BIA Interiors Feature: Making a Grand Entrance

BIA Interiors
Living room with black French doors leading to the deck, black and white Roman shades, and a built-in bench. A grey cat stands on the kitchen table.
Adam Kane Macchia

Small entry spaces make a big impact. Not only does an entry spaces serve a functional purpose by providing a designated area to leave keys, hang coats, and set your shoes, it's also the first impression your guests will get of your home. Because of this, entryways are opportunities to set the tone for the style of the house.

Many of our BIA Interiors clients' homes are city apartments and townhouses, and it's no secret that space is oftentimes limited in cities. We see these space constraints as opportunities for creativity, where design expression can make the home feel warm, inviting, AND functional. Thoughtful furniture placement with console tables, hooks, or shelving near the doorway helps carve out a designated arrival area.

Entryway of a Prospect Heights home with a black mirror next to the black front door

When working with limited space, establishing a focal point is key. In entry spaces, we often use large, eye-catching mirrors to achieve this. Mirrors create a big impact by reflecting light to make small spaces feel larger. For even more functionality, mounting the mirror to the wall above a console table designates a clear drop area.

A circular mirror hangs above a credenza with two white, fuzzy stools in front of it.

A great way to tie in the style of the home to the entry is to incorporate materials that are used elsewhere in the home, such as brass and marble. To prevent clutter in an open layout, an entryway is best accented with simple objects like floral vases and eye-catching trays.