Yesterday I kicked off our Summer School with an introduction to how I approach styling every space in my home. If you missed that post, be sure to go back and get the foundations so you are ready to tackle one of the most important — yet often neglected — areas of the home.

This week, I’m talking all things front of the house. That can mean a front porch or stoop, it can mean a mudroom or entryway, and it often includes a powder room. These are spaces that make a first impression — on both others and you!

Chris Loves Julia | Modern Colonial Home Entryway
Shop The Entry

A lot of times I see people put more effort into styling an entryway during the holidays. However, it’s worthwhile to consider how they set the mood for your home every day of the year. Does your door open to a table of mail and clutter? Is your front porch mat looking ragged? Discipline your eye to see the space like you’re seeing it for the first time, and you may notice some things that need to be removed to get the more aesthetically pleasing look you want when you come home.

So what home decor tips do I have for styling an entryway? Using our new STYLING acronym, I’ve listed out each entry category below with some ideas of the things I would add to make your space feel more complete:

How to Style an Entry or Mudroom

Chris Loves Julia | Modern Colonial Home StairwellChris Loves Julia | Modern Colonial Home Stairwell

Vase (similar) | Faux Sage Leaf Branch | Bistro Table | Marble Plate (similar) | Small Framed Artwork | Two-Tier Chandelier

Chris Loves Julia | Modern Colonial Home Entryway OverheadChris Loves Julia | Modern Colonial Home Entryway Overhead

Two-Tier Chandelier | CLJ x Loloi Bradley Rug | Velvet Bench | Ceramic Vase (similar) | Faux Leaf Branch | Sconce

  • Shiny: candlesticks, mirror, gilded frame, coat rack
  • Texture: area rug, bench with pillow or two, lampshade, coffee table book
  • You: art, tabletop frames
  • Lighting: lamp, lantern, sconces
  • Inviting: rugs, diffuser, flowers
  • Necessary: catchall tray, hooks, closed shoe organizer, lockers (mudroom)
  • Greenery: a large vase of stems or a faux tree

How to Style a Front Porch or Stoop

Chris Loves Julia | Modern Colonial Home Front StoopChris Loves Julia | Modern Colonial Home Front Stoop

Urn Planters | Boxwood Topiaries | Monogrammed Door Mat

  • Shiny: door knocker, kick plate, house numbers, hardware
  • Texture: entry mat, planters, wreath ribbons, outdoor rug under a doormat for additional pattern
  • You: monogrammed welcome mat, vintage door knocker
  • Lighting: flush-mount lanterns, chandelier
  • Inviting: seating (if you have space)
  • Necessary: doorbell and/or door knocker
  • Greenery: topiaries, wreath

How to Style a Powder Room

Chris Loves Julia | Modern Colonial Home Powder BathChris Loves Julia | Modern Colonial Home Powder Bath

Shop The Powder Bath

  • Shiny: mirror, sconces, little silver vase or tray, knobs
  • Texture: hand towel, soap vessels
  • You: art, travel souvenir
  • Lighting: candle, sconce, dimmer switch
  • Inviting: diffuser, luxurious hand soap and lotion
  • Necessary: vanity, wastebasket, apothecary jars
  • Greenery: bud vase with one stem

We all have different front porches, entries, and powder rooms, but I hope I’ve inspired you to consider this formula no matter what kind of entry space you’re working with. You might say, “Well I have a dresser in my entry, so how do I style that?” Don’t feel discouraged! If something doesn’t work for you in this list, then feel free to seek out your own inspiration. In fact, I’ll share a variety of these spaces that are inspiring me on Friday, so stay tuned!

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