Gwyneth Paltrow used the rule of three to add interest to her 'quiet' entryway

The entryway is a room of its own and should be treated as such with a bold design that will wow, or in Gwyneth Paltrow's case, one that calms and soothes the soul.

That was the design ethos behind actor and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow's luxury family home. Unsurprisingly, well-being is at the heart of the design, but the entryway is free from gimmicks and novelty features. Instead, a simple room color palette, good-looking furniture, and elegant fittings result in somewhere that people might want to linger. This was the approach that interior designer Brigette Romanek took for this space.

In a conversation with Architectural Digest, Paltrow spoke about how the design came together. 'The strength of the house is in the subtleties of light and space,' she says. 'We spent a lot of time assessing family patterns, how we really live, what makes us most comfortable. The focus was on the experience, the emotion.'

As the entrance is where guests are welcomed, it should say something about you and set the mood for the rest of the house, says Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors. ‘An entryway should flow into the rooms that come off it,’ she adds. 

Be original when it comes to the design. It is easy to feel tempted into going down the maximalist route, but quite often, the simplest designs, which focus on just one or two key details, are the most profound. The best way to add interest without causing chaos is by using a rule of three; that's three points of interest that help that space to stand out yet remain calm and refined.

‘One-off unique pieces create interest in awkward or small spaces,’ notes interior designer Natalia Miyar. A strong piece of art or statement flooring is also a great way to draw focus to a space – often you need little else to bring life to a room and it can create a talking point in a spot like an entrance where you pause to greet someone.’ 

In this space, it is indeed the reclaimed stone entryway floor from Chateau Domingue that sings in this space. This is the main star of the show.

‘A classic stone chequerboard floor is both practical and durable but also visually striking,’ says Tom Cox, co-founder of Hám Interiors. ‘Black and white is a timeless pairing that will never date or tire.

However, the 18th-century fireplace mantel – a true design masterpiece – and curved central table anchor the room. 

As an entryway staple, a side or central table offers surface space for items such as table lamps, letter racks, keys and memo pads, but it can also be used to display decorative items and plants to welcome guests as part of a styled display. 

Shop Gwyneth Paltrow's look

A home should reflect the ethos of the owner, and this space follows the well-being principles and beauty that Paltrow embodies. With this in mind, our editors have curated their favorite products to transform your entryway into a haven of peace and tranquillity.