Buying a Home

8 Entryway Must-Haves You Should Always Include in Your Home, Designers Say

Published on 10/19/24

It’s officially peak guest season and if you’re like us, you’d want your entryway to look swoon-worthy from the minute guests step in. Whatever the occasion may be—whether a Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party, or a book club gathering—nothing beats a well-designed entrance that leaves a lasting impression. If you’ve been itching to update your entryway but aren’t sure where to start, here are eight staples that make an entryway according to the pros.

Statement Lighting

Statement lighting is often reserved for the living room and dining room, but not for designer Isabel Runsewe. According to her, the foyer is a great place to update your lighting and make the space feel high-end. “It can be as simple as swapping out bulbs for a more appropriate hue, to replacing fixtures and adding medallions,” she says. “Selecting the correct lighting hue(s) for your space adds a level of warmth and sophistication and sets a relaxed atmosphere for you and your guests as soon as they arrive.” Depending on your style, you can go big with sculptural light fixtures, make a subtle statement with some vintage sconces, or maybe even invest in stylish table lamps that double as conversation starters.

Any Mirror, Simple or Show-Stopping

For interior designer Laura of Laura Solensky Design, no entryway is complete without a mirror. “Any size entry can accommodate some type of mirror so that you can check your appearance before you leave the house,” she notes. What’s more, mirrors help brighten up the space, making it a must-have for any pint-sized, gloomy entrance.

Curated Artwork

Besides instantly elevating the space from bland to design-forward, artwork creates a welcoming mood that would make anyone feel at ease. And if you think that dressing up your entryway walls has to be a huge investment, you’re wrong. Simply frame your existing family photos or print out some snaps from your phone to make the area feel more personal without breaking the bank.

Oversized Pieces

If there’s one guaranteed way to make a lasting impression on your guests, it’s to add large-scale pieces. “I love adding large pieces of decor around the entryway because it allows for style to be in this space without overcrowding,” interior designer and lifestyle influencer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey explains. Think oversized lanterns, candles, and vases. Her rule, though, is to avoid overpacking the space with a bunch of knick-knacks. Doing this will only make your entryway feel cluttered and cramped. Instead, she suggests keeping this space open so as to create a flow through your home.

Storage Solutions

In addition to looking pretty and put-together, your home’s entrance should, most importantly, serve your family’s needs daily. Malarkey swears by a stylized entryway table or console. Not only does it make for a great place to add decor items that give a good first impression of your style choices, but you can also use it to store grab-and-go items.

Prints and Texture

For a dose of fun, you can’t go wrong with textured walls and statement wallpaper—just ask Malarkey. “I love a good print and good texture! Anything that will make the space pop and get your guest’s attention straight away,” Malarkey says. Runsewe is also very team wallpaper but advises keeping the general aesthetic aligned with the rest of your home. “Depending on the client, it can be fun to use a bright and bold wallpaper, but I also enjoy using more subdued tones to accommodate seasonal decor changes,” Runsewe tells us.

Stylish Floor Treatments

Just like your walls, your entryway floor deserves attention too. If your floorboards are looking a little old and tired, give them a nice refresh with a coat of varnish—or perhaps floor paint if you’re feeling bold. Of course, a runner or rug is always a welcome addition to the entry and for two particular reasons according to Solensky. One: it’s functional to wipe feet and contain mess. Two: it aesthetically infuses color, pattern, and personality into the space. And if you have the budget to replace your flooring, why not turn them into a dramatic feature? Malarkey’s suggestion: fun graphic tiles. “I love adding something unexpected to bring on the drama of the space and really create a great first impression with guests,” she says.

Personal Items

Lastly, what’s a home if it’s not personal? Let’s say you love reading. You could line your long entry hall with a built-in bookshelf. Or perhaps you’re an aspiring plant parent. In this case, add trees, flowers, and plants—and maybe even drape some vines around your mirror for a jungle-esque look. “Customizing the space with something unique about you or your family is always a great way to start a conversation when guests arrive,” Malarkey shares. “This may be honoring your heritage by showing off family heirlooms such as paintings, and dishes, or even showcasing something you love and are passionate about!”

6 Important Things You Should Never Store in Your Attic, According to Experts

If your attic has been the main source of storage for all your home items, it may be time to go through it all to sort out what needs to be thrown out or stored elsewhere.Due to seasonal temperatures and unwanted pests, it’s crucial to keep any important items out of your attic. Find out what six items home experts say you should never store in your attic.

Electronics

If you live in a hotter area, rising temperatures can damage your electronics by melting some of the plastic parts. Go through your old devices to see which ones are worth keeping and throwing out. If you are holding on to an old VCR and home videos for future viewing, it’s best to come up with another preservation plan. Lisa Dooley, a professional organizer and the owner of Your Organized Life, says the time to act is now. “These tapes were intended to have a life span of 10 years, and I’ve seen some from the early 1980s,” she says. “If possible, these should be digitized ASAP.”

Food

In addition to the extreme heat in summer, an attic will endure very cold temperatures during winter in northern areas. These fluctuations can easily cause the degradation of any food, even if it’s sealed up like canned vegetables or like your favorite bottle of wine. “Generally speaking, edibles of any kind should not be kept in your attic,” says Lauren Saltman, a professional organizer and the owner of Living. Simplified. “They will likely attract pests even if it’s stored in sealed plastic containers. And out-of-sight really is out-of-mind. Will you remember what food items are stored in your attic? Probably not.”

Chemicals

When you run out of space for your cleaning supplies, pool cleaner, or other chemical that you don’t use often, your attic can seem like a good place to get it all out of your way until the next cleaning. The heat can not only change the composition of some cleaners, but it can cause the containers to leak down into your ceiling or even explode if they are in an aerosol can. Storing such supplies near the areas they are used, in a climate-controlled space, is a safe bet and certainly more convenient.

Photos

It may be easy to stick some photos into an album and store them in the attic, but they may not stay in good condition over time. Due to moisture and fluctuating temperatures, your precious photos will yellow as the years pass by or worse. “The sticky glue and the plastic page ‘protectors’ are actually highly acidic, slowly destroying the photos,’” Dooley says. “Remove them from the attic—and the albums—and store them in a cool, dry place like a closet or even under a bed.”

Wooden Decor

It can be difficult to let go of photo frames, signs, or shelving that no longer fit your style, especially when paid good money to outfit your home. However, storing a stack of unused wooden frames may bring unintended visitors to your space since insects and pests love to chew on wood. Wood stored in the attic also reacts to the weather. If it rains a lot in your area, the humidity will cause expansion, rot, and possibly mold.2 Extreme heat dries things out and creates cracks even if the wood has been treated. Also, consider donating any intact frames. What no longer suits your taste might be perfect for someone else. “There is no need to store items you don’t actually want to keep,” Saltman says.

Fabrics

It is understandable that people want to save special furnishings or clothing that reminds them of a special event in their family’s lives. Just like wood, any fabric that is a natural fabric will be subject to the weather and little critters. Even created fabrics are likely to get chewed up by pests. This can be anything from clothing and mattresses to much-loved stuffed animals and rugs. They are all at risk in the attic. Saltman says being deliberate about what we store in the home leaves space for the keepsakes we truly cherish. Have any meaningful pieces of clothing professionally cleaned and then stored inside your home, she says. There are still plenty of things you can safely store in your attic, Saltman says: Dishware, pots and pans, holiday decorations, suitcases, outdoor furniture, and items you’ll be using in the next few weeks will be okay

“Use your own common sense about what can be safely stored in your attic, and you’ll be well on your way to protecting the items and keeping them for future generations,” Saltman says.

By JODI GONZALEZ

10 Things You Should Clean Every Fall—From Closets to Gutters

Consider this your fall cleaning and maintenance checklist to prepare your home—both inside and outside—for colder weather.

Madeline Buiano

Home in the autumn — PHOTO:FERRANTRAITE / GETTY IMAGES

While spring has a reputation for being the ultimate time to deep clean your home, each season has its own specific must-dos when it comes to caring for your space. When the summer heat breaks and fall is on the horizon, it’s time to prepare the interior and exterior of your home for fallen foliage, colder weather, and even snow. To ensure you stay on top of autumn’s most important maintenance tasks, we’re sharing our expert-approved fall cleaning checklist.

Patios, Driveways, and Walkways

During summer, hardscapes can build up with excess debris, thanks to increased time spent outdoors grilling, gardening, and beyond. Restore your front and back patio, driveway, and walkways to their former glory before snowy winter weather arrives power washing these areas to remove dirt.

Windows

Windows should be cleaned in spring and fall to prevent dust, pollen, and more grime from building up on the glass and screens. “Dust and grime accumulate daily and it’s worth staying on top of the build-up as it can degrade the window glass if it is left for an extended period of time,” says Cohoon. Additionally, clean windows allow more light in, making them more energy efficient.

Gutters

You should clean your gutters twice a year—once in spring and again in fall. “It’s super important that you prioritize cleaning your gutters in the fall,” says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. “Throughout these months, the leaves and twigs are falling off the trees and accumulate in your gutters. Cleaning them can prevent clogging and ensures that rainwater and melted snow can run freely.” If you skip this task, the built-up debris and water can freeze as temperatures drop, and melted snow can seep through your roof and cause water damage.

HVAC Filters

Cleaning your HVAC filters during spring is a must. “You want to ensure clean air is circulating in your home, so at the very least, you should clean or change your air filters every three months,” says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. “Check them every month to determine if they need to be replaced. If the filter is completely covered in dust and or debris, it’s time to change them.” Your system works harder when the filters are dirty, so not cleaning them can can lead to higher energy bills, as well as compromised health.

Outdoor Furniture

During summer months, outdoor furniture can build up with debris, stains, and even mildew due to frequent use and exposure to the elements. “To increase the lifespan of outdoor furniture, it should be cleaned in the fall,” says Cohoon. “Also, depending on the furniture, it will likely need to be stored for the winter, so giving these pieces a deep clean before putting them away for two seasons will save you time in the spring.”

Chimney

Cleaning your chimney before peak heating season is important for safety reasons. Creosote, a byproduct that comes from burning wood, can build up in your chimney where it stays until it’s removed. Servicing your chimney before fall decreases the chance of a chimney fire, says Cohoon. “Cleaning your chimney can also save you money,” she says. “When the chimney is clean, it allows for a more efficient combustion and the airflow is better.”

Closets

If you don’t have room for multiple seasons of clothing in your closet, fall is a great time to downsize. “Maximize your space by getting rid of or donating clothes that you haven’t worn in a long time,” says Cohoon. “When you have room to hang clothes in your closet, you won’t have any reason to pile your clothes in visible areas of your bedroom.” If you have clothes in your closet you don’t have room for, but don’t want to part with, consider storing them in the basement or elsewhere until next season.

Outdoor Cleanup

Backyard fall cleanup — TIMEFREEZER / GETTY IMAGES

Your yard will also need some attention come fall. Remove any weeds and trim back overgrown trees and shrubs, says Cohoon. Additionally, you should ensure your yard is ready for fall and winter weather by aerating your lawn, filling in dead patches of grass, mulching garden beds, and fertilizing your plants. All of these tasks will make maintenance easier come spring.

Dust

While dusting is something you should do regularly throughout the year, fall is a great time to dedicate the day to dusting your entire home. “When temperatures drop, you’ll likely find yourself spending more time indoors, so it’s important you take the time to clean off surfaces that accumulate dust,” says Cohoon. “This will improve indoor air quality and decrease indoor allergens.”

Light Fixtures

Lighting is essential in any home, but it’s especially relied on during colder months when the days are shorter. “Take the time to dust all light fixtures and replace bulbs as needed,” says Cohoon.

6 Halloween Decor Trends That Will Be Huge in 2024

By Sophie Flaxman

This year’s spooky season is all about merging the macabre with the sophisticated. As the nights grow longer and the crispness of autumn fills the air, the moment has come to transform your sunny summer retreat into a spine-chilling spectacle filled with eerie delights. But this season, don’t limit your Halloween decor to carved pumpkins and the classic black and orange color scheme. “I particularly love this time of year as it allows us to showcase our creativity with deep, rich colors, chilling decorations, and carved pumpkins,” says Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s trend expert. “This year, however, it seems some new trends are emerging.”

Whether you’re aiming for a haunted house ambiance or prefer a more refined approach, this year’s Halloween decor trends embrace a balance between tradition and innovation, inviting you to create a space that’s as captivating as it is spooky.

Impress with Gothic Glamor

If you’re looking to make Halloween feel a little more glam, look no further than gothic glamor. This style fuses the mystery and drama of Gothic architecture with the luxury and elegance of Victorian-era opulence, enabling you to balance eerie elements with high-end sophistication. “It’s a celebration of the macabre with an elegant twist,” says Johnson, who explains that a dark jewel color palette and rich texture are central to the gothic glamor trend. Think rich purple, ruby red, velvety black, and midnight blue in sumptuous velvet and silk draped across windows or embellishing your living room and table settings.

You’re halfway there if you already own Gothic or Victorian-style antique furniture. Accessorize with antique picture frames, dark glassware, gold or silver accents, and macabre motifs, such as skulls, black roses, and gothic-inspired art. Set the mood with flickering candles that cast animated shadows and a hauntingly beautiful glow.

Play Up the Nostalgia Factor

According to Johnson, this year is all about celebrating the history and traditions of Halloween from 1920 to 1960. This trend is perfect for those looking to evoke the spirit of Halloween’s past with elegance and a hint of mystery. “Think childhood nostalgia with caramel apple-scented candles, vintage decorations, and classic ghost motifs,” she says. Introduce old-school Halloween motifs around the house—witches, black cats, and jack-o’-lanterns—on die-cut decor, banners, and posters. Bring an authentic, eerie look with antiquities, such as weathered lanterns, wrought iron candelabras, aged books, and old-fashioned apothecary jars filled with creepy crawlies and witches potions. Handmade elements, such as carved wooden pumpkins and homemade garlands, echo the simplicity and craftsmanship of earlier times and expose a cozy and rustic side of Halloween.

Harvest Your Halloween Decor

Harvest Halloween decor from your back garden or local garden center. “Dark, moody florals paired with bare, eerie-shaped branches add a haunting beauty to planters,” says Amy Courtney, interior designer and founder of Amy Courtney Design. “Go for something like a smoke bush and big imposing planters to create a dark, dramatic feel.” Instead of lining your porch with the predictable yet iconic symbol of Halloween—the orange pumpkin—Courtney suggests decorating with gourds in shades of cream, sage, deep greens, and soft browns for an understated yet festive look.

Embrace Witchcraft-Inspired Elements

“Witchy and celestial aesthetics are really in for 2024,” Courtney says. “I loved hanging hats last year, and now they’re back, but with an elevated upgrade.” She particularly loves the woven black vine iteration by Terrain by Anthropologie, which has elevated the trend. “Hang them from your porch ceiling and pair them with a broomstick and green pumpkins, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a magical Halloween setup.” Alternatively, drape 3-D bats across the front door to create a playful, spooky effect that sets the tone for the haunted house beyond.

Frighten with Fantastical Features

Escape reality by bringing your favorite fantastical scenes and characters to life this Halloween. The fantastical style is especially appealing in 2024 as it reflects a broader cultural shift towards nostalgia and fantasy, tapping into a collective yearning for adventure, mystery, and a curiosity for the unknown. To conjure an other-worldy atmosphere, Johnson suggests drawing on elements like ancient woodlands, fairy circles, and epic quests. Think deep green foliage, climbing ivy, and earthy textures that bring the enchanted woodlands indoors. Hint at a magical world with toadstools, mushrooms, twinkling fairy dust and lights, and figurines of mythical creatures. If one thing’s for sure, reality and fantasy collide with this trend, providing an immersive experience that captures the imagination and brings a touch of magic to Halloween decor.

Display a Halloween Village

Halloween villages are flying off the shelves this season, becoming the latest must-have piece of Halloween decor. The miniature-themed displays feature intricately designed haunted houses, graveyards, and spooky figurines, making the perfect feature for a mantel or window sill for passers-by to admire. “Create a glowing Halloween village scene, but make it extra spooky,” says Courtney, who suggests adding moss, backlighting, or even a smoke machine to heighten the creep factor and truly bring the scene to life.

Taming the Chaos: Organizing Your Home with the 1-3-5 Rule

Feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home? The 1-3-5 rule can be a game-changer when it comes to tackling those organizational challenges. This simple yet effective method breaks down your daily tasks into manageable chunks,making it easier to stay focused and motivated.

What is the 1-3-5 Rule?

The 1-3-5 rule is a productivity technique that suggests dividing your daily tasks into three categories:

1 Large Task: This is the most significant or challenging task that requires your full attention.
3 Medium Tasks: These are important but less demanding tasks that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time.
5 Small Tasks: These are quick and easy tasks that can be checked off your list with minimal effort.

How to Apply the 1-3-5 Rule to Home Organization

Assess Your Space: Start by identifying the areas of your home that need the most attention. This could be the clutter on your countertops, the overflowing closet, or the messy garage.
Set Your Goals: Decide what you want to achieve for the day. This could be decluttering a specific room,organizing a particular area, or completing a deep clean.
Prioritize Your Tasks: Break down your goal into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, if your goal is to declutter the bedroom, your large task might be to sort through your clothes, while your medium tasks could be to clean out your dresser drawers and organize your bedside table.
Complete Your Tasks: Start with your large task and work your way down to the smaller ones. Remember, the goal is not to be perfect but to make progress.

Examples of 1-3-5 Tasks for Home Organization

Large Task: Declutter the closet
Medium Tasks: Donate unwanted items, organize by color, and purchase new hangers
Small Tasks: Put away clean clothes, vacuum the floor, and dust the shelves

Benefits of Using the 1-3-5 Rule for Home Organization

Increased Productivity: By breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones, you’ll feel more motivated to complete them.
Reduced Stress: Seeing progress can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress.
Improved Focus: The 1-3-5 rule helps you stay focused on one task at a time, preventing distractions.
A More Organized Home: Over time, consistent application of the 1-3-5 rule can lead to a more organized and clutter-free living space.

Remember: The 1-3-5 rule is a flexible tool. You can adjust it to fit your specific needs and schedule. The most important thing is to find a system that works for you and helps you achieve your home organization goals.

Prequalified vs. Preapproved for a Mortgage: What’s the Difference?

Printed document with rubber stamp and the word pre-approved. Concept of mortgage or loan pre-approval. 3D illustration.

When you’re ready to buy a home, understanding the terms “prequalified” and “pre-approved” for a mortgage is crucial.These terms often get confused, so let’s break down what each means.

Prequalified for a Mortgage

What it means: A prequalification is a preliminary assessment of your financial situation to determine a potential mortgage amount you might qualify for.
Process: It involves providing basic information to a lender, such as your income, debt, and assets.
Purpose: Prequalification gives you a general idea of the price range you can afford, helping you narrow your home search. It’s a non-binding process, meaning you’re not obligated to borrow from that lender.

Preapproved for a Mortgage

What it means: Preapproval occurs when a lender re-evaluates your financial situation after a prequalification or loan approval.
Reasons for preapproval: This might happen due to changes in your financial circumstances, such as a job change,increased income, or a significant purchase.
Process: The lender will typically review your updated financial documents to determine if you still qualify for the original loan amount or if there’s a need for adjustments.

Key Differences:

Feature	Prequalified	Preapproved
Purpose	Preliminary assessment	Re-evaluation after changes
Binding	Non-binding	May be binding, depending on lender terms
Process	Based on basic information	Involves review of updated financial documents

Why is it important to understand these terms?

Home shopping: Prequalification helps you set a realistic budget and focus your home search.
Loan application: Preapproval ensures that your mortgage offer remains valid, especially if your financial situation changes.
Negotiations: Knowing your prequalification or preapproval status can give you more leverage in negotiations with sellers.

By understanding the differences between prequalification and preapproval, you can make informed decisions throughout the homebuying process. If you have any questions about these terms or need further clarification, consult with a mortgage professional.