Make an entrance; reveal your personality

Whether you are living in a huge mansion or a one-bedroom apartment, they all have one thing in common, and that is a main entrance. In the past, the standing of the homeowner was immediately obvious upon entering. Richly embossed wallcoverings, marble or granite floors, a highly polished console with a silver tray for calling cards, and even fine works of art decorated the wealthiest halls. Country homes opted for more practical elements that suited the owners’ lifestyle. Wainscoting, wooden floors with a rag or sisal rug, a simply framed mirror and a bench were rustic and welcoming.

Today, decorating choices are made more in accordance with the character or personality of the people who live in the home. And I believe there’s a lot less restraint too. The entrance hall is a perfect place for whimsy. What better way to greet your guests than with an element that makes you smile and feel welcome and relaxed?

The tiny hall shown in the accompanying photograph is part of a very small condo. There’s only room for a tiny table and mirror, but their highly stylized forms make a big impact. You see the nature theme in the wallpaper with its projected pattern of leaves on vinyl. Someone with a sense of whimsy lives here.

An element of surprise, such as an antler mirror, is in vogue this year, not truly expected in today’s clean-lined, urban living spaces.

Create a focal point that grabs you when you open the door. It could be a fabulous color on the wall, a funky mirror or an urn filled with seasonal flowers. If space is tight in your home, you could line a hall with bookshelves.

What does your hall say about you? Well, in my home the oversized, smelly boys’ shoes and hockey equipment have moved on to college, but I have a glorious fresco and an old table I love that continue to lift my spirits.

DEAR DEBBIE: I am an avid seamstress and crafter. I use a spare bedroom for my work. This room also functions as a rarely used second guest room. I plan to replace the 23-year-old wall-to-wall carpeting and would like your advice. I’m considering commercial-grade carpeting, laminate or hardwood. I spend many hours standing in this room, and our home is built on a concrete slab. — Judy.

DEAR JUDY: I suspect in this room your priority is comfort and easy maintenance. Carpet isn’t practical in a workroom. Wood laminate is a good choice, but I have another suggestion. Why not look at the new linoleum floors? They are warm, comfortable, hygienic and very easy to clean. Linoleum comes in a stylish array of colors and patterns and is ideal for craft rooms and playrooms.

When guests arrive, you could roll out an area carpet, but you won’t find this necessary.

Debbie Travis is a columnist for King Features Syndicate. E-mail questions to her at house2home@debbietravis.com.