When a guest walks through your front door, what's the first thing they see? If it's a pile of shoes, a stack of junk mail and a collection of coats, your house might be saying "stay away" instead of "welcome." Design expert Nate Berkus says your entryway is the first impression a visitor gets of your home, so take a few minutes to make it a good one.
In the above video, Berkus shares five tips for creating a stylish foyer, starting with the obvious. "Make sure it's clean," he says.
After that, it's all about the details. Piles of bills and magazines look disorganized and cluttered, so Berkus suggests using a beautiful tray as a catch-all. "You can find these at yard sales or flea markets," he says. "It's a great detail."
Instead of tossing small items like keys, cell phones and loose change onto the nearest surface, Berkus uses little decorative boxes to house those odds and ends. "All of that stuff can be tucked away beautifully," he says.
And every proper entryway needs one thing. "Always have a mirror," Berkus says. "People want to know what they look like before they come into your house, and you should know what you look like when you're leaving."
Once your foyer is clean and functional, the final step is to add some style. "If you want to do something really beautiful, this is a great place for wallpaper," Berkus advises. "It's not a huge space, so you can pick a great wall covering and it won't cost you a lot of money."
More quick design tips: How to turn an awkward, empty space into a cozy retreat.
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