Entryways in raised ranch homes can be tricky, often featuring small landings and immediate stairs. However, with some imaginative and smart design choices, you can turn this area into a delightful and welcoming introduction to your home.

1. Install a Console 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.

A floating shelf is a great spot for keys and small decorative pieces. I put one up near my entry door, and now it’s the perfect place for a small vase of flowers.

Possibly handy products:

  • Modern Wood Display Shelf: Enhance your entryway with a rustic touch. Perfect for displaying keys and small decor items.
  • Wall Mounted Key Hanger: Keep your keys organized and easily accessible with this stylish wall-mounted hook rack.
  • Attractive Miniature Vase: Add a splash of color to your entryway with a decorative small vase for fresh flowers.

2. Create an Exposed Staircase

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

Open railings can make the staircase seem larger and less enclosed. When I swapped a solid railing for an open one, it made a huge difference in how the space looked.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Glass Panel Railing Systems: Enhance openness by installing glass railings, adding modern elegance to your staircase design.
  • Finished Wood Stair Surfaces: Update your staircase with sleek wooden treads for a contemporary and warm look.
  • Polished Steel Hand Rails: Install stainless steel handrails to combine durability with a sleek, modern aesthetic.

3. Create a Dual Color Tone

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.

Consider painting the lower half of the walls a different color to get a two-tone effect. I once used this idea with navy and white, which added depth and interest to the space.

Some ideas to consider:

  • Deep Blue Wall Paint: Transform your entryway with rich navy paint for a striking two-tone effect and added depth.
  • Crisp White Wall Paint: Use brilliant white paint to enhance brightness and achieve a fresh two-tone style in your space.
  • Precise Edge Painter’s Mask: Ensure crisp, clean lines between colors for your two-tone wall design with high-quality painter’s tape.

4. Allow Outside Lighting

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 in as much natural light as possible by using sheer curtains or blinds. When I replaced heavy drapes with lighter ones, the entryway felt brighter and more open.

A few relevant products:

  • Light Filtering Window Coverings: Brighten your entryway with sheer curtains that allow natural light to flood your space.
  • Bamboo Privacy Shades: Enhance light flow with stylish wood blinds that offer privacy without blocking sunlight.
  • See Through Roller Window Shades: Maximize natural light while adding a modern touch with translucent roller shades.

5. Include a Practical Bench

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

A bench that includes storage is ideal for both seating and keeping shoes or bags organized. I recently put one near the door in a project, and now guests love sitting there to take off their shoes.

Useful items to consider:

  • Wooden Storage Seat with Dividers: Make the most of your entryway space with a wooden storage bench that offers seating and a place to organize shoes.
  • Entryway Seating with Coat Rack: Enhance your entrance with a bench featuring coat hooks and storage for convenience and style.
  • Country Style Hall Tree with Storage: Create a cozy entry with a rustic hall tree providing ample storage and seating solutions.

6. Design a Photo Display

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.

A gallery wall has the power to turn a simple wall along the staircase into an artistic focal point. I’ve created a collection of family photos and artwork, making the space feel like our own.

A few suggestions:

  • Matching Photo Holder Set: Elevate your staircase with a cohesive look using stylish frames for your gallery wall.
  • Durable Hanging Hardware: Secure your frames firmly with an easy-to-use wall mounting kit for a lasting display.
  • Creative Art Prints: Incorporate beautiful art prints to enhance the diversity and elegance of your gallery wall.

7. Maximize Space

Opening up the entryway by removing walls can create a more spacious and inviting area.
Opening up the entryway by removing walls can create a more spacious and inviting area.

Think about taking down any walls that aren’t essential to the structure around the entryway to make the area feel more open and airy. Once, I removed the wall of a coat closet, which made a huge difference in how the space flowed and felt.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Demolition Tools: Use these tools to easily remove non-structural walls, making your entryway more open and improving the flow of space.
  • Visible Shelving Systems: Install open shelves to provide storage without making the entryway feel cramped, adding both elegance and functionality.
  • Indoor Greenery Pots: Effortlessly create a fresh and inviting entryway by adding stylish indoor planters.

8. Add Cozy Wood Tones

Warm wood elements like flooring and staircases add a cozy touch to the entryway.
Warm wood elements like flooring and staircases add a cozy touch to the entryway.

Incorporate warm wood elements through the flooring or staircase to bring a cozy feel to the space. I once used reclaimed wood for the stair treads in a project, which added a welcoming warmth to the entry.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Recycled Wood Stair Runners: Transform your staircase with these reclaimed wood treads, creating a warm and inviting entryway.
  • Warm Colored Wood Flooring: Transform your entry with warm wood flooring that adds elegance and coziness to any space.
  • Wood Entry Console: Add functionality and style with a wooden entryway table, perfect for decorative and practical use.

9. Improve Storage Options

Hooks and cubbies provide efficient storage solutions for a clutter-free entryway.
Hooks and cubbies provide efficient storage solutions for a clutter-free entryway.

Install hooks or cubbies to keep your entryway practical and neat. I always recommend wall hooks for keeping coats and bags off the floor, which beautifully streamlines the area.

May just do the trick:

  • Mounted Hook Collection: Install these wall hooks to keep coats and bags organized, maintaining a clean entryway effortlessly.
  • Entryway Storage Boxes: Enhance your entryway with cubbies to neatly store shoes and other essentials out of sight.
  • Woven Shelf Containers: Use storage baskets on shelves to neatly organize smaller items and declutter your entryway space.

10. Decorate with Mounted Art

Wall art or mirrors add personality and visual interest to the entryway.
Wall art or mirrors add personality and visual interest to the entryway.

Use artwork or a mirror to add character to your walls. In my own home, a large mirror not only gives the space character but also reflects light, making it feel bigger.

Try these:

  • Oversized Wall Mirror: Transform your space with a large mirror to reflect light and create an open feel.
  • Coordinated Wall Art Prints: Add elegance with a framed art set that complements your entryway’s style and colors.
  • Decorative Light Fixtures: Enhance your entryway with ornate wall sconces for added character and ambient lighting.

11. Add an Attractive Door

A decorative door with glass panels adds elegance and light to the entryway.
A decorative door with glass panels adds elegance and light to the entryway.

Upgrade your entryway with a door that includes glass panels or a beautiful design. In my own house, I chose a door with glass panes, which gave it a sophisticated look and let lots of sunlight in.

A few helpful options:

  • Wood Entry Door with Glass Inserts: Enhance the beauty of your entryway with a wooden front door that has elegant glass panels, allowing natural light to enter.
  • Ornamental Door Hardware Set: Upgrade your door with a stylish handle set, adding a touch of sophistication and charm.
  • Exterior Wall Mounted Lantern: Illuminate your entrance with a decorative wall lantern, enhancing aesthetics and security.

12. Place an Attractive Floor Covering

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

Select an area rug to define the entry space and bring in a splash of color or a pattern. For a client, I once picked out a geometric rug for their entry, and it instantly brightened up the area.

Give these a look:

  • Vibrant Geometric Floor Mat: Enhance your entryway with a vibrant geometric rug. Add color and personality to the space.
  • Contemporary Patterned Entry Carpet: Add a touch of modern style with a patterned rug, perfect for welcoming guests warmly.
  • Long Lasting Entry Floor Rug: Choose a durable rug that withstands high traffic while brightening your entryway decor.