Ranch-style entryway designs can be tricky due to their typically compact landing areas and immediate stairways. However, don’t worry! A dash of imagination and some smart design strategies can revamp this area into a delightful and welcoming introduction to your home.

1. Incorporate Natural Light

Sheer curtains maximize natural light, making the entryway feel bright and open.
Sheer curtains maximize natural light, making the entryway feel bright and open.

Let as much natural light in as possible by using sheer curtains or blinds. I took down some heavy drapes at my place, and it made the entryway feel much brighter and more open.

Consider these options:

  • Light Filtering Curtain: Brighten your entryway with sheer curtains that allow natural light to flood your space.
  • Adjustable Timber Shutter: Enhance light while keeping privacy with stylish wood blinds that don’t block sunlight.
  • Semi-Opaque Window Covering: Maximize natural light while adding a modern touch with translucent roller shades.

2. Create a Two-Tone Effect

A two-tone wall effect adds depth and visual interest to the entryway.
A two-tone wall effect adds depth and visual interest to the entryway.

Paint the bottom half of the walls a different color to get a cool two-tone effect. I tried this out once with navy and white, and it really gave the space some depth and visual interest.

Try these:

  • Dark Blue Interior Emulsion: Refresh your entryway with rich navy paint for a striking two-tone effect, adding depth.
  • Bright White Interior Emulsion: Use brilliant white paint to enhance brightness and achieve a fresh two-tone style.
  • Edge Securing Tape: Use high-quality painter’s tape for sharp, clean lines between colors in your two-tone wall design.

3. Design an Open Staircase

Open railings improve the visual space of the entryway staircase.
Open railings improve the visual space of the entryway staircase.

Open railings can give the staircase a more open and less cramped appearance. I swapped out a solid railing for an open one, and it made a huge difference in how the space looked.

Give these a look:

  • Glass Panel Railing Systems: Enhance openness by installing glass railings, adding modern elegance to your staircase.
  • Polished Wood Stair Risers: Refresh your staircase with sleek wood treads for a contemporary and warm feel.
  • Brushed Metal Handrails: Install stainless steel handrails that combine lasting quality with a sleek, modern look.

4. Add a Practical Bench

A functional storage bench offers both seating and organizational benefits.
A functional storage bench offers both seating and organizational benefits.

A bench that has storage is great for sitting down and stashing shoes or bags. I put one by the door in a recent project, and now guests love using it to take off their shoes.

Some ideas to consider:

  • Wooden Storage Bench with Storage: Maximize space in your entryway with a wooden storage bench that offers seating and shoe storage.
  • Entry Seating with Coat Hooks: Upgrade your entrance with a bench that includes coat hooks and storage for added convenience and flair.
  • Farmhouse Style Storage Tree: Create an inviting entry with a farmhouse-style hall tree that provides ample storage and seating.

5. Decorate with Wall Art

Wall art or mirrors add character and visual appeal to the entryway.
Wall art or mirrors add character and visual appeal to the entryway.

Hang up some artwork or a mirror to give the walls some character. I have a huge mirror in my home that not only adds style but also bounces light around, making the area feel bigger.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Large Decorative Wall Mirror: Transform your space with a large mirror that reflects light and creates an airy feel.
  • Coordinated Wall Art Set: Add elegance with a framed art set that matches your entryway’s style and color scheme.
  • Fancy Wall Accent Lighting: Enhance your entryway with ornate wall sconces for extra character and soft lighting.

6. Optimize Storage

Hooks and cubbies provide efficient storage, keeping the entryway clutter-free.
Hooks and cubbies provide efficient storage, keeping the entryway clutter-free.

Put up some hooks or cubbies to keep your entryway neat and tidy. I always recommend wall hooks for getting coats and bags off the ground, which really streamlines the space.

A few helpful options:

  • Wall-Mounted Hooks Collection: Install these hooks to keep coats and bags organized, maintaining a clean entryway effortlessly.
  • Entryway Organizer Cubbies: Upgrade your entryway with cubbies to neatly store shoes and other essentials out of sight.
  • Shelf Storage Basket: Use storage baskets on shelves to neatly organize smaller items and declutter your entryway.

7. Maximize Openness

Removing walls to open up the entryway can make it feel more expansive and inviting.
Removing walls to open up the entryway can make it feel more expansive and inviting.

Think about getting rid of any non-load-bearing walls near the entryway to make the area feel more open and spacious. I once took down a closet wall near an entry, and it made a huge difference in how the space flowed and felt.

You might give these a try:

  • Wall Demolition Kits: Simplify the removal of non-structural walls, enhancing your entryway’s spaciousness and flow.
  • Exposed Display Shelves: Install open shelves for storage without overwhelming the entryway, blending beauty and practicality.
  • Indoor Greenery Displays: Effortlessly introduce a refreshing and welcoming atmosphere with stylish indoor planters.

8. Install an Elegant Door

A stylish door with glass panels brightens the entryway and adds a touch of class.
A stylish door with glass panels brightens the entryway and adds a touch of class.

Elevate your entryway by installing a door that features glass panels or some kind of fancy design. I went with a door that had glass panels in my own place, and it gave the space an elegant vibe while letting in a ton of sunlight.

A few suggestions:

  • Glass-Panel Entrance Door: Enhance your entryway with a wooden front door adorned with stunning glass panels, allowing natural light to pour in.
  • Ornate Door Hardware Kit: Elevate your door’s appearance with an elegant handle set, adding a touch of sophistication and charm.
  • Exterior Wall Sconce Lantern: Illuminate your entrance with a decorative wall lantern, improving both aesthetics and security.

9. Create a Gallery Wall

A gallery wall adds a personal and artistic touch to the staircase entryway.
A gallery wall adds a personal and artistic touch to the staircase entryway.

Turning a plain staircase wall into an art display with a gallery wall can really change the feel of the space. I put together a collection of family pictures and art pieces, which made the area feel more personal.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Coordinated Picture Frames: Create a cohesive gallery wall using frames that bring a stylish and uniform look to your staircase.
  • Picture Hanging System: Hang your frames securely using an easy-to-use wall mounting kit for a lasting display.
  • Selected Artwork Pieces: Enhance the diversity and elegance of your gallery wall with beautiful art prints.

10. Incorporate Warm Wood

Using warm wood for flooring and staircases adds a cozy feel to the entryway.
Using warm wood for flooring and staircases adds a cozy feel to the entryway.

Use warm wood elements in the flooring or staircase to make the area feel cozier. In one of my projects, I used salvaged wood for the steps, which really warmed up the entryway.

Possibly handy products:

  • Reclaimed Wood Stair Caps: Upgrade your staircase with reclaimed wood caps to create a warm and inviting entryway.
  • Cozy Wood Flooring Strips: Revamp your entry with warm wood flooring that brings coziness and elegance to any space.
  • Wooden Entry Console: Enhance both style and function with a wooden entryway table, ideal for decorative and practical purposes.

11. Place a Stylish Rug

An area rug brings style and comfort to the entryway.
An area rug brings style and comfort to the entryway.

Pick out an area rug to set off the entryway and inject some color or pattern. I once picked out a geometric rug for someone’s entry, and it immediately made the space more cheerful.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Colorful Geometric Floor Covering: Brighten your entryway with a geometric rug. Infuse color and character into your space.
  • Modern Design Entry Mat: Introduce modern style with a patterned rug, creating a warm welcome for your guests.
  • Hardwearing Indoor Area Rug: Opt for a durable rug that can handle heavy foot traffic while enhancing your entryway decor.

12. Install a Floating Shelf

A floating shelf provides a functional and stylish spot for small items.
A floating shelf provides a functional and stylish spot for small items.

You can use a floating shelf as a place to drop your keys and display little decorative items. I put one up by my front door, and it’s perfect for holding a small vase of flowers.

A few relevant products:

  • Rustic Floating Wood Display: Add a rustic touch to your entryway. Perfect for displaying keys and small decorative items.
  • Wall-Mounted Key Hanger: Keep your keys organized and accessible with this stylish wall-mounted hook rack.
  • Decorative Flower Holder: Add a splash of color to your entryway with a decorative small vase for fresh flowers.