Front Entrty Daylight

Restored Entry

Entering and leaving most homes, we pass through an entry hall that is formal or casual, one that is meant either for guests, family or for everyone. Many homes we design have a main entry which is meant for the arrival of guests with a place to hang their coats, and a ‘mud room’ entry which is for everyday use as well as muddy boots, dogs and gardening apparel.

In my house (circa 1790) we have a center hall with one end leading to a porch and the back yard and on the entry side, a covered portico. Our entry hall became so chaotic with piles of coats, shoes and gloves, we built in a bench, hooks, baskets and shoe storage for every member of the family.  This really made a big difference when getting everyone out in the morning and reduced our chaos.

A more formal, double height entry speaks of arrival.  It makes sense to include a closet for guests’ coats either within the entry or close by.  Even though this type of entry is used mostly for guests, owners enjoy the formality of descending a grand staircase each morning on their way to breakfast.

The first thing we see when we enter our homes is the entry hall.  It deserves the attention given the rest of the house.

Westchester 1 Mudroom

Mudroom Entry With Storage

Stairway Overall

Double Height Entry Hall

Crisp Prem Mudroom

Simple Entry Hall

Crisp Summer 20110825 5162 Copy

New Stair Hall

Crisp Summ 09 20090708 1567 Enfused

Entry Hall With Stair

Project 119 119

Entry With Pocket Door

By Published On: October 26th, 2011Categories: Design, Miscellaneous, Stairs3 Comments on 7 Entry HallsTags: ,

About the Author: James Crisp

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James M. Crisp has been an architect for well over 30 years. His architectural firm, Crisp Architects, designs projects throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. In April of 2007, Taunton Press published 'On the Porch' by James M. Crisp and Sandra Mahoney.

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3 Comments

  1. 3D908080Cfbaa247C8Ec87Ef83901Edb?S=54&R=G
    Elaine January 9, 2012 at 1:23 am

    Beautiful!

    Any suggestions for somehow creating an entryway in a home where the front door leads directly into the middle of the living room? It’s a small-ish room with a fireplace on the left end with a hall to the kitchen and stairs, and the right side is walked through to gain entry to the dining room.

  2. Aa2Cbf39867Dfccabe80558316A86802?S=54&R=G
    James Crisp January 9, 2012 at 3:45 pm

    I hate to admit it, but when you ask an architect a question about a spacial problem, there is an above average chance he/she will provide a solution that involves building. We often add to homes which need proper entries. How much you add depends on many factors. Would adding an entry help your problem?

  3. E42085670Bed7C2Ee2Fa28F7A53A60Ad?S=54&R=G
    Jeanne Bernard October 6, 2016 at 11:36 am

    “Entry Hall with Stair” Do u know what stain color was used to get this very dark color????

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