From Bland to Grand: Transforming Your Entryway in a Weekend

The first thing that people see when they enter your humble abode is your hallway and if you are like me, you want it to be something you walk into and immediately go, wow. Plus, it will just make you fill up with joy every time you step foot in your home, which is really what everyone wants. So you might wonder how you can transform your entryway without spending a fortune. As it’s not a main room, people tend to neglect this area, but there are so many things you can do that would completely transform the place itself.

Styling homes doesn’t come naturally to everyone so seeking out ideas and affordable hacks is the only way forward to make sure you are keeping the costs down while also being truly inspired. That’s where we come in. We’ve decided to put together our favorite affordable yet stylish entryway designs and accents. We hope you are left inspired and with a gorgeous hallway by the end of the weekend.

Art and Frames

A perfect way to add some character, charm, and colour to your hallway is to fill up the walls with framed pictures. Whether it’s a mixture of your family or simple art pieces you like. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on either frames or pictures, have a look at sites such as eBay, Etsy, and, of course, any little vintage shops for some stunningly cheap frames.

This is a perfect way to add some dimension but it is also an extremely quick process. If you don’t fancy putting holes in the wall or you are looking for renter-friendly options, there are double-sided tapes that are perfect for a short-term fix, plus they are guaranteed to not take any existing paint off your way, so your deposit is safe.

A Single Chair

Bring a bit of Portuguese styling into this hallway. Have you ever noticed that traditional Spanish and Portuguese homes love to have a selection of lonely chairs around the house? It’s not only extremely convenient for when you want to remove your shoes but it's also the perfect way to add a little bit of something different to your hallway. Why not place a luxury cushion on top as well to make it look more inviting for guests to cop a squat before removing their shoes?

Paint The Walls

If you want to brighten the place up, why not choose a cheery colour for your hallway? It will add some quirkiness to the entrance but colours are so good for the soul and mind. Adding a happy colour will make you and your guests feel happy as soon as they walk in.

Furniture Options

While we’ve already added a chair to the acquisition, why not add some extra storage, whether it’s a trunk for shoes, which keeps things looking tidy at the entrance but also adds some more structure to the hallway? It just makes you look like an extremely tidy and spatially aware person, which, in my eyes, is a lovely thing. Your furniture never needs to be expensive. A good tip would be to attend auctions, read car books, and scroll through marketplaces looking for affordable pieces that need a new home.

Rugs

Rugs bring a cosy feeling to every single room and your hallway will be no exception. If you’ve got a narrow hallway, try a runner; it’s an extremely tasteful and classic addition to any room. It encourages guests to take off their shoes at the door as well, which is always a bonus.

If you love the idea of being quirky, you could add a range of different rugs, and more recently, the idea of laying them could be a fun way to add some personality to your house.

Laminate Flooring

If the current floors are cutting it but you want to change them within a budget and over the weekend, then getting a couple of meters of laminate flooring might be the answer for you. They are not only easy to remove but they are rent-friendly so you don’t have to settle for terrible flooring. The world is your oyster when it comes to finding laminate flooring that suits your needs.

Plants Are Welcome

If you are lucky enough to have some space for some greenery, you should take full advantage of that. When in need of space, always consider those hanging baskets for plants.

Get crafty with it, find or buy some rope to your liking, and make your own basket. The ones you find in stores can come with a hefty price tag, but these baskets are incredibly affordable, quick, and easy to make by yourself. Refer to videos online and you will be shocked at how easy this would be.

The bigger the better when it comes to plants but go for those that attract good energy and symbolise good things for your hall. Plants don’t always have to be expensive; it’s all about being thrifty and learning how to nurture small ones so they last a lifetime.

Funky Lampshades

If you still have a handle light, then you should take full advantage of it and go for something that lights the hallways in a gorgeous, warm tone. This is not only inviting and flattering but it also has a stylish accent that is too good to miss out on.

If you are struggling to find something that suits the vibe, have a look at home sites, Pinterest and eBay. There are so many sources available to find the perfect lampshade that it won't be long until the little things all come together.

Pops of Colour

A pop of colour is just what some spaces need, whether it’s through pictures, a fancy frame on a mirror, or wallpaper. It can bring everything together and also doesn’t cost a lot of money to add little accessories to a room. 

Maximise Natural Light

Natural light is the key to a lot of welcoming and gorgeous homes. There is nothing worse for some people than entering a dark and dingy space. The entrance hall should be beaming with light. If you have to mimic that with artificial light, then that’s a good alternative while trying to keep costs down, but if you find any opportunity to bring the light inside, you should consider it.

Final Thoughts

Designing the perfect entrance hall first takes planning but you mustn’t forget to take our advice with a pinch of salt. Your house should always reflect your personality and aura. Whether you are into greenery or want to keep it minimal, there are many opportunities for you to reflect that in a short period of time and with a very cost-effective method.

For style and inspiration, refer to popular magazines, friends and family homes, celebrity homes, Pinterest, and Instagram. Here you can see what style rugs they have, what cushion covers brands they buy, and some colour combination tips. There are many ways you can add character to a small space so you shouldn’t ignore any room in the house. Utilising every inch of your space will make you feel so much happier compared to passing through blank halls with no character. If you want to make sure you get things right, try a mood board first, adding colours, textures, and potential accents you would like. This can give you an all-over image before you embark on this project.

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