideas

Fall brings cooler weather, less sun and lots of brilliant colors. Don’t let fall get you down, use some fall front door decor and porch ideas to create a great atmosphere and welcoming home.

Decorating The Porch For Fall

By Dee Marie

With the fall season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to be looking for those special decorating accents to bring the fall theme into your outdoor room. Don’t worry that you do not have enough room to decorate, even very small porch spaces can benefit from the addition of a few fall themed accessories. You can even just decorate your front door with a wreath made of a variety of fall leaves or dried corn to give a special seasonal touch.

When putting together a fall theme, start with a focus on color. Look for fall themed colors like shades of oranges, yellows, reds, and earth tones. Choose accessories in the pumpkin shades of orange and look for items and colors that mirror the colors of the changing leaves. Fall decorating does not have to be only Halloween themes either. Hay bales, collections of apples, gourds, dried corn or even dried twigs can make a festive fall display.

Check out your dollar store for inexpensive fall decor. You can find lots of great fall themed wreaths, hanging pots, colored planters, and fall colored silk leaves and stems. Arrange them in vases or planters for a great looking display. To get more ideas to spark your creativity, visit your local craft stores and browse their displays.

Use natural elements from nature. Go for a walk and gather pinecones and a variety of branches to design your own wreaths and centerpieces. Try to add a variety of textures and heights to make the display more interesting. Mix and match items to create more interesting designs.

Get more mileage out of your current accessories by placing your fall items on top of them. For example, put your plants on the ground and place small pumpkins on the plant stands. Use pumpkins to line your front porch steps or even your fence.

With just a few themed items you can bring a fall theme to your decor. Have fun with your decorating!

Dee Marie is a freelance writer who enjoys decorating. Please visit http://www.porch32.com for more ideas on porch swings and rockers.

Front Door Decor

How does your front door look?

Why not welcome your guests before they even get inside with some great front door decor. Wreaths, garland, flowers and decorations will spice up your front door and make guest feel like you’re inviting them in.

Year Round Decorating Ideas For The Front Door

By Dee Marie

The front door of your home is the first thing that visitors will see. You can make a good impression on your guests and visitors by adding some special decorative touches to this area. These decor accents do not have to be elaborate or expensive. Many times just one or two specially selected pieces will go a long way. By decorating the front doorway area you can lend a nice touch to your home, and make your guests feel especially welcomed. Here are some ideas for making the most of your decorating area with ideas to give special pizzaz to your front door.

Hang door garland. This can be in any theme and will cover a large amount of space on the front door. Make sure you choose something that will be relatively weather resistant, and will not fade easily. A garland of fall colored leaves would make a wonderful autumn design. For Christmas, holly or poinsettias could be used to make a similar garland.

Display a large wreath or other floral display with the use of an over-the-door wreath hanger. Try making your own wreath out of natural materials like pine cones. This can be easily accomplished by using a glue gun and adding some decorative floral picks. I usually make my own Christmas wreath by using a pre-made wreath shape, and adding Christmas floral picks or handmade bows. I purchase these inexpensively from the Dollar Store.

Add a door knob hanger. This could be as elaborate as a handmade, one-of-a-kind piece, or as simple as a colored ribbon with bells attached. For seasonal themes, a strand of dried corn or even small fall leaves would make a nice hanger. Snowman and poinsettias would be fun ideas for Christmas or Winter.

Seasonal door decorations are a fun way to decorate the front door. For autumn you could use a fall themed wreath with apples, fall leaves, even tiny pumpkins. Thanksgiving ideas include the cornucopia or dried corn. For the past couple of years, I have used a heavy wrapping paper to “wrap” my front door to look like a present. I usually use a bright red foil paper, then add a handmade wreath.

Dee Marie is a successful freelance writer who enjoys decorating. To get more ideas for a front door decoration or for more unique decor accessories, please visit http://www.DKTShopping.com

Foyer Decor

Your Foyer is the first impression you make on anyone new who enters your home.  It’s easy to forget about since you likely don’t spend a lot of time there.  Consider some foyer decor ideas to create a welcoming area for new visitors and guests.

Room by Room Makeovers: Inviting Foyer Fixes
By Melissa Galt

When was the last time you actually entered your house at the front door?? Has it been awhile . . . maybe you need to take another look and see if it really is inviting. Take a look here for great tips and tricks to make any foyer a place of welcome.

Your entrance starts on the outside, so be sure to add a welcome mat, sturdy and generously sized, rubber backed if it is going to get wet (nothing worse than a rotting mat.)

Be sure to consider updating your door hardware and adding a kickplate, available in a variety of finishes. The kick plate protects the door from weather and wear.

Personalize your door with a door knocker that makes a statement, or perhaps you’d prefer artglass as an option.

Once inside be sure there is an attractive rug (not a bath mat, please!). A console table or small chest is always a good idea for a place to set your keys, handbag, wallet or even the mail if needed. Be sure to include creative storage for these. For example a basket for mail and a small bowl for keys.

Add a lamp for a cozy effect, size will depend on the table or chest. Often a plant in one corner gives real life to a space, be sure it is either a well designed silk, or healthy live greenery.

If you have the space you can add an umbrella stand, especially great on foul weather days, and in a pinch you can have a coat rack. Most of us have out coat closets too loaded to allow anyone else to hang one, this solves that dilemma!

Perhaps you have a staircase nearby and adding a bench is a good look as well as functional, it doubles as a place to stash whatever you bring in, or change shoes coming in or out.

Check your overhead lighting, is it too dim, out of date, too small?? All of these can be fixed by a quick update or addition of higher wattage bulbs.

Be sure to include artwork that suits the rest of the house, and your personal style. Remember this is everyone’s first impression and you only get once chance. MAKE IT COUNT!!

Melissa Galt, Lifestyle Designer, Speaker, & Author, is the owner of Melissa Galt, Inc., a full service interior design firm based in Atlanta. She has been decorating clients’ homes all over the Southeast for more than a decade, making their interior visions come true. She speaks to audiences nationally, on how to use design as the catalyst for “creating the life you’ve always dreamed of”. Melissa is the creator of Design Destinations, a free monthly guide to designing your signature life. To sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter, visit http://www.melissagalt.com/

Hall Entry Tree Bench

Want to get your front foyer or hall under control? Clutter seems to gather in the front door area and without a system to take control of it you’ll be wading through a mess. Try using a hall entry tree bench to use to organize your coats, hats, shoes and more.
Hall Tree Bench: Contemporary Ways to Organize your Foyer

By Jennifer Akre

If you’re wondering what to do to get all that clutter that winds up right by your front door under control, consider adding a hall tree bench to your foyer. This attractive piece of furniture can provide functionality and style, and can clean up the most traveled area of your home.

A hall tree bench will provide a place to hang coats and hats, a spot to sit down while removing dirty shoes and, if it’s equipped with a storage unit, a place to store everything from umbrellas to backpacks. You’ll find numerous ways to use this piece of furniture in your foyer.

Hall tree benches have been around forever, and you can probably find an antique one if you scour antique malls and flea markets. However, many of these antique hall tree benches are high on style but not so high on functionality. Many have no real storage, other than hooks for hanging coats. A new hall tree bench can be just as beautiful, and is far more likely to be equipped with the storage that your family requires.

You can find a hall tree bench in every imaginable style and finish. Oak is the wood that was most traditionally used for these types of benches, but today, many simpler styles are fashioned from pine. More elaborate and elegant hall tree benches are made from cherry or mahogany. Many have small mirrors attached which, in addition to being a pretty feature, also gives you the chance to take one last look at your hair and lipstick as you go out the door!

Be sure to check out the many different styles available in a hall tree bench for your foyer. No matter what your décor, there’s one out there for you. You’ll be sure to find a hall tree bench that provides the storage you need with the style you love.

Jennifer Akre, owner of numerous furniture websites, makes it easy to find handy Hall Tree Benches and Outdoor Benches . Learn how to decorate your patio and home in style by clicking the following link: http://www.SimplyBenches.com.

Home Entryway Decor

What does your entryway say about your home? It’s the first impression of your family and the way you live.

Does it scream

“Welcome to my Crazy House!”
or
“Welcome to my cozy home”?

If your entryway is cluttered, and you’re tripping over shoes trying to come and go, keep reading for ideas about Home Entryway Organizers and about how you can organize and declutter your entryway!

Decorating Your Walkway and Entryways

Clutter and chaos do not welcome visitors to your home. No matter how well decorated your home is, it will not shine unless it is clutter-free.

So, move any bikes, lawn mowers, trash and toys from your entryway before decorating.

From there, stand on the front curb, looking at your home with fresh eyes. Try to spot all the flaws and weak points of your curb appeal and work from there.

1. Would some plants add to your entryway?

2. Are there too many plants or are areas overgrown with growth?

3. What about the numbers on your home?

4. Are the light fixtures all in good working order?

Just looking at your home with a fresh perspective can improve your entryway and walkways tremendously.

Entryway Idea: Bench
Ideas on adding a bench to your entryway for decor and practical reasons.

Hall Entry Tree Bench
A hall tree bench is a great way to get everything organized in the entryway.

Foyer Decor
Create a welcoming foyer for visitors to your home.

Front Door Decor
Your front door is the first thing guests see, make it welcoming.

Fall Front Door Decor
Fall is a great time to put up wreaths and decorations.

Entryway Decor
Your entryway can be inviting, with a few decor ideas.

Entryway Ideas: Benches

When looking for entryway ideas and decor, a bench is going to be a must.  You have some style and finishes to choose from.  Create a great look with a practical use by using an entryway bench.

Entryway Benches – Why They’re a Must Have in Every Home
By Jennifer Akre

One of the easiest ways to leave a lasting, warm impression on first-time visitors to your home and to make those visitors feel welcome is to place an entryway bench just inside your main entryway. Not only do entryway benches create a warm and inviting atmosphere, they are also very beautiful and are practical pieces of furniture as well.

By incorporating the use of entryway benches into your entry hall you can offer visitors a comfortable place to sit while they are removing their winter layers of clothing or offer them a convenient storage space to keep their coats, hats and gloves. No more will you have to hunt throughout the rooms of your home or in spare closets for coats and hats that have been carelessly strewn about when you have a gorgeous entryway bench in which to store them.

And there are so many styles and finishes associated with entryway benches that you are sure to find that perfect bench to coordinate with your existing décor, whether your style is eclectic, country or formal. You can choose from popular styles such as Western, Cottage and Antique, just to name a few.

Take for instance the French Country hall bench manufactured by Powell. This beautiful entryway bench is constructed in the French Country design and features a weathered “linen” finish and a warm French Maple finished bench top. The bench flips up to reveal a storage chest and the back panel is adorned with a mirror and hooks which is perfect for hanging your favorite hat or scarf.

If you prefer something a little simpler in design, perhaps the Cottage Hall Bench, also crafted by Powell, would be more to your taste. This simple hall bench features a shutter back panel and open slat side panels with a “Black Sand through Terra Cotta Weathered Finish.” An added bonus with this beautiful entryway bench is the hidden storage under the bench seats.

If you like antiques and a more classic look, you will love the Antique Entryway Bench – Hall Tree. Available in both antique and cherry finishes, this gorgeous bench is exquisitely designed using sturdy wood and wood veneers.

You can even choose from upholstered hall benches like the Nostalgic Oak Cedar Hall Bench. This bench features a fully upholstered seat in a floral design and a self-rising storage tray. You can also customize upholstered hall benches by covering them with your own needlepoint or family heirloom fabrics.

And adding an entryway bench to your hall is very affordable. With benches ranging in price from $150 to $600, you are sure to find the bench that will perfectly match your personality, decorating style and budget. Just keep in mind that you do not need a grand or overstated bench to make your entryway truly spectacular. Even a simply designed wrought iron entryway bench will bring that added design element and feeling of warmth to the space in which you welcome your guests and give them the first glance into your home.

Jennifer Akre is a successful business owner of numerous furniture websites such as http://www.SimplyBenches.com. Her websites offer product and information about entryway bench, various garden bench designs and other furniture and decor for your home and patio.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com