8 Entryways That Make a Great First Impression

An entryway is more than just a passage between the outdoors and indoors. It’s also an opportunity to showcase your style and create a welcoming atmosphere—so it pays to zhuzh it up a little bit. Keep on scrolling to find out how you can design an entryway that makes a lasting first impression.

Club Med

The look of this entire Calgary residence was inspired by the tile that was selected for the entryway. Designer Aly Velji used its pattern and colour as a launching point for a modern Mediterranean aesthetic. Check out the rest of this Mt. Royal home.

Flip Side

It’s hard to say what we love most about this Brianna Hughes-designed entryway. The terrazzo tile, the arched doorway and the black-and-white photo that hangs above the bench (a shot from the homeowners’ family trip to Italy) are all equally gorgeous. See the before and after photos from this ’70s-inspired renovation.

Tight Rope

The hero of this entryway is the enormous light fixture, woven by L.A.’s Cuff Studio. “We needed something to occupy a lot of space because of the double height,” says designer Gillian Segal. “When we came across this and it had this organic, cabin-y feel, and the scale, and this beautiful soft glow, we knew we’d found something special.” Step inside this stunning Whistler home.

Dark Matter

While the rest of this Sunshine Coast home is airy and light, the foyer is dark and dramatic. The charcoal-stained wood panelling and relatively low ceiling create an intimate and, as architect Behsheed Darvish puts it, “compressed” space that sets visitors up for a stunning contrast once they reach the great room. Explore this elegant seaside retreat.

Fine Art

The entryway of NHL star Trevor Linden’s Vancouver residence is a beautiful homage to the West Coast. Here, a Riva 1920 Curve bench, made from a single block of cedar, sits beneath an Emily Carr painting. Peek inside the rest of this Evoke-designed home.

Base(ment) Instinct

Everything about this entryway is sleek and sophisticated, from the glass, concrete and steel elements to its location in this 7,000-square-foot home. Opening up into the basement, architect Cedric Burgers recognizes that it’s counterintuitive… “but it works so well,” he says. See more of this modern cliffside home.

Small Print

Entryways don’t have to be large in order to make a lasting first impression, as demonstrated by this space designed by Brianna Hughes and Shannon McClelland. The black-and-white geometric tile floor sets the stage for the restrained drama you see throughout the rest of this Edmonton home. Check out this black, bold and beautiful interior.

Colour Story

An entry is meant to set the tone for what lies beyond in a home—and that’s exactly what designer Stephanie Brown achieved here. The black, white and warm cognac palette you see here can also be found in the kitchen, living room and bedrooms. Tour this modern farmhouse.