Making an impression
INTERIORS
The lobby is an important area of your home, and it helps to design an entrance that makes a mark, writes Navita Singh
The lobby is the area from where your guests get their first impression of your home. So, make sure to put your best foot forward in designing an entrance that makes an impression.
Function
The most important function of an entrance lobby is that it provides access to the other parts of the house. It should be able to allow convenient and comfortable circulation. It serves as a transition space between the exteriors and the interiors of the house.
It can be used as a small waiting area with a couple of chairs or a sofa. It can also include a corner for a telephone with space for writing messages and keeping directories along with some seating in the form of a chair or a stool. A space for keys and mail is extremely useful. Many prefer to have a shoe-rack in this area. In Western homes, space is marked for hanging overcoats and umbrellas. Staircases are mostly located in the entrance hallway. According to Vastu, an east-facing entrance is the most desirable.
Main door
Before one enters the home one notices the main entrance. The entrance door should be both elegant and strong. Elements such as the name plate, letterbox, the lighting fixture and the plants near the door can enhance the appeal of the area near the entrance or the door. The entrance door can be a wooden panelled door or a glass one, or a combination of both.
A glass door looks beautiful but security can be a cause of concern. A long narrow window next to the door can be useful to see who is at the door. Otherwise, a magic eye is a must have. Other options of enhancing security like a door phone, video camera or burglar alarm could also be considered. The door lock should be a strong and secure one.
Aesthetics
The size, shape and function of the entrance plays a major role in deciding on the aesthetics of the rest of the house. Warm colours and soft textures create a bright and inviting entrance. Metallic colours and smooth glossy finishes result in a more contemporary feel.
Fixing glass on the walls of a narrow lobby can visually expand the space. It is important to ensure that the mirror reflects something pleasant. A console, sculpture or a painting could form the focal point of this space. One wall in a contrasting colour or interesting texture could also become the highlight. The staircase can be used as an eye-catching design element. Cantilevered or helical staircases look quite dramatic.
If the entrance is a spacious one, a water-feature could also be added to enhance the charm of the interior. Indoor plants can be used to create a relaxed natural environment. Fresh flowers in beautiful vases can add a really pleasant touch to the interiors.
Flooring material
Durable and easy-to-maintain material should be used for the flooring, because the entrance hall is a heavy-traffic area. Stone flooring is best suited for this purpose. Other options for flooring could be tiles or wooden flooring.
Rugs and carpets should be avoided as they are a hindrance to easy movement. But do invest in a large door mat that will ensure that your home gets the least amount of dirt from outside. Wall finishes with sheen and gloss are apt as they reflect a lot of light and will result in brighter interiors. There are a lot of choices available in paints and wall papers that look nice and require little maintenance. Stone tiles can also be used to introduce interesting textures.
Lighting
Proper lighting is extremely important. A good amount of natural lighting entering the lobby will make it more bright and cheerful. Avoid the use of heavy curtains on the doors and windows. If privacy is a concern, then blinds, patterned glass or stained glass can be used. A good amount of general lighting is required in this space for proper visibility. A proper selection of lighting fixtures can make a big difference to the interiors. Spot lights can be used to highlight objects like paintings and sculptures.
Furniture and accessories
If space is a constraint, then it is advisable to use minimal amount of furniture in this space. The furniture and its placement should be such that it allows comfortable movement. A couple of chairs with a side-table could be placed for guests till they are ushered into the living-room. A console or a side-board could be useful in providing a surface for display. At the same time, it could act as a space to place your telephone. In case a shoe-rack is being placed in the lobby, then seating is required near it for wear or remove your shoes comfortably.
There are many options available for accessories that can be used to decorate this important space. The selection will reflect your personality and taste. If you love art, then paintings may be your first choice. Sculptures and murals could also add a lot of drama. If you have a unique collection, then this could be the best place to showcase it.
Some people prefer to put up pictures of family and friends. Attractive vases, pots, bowls, plaques or masks could also adorn this area. Mirrors in different shapes and styles can create interesting spatial illusions.
Some apartments or homes may not have an entrance lobby or hallway.
One enters directly into the living-room. In case you feel the need for a buffer space between the entrance and the living area, you could simply put up an exciting partition. Glass blocks or stained glass partitions can make the interiors really interesting.
It is not very difficult to create an entrance lobby that is both beautiful and functional. A careful selection of the materials, lighting fixtures, furniture, and accessories combined with appealing aesthetics will surely result in an impressive entrance lobby that enhances the personality of your home.
