biophilic design room-by-room: the entryway
in biophilic room-by-room
“There’s no second chance of making a first impression”. In interior design, this translates into the importance of curating the entryway. Not as a space to impress guests though… In a biophilic design – where interiors are conceived to support wellbeing – the entryway becomes a soothing space that greets you when you come back home, that separates your home from the outside world, a space that whispers “welcome back”.
So let’s get inspired with some biophilic design tips for the entryway!
the importance of the entryway
With open spaces being the most common layout in modern interiors, many homes do not have a defined entryway anymore. However, I believe it’s always important to set up a space – no matter how small – that acts as a entryway.
From a functional point of view, the entryway provides a place to drop all what you’re carrying when you come home: coats, shoes, mail, keys, groceries… From a wellbeing perspective, it sets the transition between the outside world and your home. And if the first thing you see is a nurturing and inspiring space, you’ll be immediately put in a better mood!
the essence of a biophilic entryway
The goal of biophilic design in an entryway is turning the first space of an interior into an inviting introduction to being at home. Which highlights how biophilic design goes well beyond aesthetics, addressing the importance of interiors on how we feel.
In practice, the entryway should be somehow separated from the rest of the home. It could even be seen as a sort of refuge area. Not one that’s aimed at spending long time in, but rather in the sense of a space that sets a transition from the rest of the world.
With this in mind, the key to creating a biophilic entryway is bringing together several elements, from wellbeing-centered lighting, to the incorporation of greenery and other natural elements recalling the seasonal flow.
For an overview of all biophilic design principles, check out my Biophilic Design Guide.
an immersive experience
One of the products of a wellbeing-centered interior is a rich experience of the space, one that involves all senses. For example, natural textures, shapes and materials are not by chance one of the main features of biophilic design! They add visual & tactile richness to the interior and can also strengthen its local identity. Sounds and smells also become relevant design elements to create that welcoming feeling in an entryway. As a note, the fact that entryways are often small spaces can be an advantage, justifying bolder design choices!
Creating visual connection with nature – another biophilic design staple – can also translate into the design of an entryway. Having a window in the entryway is certainly not something every home allows for (and it gets especially complex in apartments). But still, it’s a good point to keep in mind.
thoughtful organization
From a functional point of view, the entryway should provide easy solutions to store coats, keys, mail etc. Defining a specific space for everything is what is going to keep the space tidy over time, preventing it from becoming a messy dropping zone.
Speaking of mess…clutter is another important point to take into account. Being a small space, an entryway can easily look full of stuff. And clutter is hands-down one of the most uninviting things in a space! To keep clutter at bay while retaining the practical side of the space, closed storage is the way to go. As a rule of thumb, I’d say the smaller the entryway the more closed storage becomes important…but some sort of open storage can become a design feature!
To summarize, the entryway is the first space of any home. And if home is a personal sanctuary to feel good and recharge, then the entryway should go in the same direction, setting the tone for a wellbeing-centered experience at home.
For more inspiration, you can check out my [room-by-room biophilic design boards on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.ch/anooi studioStyle/). And if you’d like to take action in your own home, feel free to check out my design services!
