10 Clever Ways to Decorate Your Tiny Entryway

Whether a condominium or a house, a home’s entrance sets the tone for the rest of the space. Is a sober vibe more you, or maybe you prefer a playful sense of arrival? You can get the look down — even in the smallest space. Here’s how to decorate your tiny entryway in style.

Chasing Paper

1 / 10

Choose Punchy Wallpaper

Create pizazz in a foyer by going all out – cover a wall in an eye-catching print. Chasing Paper has partnered with Nigerian-American artist and designer Shadé Akandbi on a smashing new wallpaper line (seen here is the joyful Petit Twigs). A bench, a plant and pillows and some hooks and your home is looking fabulous!

Tracey Ayton

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Add a Cabinet

It’s all about that base: The base cabinet, that is. Stay tidy in a small hallway with a cabinet, then build a tableau above it. Follow the designer’s rule of three, like Janet Scagel did in this bright B.C. condo. Here, a eucalyptus with its spring-y leaves, an infinity sculpture on stacked books and a mirror are a harmonious arrangement.

Entranceway to Parisian-inspired home with Thonet chair and gold-framed painting

Lauren Miller

3 / 10

Go Minimalistic

In this sparse Parisian-inspired entranceway, a console is conspicuously absent. Who needs it when you have well-curated commanding pieces? The Thonet chair, a classical painting and a capiz light fixture lend an uncluttered aesthetic. Tres chic!

Jules Lee

4 / 10

Think Linear

Messy shoes that clog up the front entrance is a problem with a home that lacks a proper vestibule. Follow design firm LC & Kel’s lead by mounting your storage. This sleek set-up came together with two IKEA shoe cabinets, contemporary hooks and accessories. A durable jute rug is a smart, final touch.

Thalita Murray

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Choose Mounted Storage

Thalita Murray, the designer behind The Learner Observer, says it was essential to put this high-traffic area in order. “We kept it as open as possible and switch out seasonal shoes and accessories in the baskets,” says Thalita. The shipshape foyer has various hooks, mounted storage, a bench for putting on shoes and glam gold lighting. We also love the paint treatment and sputnik plant holder!

Pink-painted door with flowery rug in foyer

Lauren Miller

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Paint the Door

This bright entranceway makes for a friendly arrival — and a strong case for painting the inside of a front door pink. Designer Sabrina Albanese created the must-see joyful condo, where the bubblegum-like pegs on the Eames Hang-it-All racks and the colourful flowery runner leave us smitten.

California Closets

7 / 10

Opt for Creative Storage

The Margarido Staircase system from California Closets is a cool and tidy idea for a small foyer. The innovative design integrates the cubbies optimizing unused space. We just love it!

Elegant white and blue vignette in foyer

Citrine Living

8 / 10

Stay Symmetrical

In this elegant vignette, designer Tamara Anka of Citrine Living harnesses the power of symmetry, and sticks with a cohesive colour palette to delight the eyes. The pale blue grasscloth ties in with the porcelain vases. Magnolia foliage lends contrast and plays beautifully against the mirror.

Pegs and a standing mirror in a hallway with a sisal runner

Susie Lawrence

9 / 10

Affix Stylish Pegs

This charming foyer by designer Susie Lawrence unites seemingly disparate items: a Victorian curlicue mirror and oversized pegs. The result? A lovely, eclectic welcome home, not to mention a spot to hang up outdoor essentials.

A soft white neutral foyer with a patterned tile floor

The Blossom Abode

10 / 10

Tile the Floor

If your home is mostly white, consider tiling the foyer floor in a riotous pattern. Keely Durham of The Blossom Abode did just that, tempering the look with neutral items. A shoe cabinet from IKEA, an arched mirror and a shapely vase. Don’t forget the incense sticks to set the mood.