Emma Roberts intelligently staged her entryway to create a cozy yet chic first impression – experts say her technique is replicable in every home

Entryways are an oft-overlooked part of the home. Despite the fact we spend a minuscule amount of time in them, they have a huge impact on the look and feel of our space. As the first place a guest lays eyes upon, the entry must be thoughtfully styled to make a good first impression and someone who knows that all too well is actress Emma Roberts.

The Wildchild star takes great pride in her interior design style. Her home is warm and inviting with a timeless, cozy cottage feel, a vibe that extends right to her threshold. Designed by LA-based studio Pierce and Edward, the entryway is laidback and relaxed, yet it says so much about Emma's distinctive style. It's a characterful, sepia-toned setting that oozes nostalgia, making every guest feel welcome.

That homey feel is no happy accident, though. It's evident that every detail, from the placement of her wall art and the vintage spinning chair to the expertly curated console table, is intentional. It looks comfortably lived in yet timelessly chic, and experts say it's full of entryway staging tricks that can be implemented in your home.

As a liminal space, entryway ideas are often an afterthought, but that's clearly not the case in Emma's home. The room features a 1950s Italian light fixture, a vintage pine table, and an antique Persian rug, emanating coziness from the outset. Framed artworks line the wall creating a characterful space, while an adjoining powder room with a floral wallpaper can be seen beyond, setting the tone for the rest of the home, one where curiosities are found around every corner.

According to professional home stager Barbara Brock, founder of Barbara Brock Inc., a first impression of one’s home is the gateway to the rest of the space. 'In order for someone to have a pleasurable experience, the appearance has to be minimal furniture, a pleasing color palette, and minimum accessories,' she says. 'If an entryway is too crowded, is too loaded with furniture, art, or accessories, the brain goes on overload, and it’s overstimulated by seeing too many things.'

Despite featuring an eclectic mix of decor, Emma's small entryway is a story of simplicity, aided by the use of neutral, harmonious tones and the purposeful placement of accessories and furniture. This prevents the room from feeling overcrowded, with enough detail to tell a story while still feeling calming and curated.

While their aesthetic contributions are clear, much of the decor serves a practical purpose, too; evidence that this entryway has been carefully considered. 'The little chair offers a perfect place to take shoes on and off,' explains Isy Jackson, interior designer and founder of Cheltenham Interiors. 'Its placement to the side creates visual interest from this viewpoint with the collected artworks centered on the wall above. Together, all these elements create visual interest and cohesion of different collected pieces that reflect Emma’s personality.'

You don't need to enlist the help of celebrity-serving designers to practice similar entryway staging techniques in your own home, either. Isy notes that the most impactful lessons we learn from Emma's space are all easy to introduce, and at minimal expense. Here are three ideas to prioritize when designing an entryway yourself.

Create a clear focal point

A side table is a great way to make your entryway more functional, but it also makes a great place for the eye to rest, too (especially when in line of the front door). 'Use an interesting console with flowers for the best impression,' Isy suggests. 'In Emma's space, as soon as you walk in you see a traditional but rustic-looking console. It feels like a "homey" piece with the mid-tone wood and traditional features, and a practical drawer for keys.'

Use neutral wall paint for a delicate foundation

Emma is no minimalist, but her eclectic entryway still feels harmonious and cohesive thanks to the neutral foundation. 'The use of beige on all these walls and trims creates a wonderful neutral palette canvas for the decorative items to pop,' says Isy.

Consider a rug instead of a doormat

A surprising detail in Emma's entryway is the lack of a doormat. 'The clever use of an oriental rug instead of a mundane doormat is practical since the pattern and color choice disguises stains and creates an upscale antique vibe,' Isy notes. As well as making the space feel far more welcoming, it works with the limited floor space, rather than against it, by anchoring the entire room.

Emma's entryway is a masterclass in thoughtful staging to create an impactful first impression. It doesn't rely on any complex styling or costly design ideas, either. With the help of some purposeful furniture placement, a clear focal point, and a warm, harmonious color scheme, the space has a welcoming effect like no other.