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🚪 Designer Entryway Secrets
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Kay Ellison profile picture
Kay Ellison
If there is one space that sets the tone for your entire home, it's the entryway. Over my years of designing spaces, I've realized that the secret to a breathtaking foyer isn't just about hiding clutter—it's about making functionality look incredibly...
Sections
5
 
The Designer-Secret Storage Cabinets
 
The Architect's Touch: Ambient Lighting
 
The Anchor: Textured Seating
 
The Spatial Illusion: Statement Mirrors
 
The Finishing Touches: Elevated Decor

The Designer-Secret Storage Cabinets

After designing dozens of entryways, I've learned that clutter is the ultimate aesthetic killer. I keep coming back to these specific shoe cabinets because they offer that seamless, custom-built look without the bespoke price tag. I've recommended th...

 
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The ultimate designer hack for a built-in look. Its slim profile hugs the wall while hiding dozens of pairs effortlessly.
BRUSALI Shoe cabinet with 3 compartments - white 24x11 3/4x51 1/8 "
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Kay Ellison profile picture
I use this when a client needs deeper storage. The sleek, handle-less design looks incredibly premium and architectural.
Ebern Designs 57" Carved Design 4-Door Sideboard Buffet With Storage, Modern Accent Kitchen Storage Cabinet For Living Room, Hallway, Dining Room & Reviews | Wayfair
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A perfect multi-tasker that combines closed storage with a clean, modern silhouette. Built beautifully for heavy daily traffic.
VASAGLE Rustic Style Storage Chest with Safety Hinges - Versatile Storage Solution for Entryway, Bedroom, and Living Room White
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When space is tight, this ultra-narrow cabinet is my go-to. It provides that tailored, organized aesthetic in even the smallest foyers.
HOOBRO 8-Tier Wooden Shoe Rack with Hooks
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The Architect's Touch: Ambient Lighting

Lighting is the single biggest secret interior designers use to elevate a space from basic to breathtaking. I never consider an entryway complete without ambient, under-cabinet, or backlit glows to create immediate, welcoming warmth. I've tested so m...

 
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My absolute favorite hack for under-cabinet lighting. They install in minutes but give the illusion of expensive, hardwired custom carpentry.
Govee Warm White 300 LEDs Strip Lights 16.4ft
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Kay Ellison profile picture
I constantly recommend these for inside shoe cabinets or deep cubbies. They add a thoughtful, high-end user experience to your daily routine.
Energizer 2pk LED Contemporary Night Lights: Plug-In Wall Nightlight, Electric, White, All Ages, No Assembly Required
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Kay Ellison profile picture
If you have the wall space, flanking your mirror with these sleek, architectural sconces provides flawless, gallery-quality illumination.
Wade Logan® Brynie Iron Metal LED Hardwired Semi Flush Mounted Sconce & Reviews | Wayfair
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The Anchor: Textured Seating

A welcoming entryway needs a place to pause, but finding a bench that is both durable and elegant is surprisingly difficult. Over the years, I've sourced hundreds of seating options, and these are the ones that consistently hold up to daily wear whil...

 
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I buy these to place atop wooden storage units to instantly soften the rigid lines. The linen texture screams quiet luxury.
SIMPLIHOME Milltown 27in Tweed Ottoman Bench
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Kay Ellison profile picture
The wood grain on this piece is stunningly authentic. It brings a necessary touch of warmth to balance out crisp white cabinetry.
Kelly Clarkson Home Beitnes Solid Wood Bench & Reviews | Wayfair
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Kay Ellison profile picture
Bouclé is a designer favorite right now for adding tactile interest. This piece handles high traffic beautifully without losing its shape.
Square Upholstered Foot Stool Pouffe 40x40x37cm
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For clients with kids or pets, this is my ultimate recommendation. It wipes clean instantly while maintaining a sophisticated, upscale vibe.
Wayfair.com - Online Home Store for Furniture, Decor, Outdoors & More
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The Spatial Illusion: Statement Mirrors

If there's one thing I insist on in every entryway project, it's a statement mirror to bounce light and visually double the space. I've learned the hard way that the scale and frame of a mirror can make or break the entire room's composition. These a...

 
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The soft corners of this mirror contrast perfectly with rigid cabinetry. It's my top pick for modern, airy foyers.
HOMLUX 26"x38" Wall Mount Rectangle Decorative Mirror Bathroom Entryway,Black
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Kay Ellison profile picture
This mirror does double duty by adding both reflection and a halo of modern light. It instantly makes an entryway look custom-designed.
Latitude Run® Beveled LED Backlit Bathroom Vanity Mirror & Reviews | Wayfair
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A true classic that never fails. The black profile adds just the right amount of contrast and grounding to a bright white space.
AAZZKANG Black Wood Framed Wall Mirror 20x16
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The Finishing Touches: Elevated Decor

The final 10% of any room design is what people actually notice, which is why I'm so particular about the finishing touches. I've curated this specific selection of vases and botanicals because they bring organic, sculptural energy to a functional sp...

 
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I love the wabi-sabi feel of this vase. It looks like an expensive artisan piece and grounds the entryway console beautifully.
Modern Textured Ceramic Bud Vase White - Threshold™
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Real branches can be messy, so I always use these hyper-realistic faux stems. They add dramatic height and an organic shape to the space.
Ammyoo 4Pcs White Cherry Blossom Branches
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To tie the whole color palette together, I use art like this. The neutral, minimalist shapes provide visual interest without overwhelming the eye.
Latitude Run® Brushstroke Abstract Painting - Cubism Framed Canvas Print, Abstract Wall Art | Wayfair
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