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Designing your house’s hallway and front door setup? Your entrance is more than just a doorway; it’s the first impression that you, your guests and even passersby will have of your home. Plus, it marks a key transition between the outside world and your personal space. A well-designed hallway and entrance balances aesthetics and function, providing a welcoming atmosphere while addressing practical needs like storage, lighting and privacy.
“Ultimately, the right approach depends on the context of your home and the experience you want to create,” says Jim Cattle, architect and associate director at Snell David Architects. “Whether it’s a grand glass entryway or subtle detailing, well-placed design choices can make all the difference.”
Investing time in the early planning stages, seeking expert advice and considering long-term usability will help you strike the ideal balance between practicality and style. Here, I’m guiding you through the core considerations for creating your ideal front door and hallway design, plus how to make a lasting impression.
Achieving a high-quality entrance design begins with careful planning. Whether you’re after a grand hallway or a compact entryway, considering sightlines, storage and layout from the outset will ensure a space that feels both cohesive and functional. “Planning should start as early as possible – when the building is being designed,” says Elizabeth Assaf, co-founder and designer at Urban Front. “A lot of our clients come to us about the front door once the plans are finished and, by then, it’s often too late to increase the size of the opening or make any significant structural changes required to accommodate the design they’re after.”
Designed by Mylius Architects, the sleek timber staircase is the focal point of this contemporary home. North-facing glazing extends all the way up to the pitched roof, flooding the hallway with natural light. A blackened steel stringer and polished concrete floor contrast beautifully with the warm, solid oak stair treads and painted brickwork. Externally, an overhang provides protection from the elements. Photo: Richard Chivers
A well-thought-out setup can help to guide the eye and create a sense of flow. “If possible, plan in a long view from the hallway – this could be through to the principal room of the house or perhaps even to the garden beyond,” says Nicky Mylius, architect at Mylius Architects. “This helps to create a sense of space and provides visual cues to the sequences of your rooms.”
A good house layout and hallway design will enable you to take advantage of the best sightlines, while early planning will ensure your space includes all of the necessary practical features, too. “Start with the size of the room and what needs to go in it,” says Elizabeth. “If storage is essential, plan that first, followed by the staircase placement, door locations and lighting setup.”
For small hallways, mirrors and glazing can enhance the feeling of space. Clever storage solutions, like built-in cabinetry, multi-functional furniture and discreet coat nooks, can prevent clutter while maintaining the look you want. “Storage solutions should be integrated seamlessly, balancing practicality with aesthetics,” says Jim.
Selecting the right front door style and hallway design finishes plays a vital role in setting the tone for your home. Factors such as size, proportion and materials should align with both your property’s architecture and practical needs.
“The size of your door is usually governed by the shape and layout of your home’s facade,” says Edward Stobart, technical sales manager at IDSystems. “It’s always worth seeking planning advice from your local authority on what will be possible externally, especially in conservation areas.”
This beautiful, bespoke Tavole front door by Deuren – pictured in a rich honey oak – features an irregular linear pattern that makes a striking statement. Glazed panels on either side flood the hallway with sunshine
Whether you’re self building or renovating, a striking front door can serve as an impactful focal point – but it should always align with your home’s overall aesthetic. “It is possible to put contemporary doors on traditional buildings, but the style should be complementary rather than distracting,” says Elizabeth. “A stark design with too much stainless steel, for instance, might feel out of place.”
Internally, durable materials like engineered timber, terrazzo, or stone are great solutions for withstanding high foot traffic while creating a timeless, polished finish. “Often, hallways can feel rather cold or echoey, so it’s worth thinking about softer textures and additional features that will absorb sound and visually cushion the space,” says Nicky.
This clever hallway setup features a striking entrance door from Urban Front, paired with a hot pink accent wall to contrast beautifully with the warm timber panels. Discreet storage is hidden within the walls, plus a handy inset bench provides daily functionality. Photo: Julia Toms
For homes with planning restrictions, certain materials and styles may be required to maintain neighbourhood uniformity. However, subtle contemporary touches, like modern lighting, clever use of traditional materials or a refined colour palette, can introduce character while meeting regulations.
“To create a cohesive look, the entrance should harmonise with the overall architectural language of your surroundings and the rest of your home,” says Jim. “This doesn’t mean strict uniformity. It can be a bold feature, but materials, detailing and scale should feel intentional and complementary rather than jarring.”
How to choose a front door design
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Natural light can transform a hallway space, making it feel bright, warm and inviting. Modern house design has embraced glazing, with larger entrance halls and double-height ceilings becoming increasingly popular. “If you have the space, adding fixed-frame sidelight windows around your main door helps draw natural light into the room,” says Edward. “Alternatively, you could opt for a fully glazed front door.”
This barn conversion in Buckinghamshire features IDSystems’ aluminium Hoveton front door in gun metal grey textured DB703, installed within a triple-height glass curtain walling frame to fill the core of the home with light
Balancing light with privacy is vital. Obscured or privacy glass, sandblasted glazing, or ridged sidelights allow light to flow through your space, while maintaining discretion. A fully-glazed entrance, such as a glass gable, creates a striking, light-filled experience, but it may require additional shading and privacy solutions, depending on your location and preferences.
“Timber or metal slats allow light to filter through while offering clear views out from the inside and limiting visibility from the street,” says Jim. “Frosted or reeded glass and high-level openings are also great solutions for maintaining privacy without sacrificing daylight.” In smaller homes or modest entryways, slim windows above your front door or to one side can be equally as effective for framing a view, allowing access to sunlight and maximising privacy.
Your front door and hallway setup can be an opportunity to showcase your personal style and make a unique statement. Key design elements, such as staircases, artificial lighting, colour choices and landscaping, can elevate an entryway from a purely functional space to an area you look forward to coming home to. “Hallways that allow you to see all the way through the house and out into the back garden have become hugely popular,” says Edward. “Not only do they draw light deeper into the floorplan, but they also increase the connection between inside and out.”
Horizontally laid timber cladding with a shadow gap is paired with IDSystems’ aluminium Houghton door in eye-catching sapphire blue (RAL 5003). The rainwater goods have been colour matched to create a coordinated aesthetic. Photo: Matthew Smith
Material continuity is another effective design choice. “We see lots of buildings where the exterior materials are extended into the hallway,” says Elizabeth. “Porcelain, stone, bronze touches or Corten steel create a seamless transition and striking visual impact.”
Statement staircases, oversized pendant lights and bold architectural features can further enhance the space. “To create an unforgettable zone, the key is combining elegance with functional design,” says Jim. “Large, open hallways can be transformed with statement ceilings, whether through dramatic height or striking materials, drawing the eye upwards and adding a sense of grandeur.”
External porches or overhangs will boost your house’s kerb appeal, while offering protection from the elements. “These can be paired with thoughtful landscaping, from sculptural trees to carefully designed pathways, directing attention to the entrance and creating a seamless flow between the outdoors and your home,” Jim continues.
Colour can also be a powerful tool. An eye-catching front door or accent wall in the hallway adds instant charm and character. “Sometimes a bold pop of colour is needed to complete your design, other times something more natural or neutral that blends seamlessly with your surroundings is more effective,” says Nicky.
This grade II listed home in London has been upgraded with a striking glazed link hallway extension. Glass balustrades bring an airy feel to the wraparound link, while the sweet chestnut cladding and exposed brick walls balance the traditional and contemporary designs
Lighting plays a crucial role in defining the ambience and creating an atmosphere in your hallway. “Statement pendants or hidden LED strips can highlight architectural details and create a dynamic atmosphere,” says Jim. “Lighting can be both practical and artistic, setting the mood as you enter the home.”
Consider how furniture and artwork in the hallways set the tone for the rest of your home. A striking console table, a well-placed mirror, or a curated art collection in the hallway can act as a visual preview of the rooms beyond. For self builds, planning your interior scheme alongside the structural design of your home will help ensure seamless integration and continuity throughout the property.
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