1. THINK ABOUT CREATING FLOW
A designated entryway is a space that just makes sense. When you enter a house, it guides you where you need to go. When your front door opens up onto a living room, you need to create this yourself using the array of design tricks available to you. 'It's important to imagine every angle and viewpoint of a room,' echo Berkeley Minkhorst and Kelley Lentini of design studio House of Nomad. 'The biggest thing we keep in mind, in any home, is creating a welcoming and clear flow throughout the space.'
2. CREATE A VIEWPOINT TO DRAW YOU IN
Aside from layout, using striking decor across from your front door is another clever way for an entryway-less space to draw you into the room. 'Another thing to consider is your viewpoint from the door - what's across the room?' Kelley and Berkeley ask. 'We love to hang eye-catching art or something that gets your attention from across the space. Again, always thinking through every angle of the room.'
3. CREATE AN ENTRYWAY WITH A HALF WALL
Installing a half wall, sometimes called a pony wall, to create a small entryway area in your living room is another option with a few good benefits. 'The pony wall was used in this entry to create separation between the living room and the entry,' Kristen explains, 'but to also allow for the feeling of an open floor plan.' The best of both worlds, this also means the back of the sofa isn't exposed to those walking through the front door.
4. USE A ROOM DIVIDER
An alternative style of partition can also be an effective way to give your living room a sense of separation from the front door. Whether it's custom millwork, like in this beautiful living room created by interior designer Emilie Munroe of Studio Munroe, or a freestanding room divider, it offers creative design opportunities, without completely blocking off an entryway.
5. CREATE THE EFFECT WITH A CLEVER DECORATING TRICK
If you want the area around your front door to feel like its own entryway, even if it's not a physical space, consider how simple decor changes can be used to signify that idea. 'Add a little interest,' says interior designer Kathryn Findlay. 'Even in a small space, a patterned floor tile or a runner, toss cushions or even foliage can ground you as you arrive and make a space intentionally designed and more curated.'