Beware! These Regrettable Entryway Decor Choices Make Your Space Feel Cramped

🚪 Don't Let Your Entryway Become A Squeeze Zone! Having a dedicated entryway, or 'Genkan' as some might call it, is great for storage and a clean transition into the home. But oh boy, get it wrong and you'll feel like you're entering a sardine can! Here's what NOT to do:

1️⃣ Narrow Passageways = Instant Traffic Jams: If your entryway is as jam-packed as rush hour traffic, you've got a problem. Ideally, it should serve as a smooth transition space. But a cramped entryway, especially in homes where it directly connects to the living or dining room, can feel like a real squeeze. Smart designers use polygonal floor plans to balance the entry space without gobbling up precious walking paths.

👀 Check out these clever designs by Zhi Cheng Space Production-Beright Design and March Wood Architecture & Interior Design that maintain a spacious feel without compromising functionality.

2️⃣ Thick Cabinets Are A Big No-No: While it's tempting to fill every inch of your entryway with storage, too much can be, well, too much. Remember, you'll need at least 80-90 cm of free space for comfortable movement. Some savvy designers strategically position cabinets or opt for a mix of deep and shallow units, keeping the area open and clutter-free.

🧐 Take a peek at Yan Ju Interior Design's smart use of deep and shallow cabinets. It’s like finding the perfect pair of shoes – looks great and fits just right!

3️⃣ Shoe Benches & Full Cabinets Can Cramp Your Style: Those built-in shoe benches might seem like a good idea, but they can actually eat up a lot of space. If your entryway is more on the petite side, consider ditching the bench for more breathing room. And full-height cabinets? They can make your space feel more claustrophobic than cozy. Floating cabinets or two-tiered open storage can be a game-changer, giving you that airy feel.

👁️‍🗨️ Orange Residence Space Design's two-tiered open cabinet is a perfect example of how to keep things light and airy.

4️⃣ Low Ceilings? More Like No, Ceilings! If your entryway feels like a hobbit's home (read: too low), you're not alone. While dropping the ceiling can create a dramatic entrance in larger homes, in a cozy 25-ping abode, it might just make you feel boxed in. Instead, aim high! Increasing ceiling height or adding decorative grates can give the illusion of more space.

🔍 For inspiration, check out Zhu Le Ju's design that gives the entryway a much-needed vertical boost.

So, folks, remember: the entryway is your home's first impression. Make it count, but keep it comfy! 🏡💡