1. AVOID LIGHT YELLOW - USE GREIGE INSTEAD
Brooke Spreckman, Founder and Principal Designer of Design Hutch has clear advice for picking your entryway color - avoid yellow, especially in naturally light spaces. She explains that “too many light tones will either get washed out or show excessive wear easily. It’s nice to have darker surfaces that can contrast against surrounding light walls/windows.”
2. AVOID USING NEUTRALS ON WOOD - USE ACCENT SHADES INSTEAD
Though neutrals are often a go-to for creating light, open spaces - especially in small entryways - Color Curator for Farrow and Ball, Joa Studholme, says to use them wisely. “A very neutral wall color alongside white woodwork will possibly feel too ordinary,” she says, warning this could prevent a natural flow through the house.
3. AVOID WHITE ON WHITE
Similarly, you will likely find that a white on white theme could be doing your entryway a disservice as Studholme recommends embracing bold colors, if you’re brave enough to ditch neutrals altogether, that is. The color curator explains that a strong color in your entryway, even if it is dimly-lit, will create a distinct point of view drawing your eye to a natural focal point like a light filled kitchen.
4. AVOID BRIGHT RED - USE MOODIER HUES
If you are taking Studholme’s advice on board and looking to branch into bold colors, Texas-based designer Jean Liu recommends choosing your color thoughtfully. She says: “Since the entryway can be about making a good first impression, staying away from bright or primary colors might be suggested. These colors, while fun, can be quite specific and might give off the wrong idea about you and the house.”
5. AVOID WEAK COLOURS IN URBAN SPACES - USE BOLD ONES INSTEAD
The genetic makeup of your home should also play an important role in choosing your color scheme. Studholme says that taking note of your home’s architecture can be a helpful color guide. For example, urban entryways often lack natural light and would suit a shade like Farrow and Ball Ichyra Blue.
6. AVOID CHARCOAL GREY - USE ASHIER GREYS INSTEAD
Though a light grey can be a welcomed asset to an earthy palette, Spreckman says to stay away from charcoal grey in a small space as it will “darken the space more.” This color, unlike the dark browns Studholme recommends or the moody hues Liu leans towards, charcoal grey offers all the depth of these favored tones but none of the warmth.