Refresh Your Entryway for the Holidays

As the holiday season in Chicago approaches, the focus often shifts to decorating the main living areas. We all want to perfect the tree, the mantle, the dining table. Yet, the first space guests experience is your entryway. This small but significant area sets the tone for your entire home, offering the first glimpse of your style and the warm welcome that awaits inside. A well-appointed entryway can make guests feel instantly at ease and signal the care and attention you’ve invested in your home.

Your home is a reflection of your taste, and the entryway is the opening statement. Our Areté designers are here to offer practical, stylish ideas to refresh your entryway, ensuring it’s ready to welcome friends and family for the holidays.

We’re here to help you transform your entrance into a beautiful and functional space that elevates your holiday hosting.

Clear the Clutter and Deep Clean

Before introducing any new décor, you should start with a clean slate. Entryways often become a drop zone for mail, keys, shoes, and coats, creating a cluttered and chaotic space that detracts from your home’s aesthetic. Begin by decluttering. Sort mail, put away shoes and coats, and designate a specific spot for daily essentials (keys, wallet, etc.). A stylish tray or bowl on a console table can serve as a chic catch-all. If closet space is limited, consider a modern coat rack or wall-mounted hooks that complement your design style.

Once decluttered, thoroughly deep-clean the area. Dust all surfaces, clean mirrors and glass elements to a streak-free shine, and wash or dry-clean rugs and mats. Finish by cleaning the floors. A clean, organized entryway sets the stage for any décor updates and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Enhance Your Lighting

Lighting is crucial in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. An entryway that is too dark can feel dreary, while overly bright, harsh lighting can be jarring. The goal is to create a soft, layered glow that makes the space feel welcoming.

If your entryway has a primary overhead fixture, consider updating it to a piece that makes a statement. A modern chandelier or a sleek pendant light can serve as a stunning focal point. If replacing a fixture isn’t feasible, simply swapping the bulbs for ones with a warmer color temperature can make a significant difference.

Add secondary light sources to create depth. A stylish table lamp on your console provides ambient light and adds a decorative touch. For a modern, seamless glow, consider integrating LED strip lighting. Tucked under a console table or along the base of a wall, these strips provide a sophisticated, ambient light that can highlight architectural features or décor without adding clutter.

Add a Mirror

A mirror is a functional and aesthetic addition to any entryway. It provides a convenient spot for a final check before leaving the house and enhances the space’s overall look. Placing a mirror strategically can amplify natural light, making your entryway feel larger and more inviting. Choose a frame that complements your home’s style, whether it’s sleek and modern or a custom design. To ensure it’s practical for everyone, mount the mirror at a comfortable height for all household members. Paired with good lighting, a mirror can transform your entry into a stylish and functional space.

Ground Your Space

An anchor piece can transform your entryway, adding both style and function. Consider a console table, bench, shoe storage cabinet, or floating shelf to create a focal point and enhance utility.

A sleek console table provides a surface for décor, lighting, and essentials. Opt for clean lines and materials like dark wood or metal to match your home’s aesthetic. A stylish bench offers a practical spot to sit and remove shoes, and you can find options with built-in storage to keep things tidy.

For a more dedicated solution, a shoe storage cabinet keeps footwear organized and maintains a clutter-free entryway. For a seamless look, consider custom built-in cabinetry. This is an increasingly popular choice with our Downtown Chicago clientele as it maximizes storage while blending perfectly with the home’s design.

If you’re short on space, a floating shelf offers a minimalist surface for keys or small décor. These anchor pieces not only elevate the look of your entryway but also make it more functional for everyday use.

Update with Seasonal Décor

With a clean and organized entryway, you can now thoughtfully introduce seasonal décor without overwhelming the space. The goal is to enhance the area with tasteful, modern elements that complement your home’s aesthetic.

Start with the front door. Add a minimalist wreath made from fresh greenery such as eucalyptus, fir, or magnolia leaves for a natural, fragrant touch. For a contemporary vibe, opt for a sleek metal or grapevine wreath with subtle accents.

Inside, update your doormat for the season, choosing a holiday-themed design or a simple, welcoming message that ties into your décor theme. A high-quality runner can add warmth and texture—select a pattern or color that complements your holiday palette. On your console table, keep it simple and elegant with a vase of seasonal branches, a bowl of ornaments, or a few modern decorative pieces like nutcrackers.

Add a Personal Touch with DIY Projects

Incorporating a simple, handcrafted element can add a unique and personal touch to your entryway décor. These projects don’t need to be complex to be impactful. Create a custom garland to drape over a mirror or along a staircase. Start with a base of faux or fresh greenery and weave in your own accents, like dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, velvet ribbon, or small metallic ornaments. This allows you to perfectly match the garland to your color scheme.

Another simple idea is to create a festive arrangement in a large vase or urn. Gather tall branches from your yard and spray-paint them in a metallic gold, silver, or champagne color. Arrange them in a vase and hang a few select, high-quality ornaments from the branches. This creates a dramatic, modern alternative to a traditional floral arrangement.

By blending cleanliness, thoughtfully chosen décor, and personal DIY touches, your entryway will feel cohesive, inviting, and ready for the season without losing its functionality or aesthetic appeal.

Elevate Your Home for the Holidays with Areté

Refreshing your entryway is a simple yet effective way to prepare your home for the holiday season. By decluttering, cleaning, and thoughtfully adding seasonal décor, you create a warm and stylish welcome for your guests that sets the stage for the festivities within. These small transformations ensure that your home’s first impression is as impeccable as the rest of your living space.

If you’re envisioning a more significant transformation for your Chicago home, Areté provides seamless, high-end design-build solutions tailored to your unique style.

Let us help you turn your vision into a modern masterpiece. Call us at 773.683.3033 or contact us today to discuss your next project.