I would embrace the element, but I would get rid of the wood chips. I'm thinking back fist sized river rocks. Then I would get a tallish flowering tropical such as hibiscus and add a few ivy plants to grow between the rocks. Additionally, a small water feature might be nice. For me, the bigger problem with the entryway is the door. You have an obviously contemporary home, yet you have a -very- traditional door. I would want a wood door with some sort of art glass element in it. The wood would of course need to be stained to match the existing woodwork. The door will be some big bucks, but it would remain regardless of flooring changes. These two doors are not specific recommendations, but examples of the type of entry door I have in mind. Best wishes!

You might paint the walls a bold color you really love, but I would recommend staying away from wallpaper as it is costly and too difficult to change. I agree with another poster that wider trim around the doors would help, and I would suggest that you paint all the trim white and add crown molding and a mop-board along the floor-wall junctures. I love the wood-tone door and would keep it as an accent piece and for contrast. You might add large, framed mirrors to the walls to reflect light and perhaps add a console table with a fairly large lamp. An interesting print area rug also can add pizzazz to this space. If you can use the bold wall color as an accent throughout the house, it will help to tie the entire color scheme together and give your home a unified look. In the offset hallway shown in Photos Two, Three, and Four, I would suggest you place a desk and chair and/or perhaps some bookcases and curio cabinets to make an interesting entrance way that can double as a study or home office. As an alternative, you could place a narrow dining table with leaves that fold down to allow easy traffic through the hallway. Above the table you could display some framed mirrors and, in matching frames, family photos that can serve as conversation starters. When you entertain, the fold-down dining table could be pulled out and/or moved to another room to accommodate your guests.

A lovely rug on the floor would be nice. You seem to have some space, yet your table is pushed against the wall. You could consider a bigger table for centre of the room or making it into an office / desk / book shelf / comfy chair. You have lovely sun coming in. Even a bean bag and a small coffee table could make a difference. A medium sized plant would also look great. Set a budget and stick to it, re-purpose things if you can and / or buy second hand so you don't break the bank. I love the little air vent on the floor it looks like a little mouse house. Maybe you can get some removable stickers and make an art piece or at least a little mouse running to the hole.

Our clients came to us aiming to modernise the entry of their property as they were wanting to sell it in the next few months. They wanted to increase the value of their home and allow for a much more pleasing first impression for potential buyers. The old steps and railings were removed and a lot of the old plants/shrubs were cleaned up/pruned. We also added in new draining and retaining walls. This not only brightened the entryway but made the entire exterior of the home look bright, modern and inviting. This home was briefly on the market, before being sold for considerably more than the asking price. Before After Check out the entire project here!