To create a harmonious atmosphere in your home, it’s essential to maintain a consistent style in each room. This is especially true for the entryway, the first area that shapes visitors’ impressions. People use it for changing clothes and storing items, so its layout should consider these functions. Combining functionality with aesthetics in a limited space is challenging, but a modern-style hallway design can realize even the boldest ideas.
Characteristics of Modern Style
With the modern style, you can efficiently organize your entryway, compensating for its weaknesses and highlighting its strengths. It contrasts with classic styles that emphasize the decorative aspect of interiors, offering a more restrained and spacious look, thanks to smooth geometric lines, the solidity of structures, and a color palette that’s easy on the eyes.
Often, “contemporary” implies a blend of current trends unified in one concept. Some interior elements vary depending on the room’s nature, further showcasing the style’s versatility. But how do you achieve the desired outcome when the style’s boundaries are so blurred? First, consider the space’s unique features, aiming to set it up as rationally as possible. Second, design it adhering to core principles, such as:
– Minimalism. Incorporating details is based on practical use. So, some items with decorative features also serve a specific function.
– Appealing color scheme. The chosen colors are designed to enhance the room, foster a welcoming atmosphere, and express artistic flair.
– Area zoning. This principle applies even to small rooms, ensuring each section is well-planned. The placement of items follows the sequence of daily activities.
– Openness and coziness. People feel most comfortable in open spaces – this law also applies to living interiors. To achieve this effect, focus on color choices, lighting, and composition.
– Modern furniture. This refers to modular items with changeable configurations, as well as built-in items or transformable models.
Despite having clear guidelines, the modern style serves as an excellent “canvas” for design experiments and unique solutions.
How to Plan the Layout of an Entryway
The entryway refers to the entrance part of an apartment. It can also include a corridor and hall and may be separated from the living area by a partition or door. Some entryways are pass-through spaces, while others are set in an alcove.
Often, zoning is achieved not by visual techniques but by furniture sets, platforms, or drywall structures. This approach maintains the integrity of the rooms.
It’s essential to arrange items rationally, ensuring easy access. To achieve this, consider the sequence of actions in the hallway (like taking off and hanging up outerwear, removing shoes), its size, and geometry.
A common arrangement is as follows: bags are stored near the entrance, followed by a spot for changing shoes, then a wardrobe, and in the same area, a mirror. Adjustments can be made based on the size of the space, the number of residents, and if there are children who might need a separate small stool.
Colors for a Modern-style Entryway
Color choices can visually expand or define an entryway, create a light or deep look, serve as a subtle backdrop, or become a striking accent. To achieve any effect, select the appropriate color combination.
Neutral Palette
Such interiors rely on neutral combinations of white, gray, and sandy shades, which can be accentuated with black. Modern style isn’t afraid of seeming dull, but to avoid that outcome, it’s recommended to choose finishes with matte and glossy surfaces and interesting textures.
Neutral combinations are easy on the eyes and instantly make visitors feel welcome. With them, countless successful compositions can be created without the fear of any item in the hallway clashing with the design.
Contrasting Combinations
Entryways with bright details look diverse and stylish, and contemporary design is perfect for implementing bold choices. Saturated shades can either be integrated into a neutral color scheme or contrast with other memorable colors.
It’s advisable to use bright colors for furniture items, doors, or accessories. Meanwhile, wardrobe facades should preferably be closed to ensure clothes don’t “blend” with the main shades.
Natural Shades
Although the modern style often involves synthetic materials, the growing trend towards everything natural has influenced color trends too.
Natural shades usually arise from the presence of wood or natural stone in the interior. Pine, sandy, and blue combinations will look trendy and create a cozy atmosphere in the entryway.
Finishes and Materials
When choosing finishing materials, you always need to consider the unique conditions of the space. Firstly, dirt from outside enters here, and secondly, cold air seeps in. Therefore, the flooring should be easy to clean and remain unaffected by temperature fluctuations.
Floor
In a modern-style entryway, you can lay ceramic tiles, laminate, or hardwood. Materials like natural stone or wood are more expensive and wear out relatively quickly.
Mostly, it’s a smooth, monochromatic floor with a small rug near the entrance. This design suits a more minimalist look. You can diversify the design with tiles featuring geometric patterns, which are incredibly popular today. Hexagonal-shaped tiles resembling honeycombs look stylish.
Walls
Smooth walls painted in neutral, occasionally bright colors, look modern and restrained. A drawback of such a finish is that the base for painting should be perfectly smooth, without any irregularities or cracks.
To hide minor imperfections, you can opt for wallpaper, with vinyl types even suitable for non-living areas. Plastic panels, though offering a wide variety of designs, can consume precious inches of space.
Ceiling
Single-level stretch ceilings are considered the best solution for a modern entryway. They hide surface imperfections, utilities, and also allow for integrated lighting, ensuring even illumination. The structure is cleanable but can get damaged by slight mechanical impacts.
In homes with low walls, a plastered ceiling painted with matte paint may be more practical.
Furniture for the Entryway
A complete entryway set includes the following items:
– Wardrobe. A storage space for items, particularly outerwear. In modern interiors, you might find built-in or corner sliding-door wardrobes.
– Shoe rack. Usually, these are shelves or closed drawers where shoes are kept.
– Seating. Depending on the size of the entryway, this could be a small sofa, bench, chair, or stool.
– Hangers. They can be stationary or wall-mounted. Unlike wardrobes, they provide quick access to outerwear.
– Shelves and dressers. These are additional storage spaces for household items or essentials.
– Umbrella stand. This accessory is relatively rare in homes, but it’s very handy for drying and selecting umbrellas.
In modern interiors, with their focus on functionality, it’s common to use furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, a bench for changing shoes might also function as a storage box for footwear, and sliding-door wardrobes can have mirrored doors. Such solutions are relevant not just for small spaces.
Decor and Lighting
To make the entryway composition in a modern style visually more intricate, sometimes you just need to select accessories with an intriguing look. Mirrors in circular or diamond shapes, hooks with intricate details, woven umbrella baskets, vivid textile for rugs or upholstery – these are just a few elements where you can showcase creativity.
Additional decor includes wall paintings or photographs. They will showcase the homeowners’ artistic preferences to your visitors and create a positive image.
Don’t forget about plants, which can “revive” even the gloomiest interior. It’s best to stick with the above techniques, as an excessive number of details can clutter a small space.
The lighting should be even, providing higher intensity in areas with a mirror and bench. Recessed spotlights work well for this purpose, but if needed, wall sconces or floor lamps can also be used.
Small Entryway in a Modern Style
Owners of small entryways shouldn’t get discouraged – the modern style itself can adapt to layout specifics, and applying the following recommendations will only enhance the positive effect:
1. Opt for a light palette comprised of neutral shades. This applies not only to finishes, but if needed, you can introduce one bright accent in the form of furniture or another object.
2. The finish should be smooth and monochromatic.
3. If there’s an opportunity to fit furniture into an alcove, take advantage of it. This approach saves significant space while providing the entryway with the necessary functionality.
4. Sliding-door wardrobes are suitable only for rectangular spaces. In other cases, it’s better to go with a compact hanger.
5. Instead of a bench, prefer a stool or a box with a soft seat.
6. Mirrors will visually expand the entryway, as will glossy finishes.
There’s no such thing as flawed spaces in interior design, as any area can be enhanced with thoughtful decoration.
Modern Entryway Design – Photos
For an additional dose of vibrant photos, we recommend checking out our collection. We’ve gathered images of real modern entryway projects to demonstrate the diversity of design solutions. Enjoy browsing!
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