The state of the entryway will reflect the health of the home. If the entrance is orderly, serene, and aesthetically pleasing, then it soothes the spirit and allows the free flow of positive energy. However, if papers and handbags are piled in an untidy clutter and coats are crumpled on a chair and the space is poorly lit, then entering the home becomes a dispiriting act and a feeling of unease will work its way deeper into the home.

Houses often have more than one entrance. The front foyer, where guests are greeted, may be decorated to impress. However, family and close friends may routinely enter and leave the home through a dark, untidy garage or utility room where they are surrounded by garbage pails, garden tools, laundry hampers, or paint cans. The daily arrivals and departures through this dreary space convey the unspoken message that the people we most care about are unworthy.

Whether the door to the home opens into a formal entry foyer, a utility room, a kitchen, or a living room, the area at the threshold plays an important role in determining what goes into the house. Think of the entrance as a passageway for worldly possessions and also for ideas. Designing this space is a logical time to evaluate priorities and assess the importance of material objects. Step back and watch the daily pattern and preferences of your household from a detached distance. Take time to reflect on the overall aesthetics of the home and the beliefs and needs of your family.