Joanna Gaines reveals the key to a welcoming entryway – and it's so easy to recreate

When Joanna Gaines gives us interior design tips, we listen. Recently, the Fixer Upper host shared the two elements of a welcoming entryway she swears by. An Instagram post from Joanna's brand, Magnolia Home, said that an inviting entryway requires 'layered decor' and 'lots of light.'

We consulted our resident interior design experts to deep dive into why each of Joanna's entryway ideas works so well and how we can recreate these looks in our own homes.

'Layering decor is an excellent way to create a warm and welcoming effect in any space,' says Carlin Van Noppen, Connecticut-based CEO and head interior designer at Fig Linens and Home. 'When you put together different fabrics, textures, finishes, and decorative objects, it makes the space feel more lived-in and cozy.'

She continues, 'Layering in interior design is a great way to infuse personality into your home decor. By choosing materials and items that reflect who you are and the home that you want to see, you create a space that is uniquely yours.'

Carlin adds: 'This level of detail is especially important in an entryway, which gives visitors their first impression of your home. If you layer to make the foyer mirror your personal style, guests will immediately feel welcome as if they have stepped into your inner sanctum.'

By layering, you get to choose, based on your own personal style, what looks good in an entryway.

Carlin Van Noppen

Carlin Van Noppen is the CEO and head interior designer at Fig Linens and Home. She has over 20 years of experience providing design expertise for beautiful homes, hotels, yachts, and private planes and now manages a boutique that has been named the Best Linen Shop in Connecticut several years in a row.

Increasing natural light makes almost any room look better, but this tip is especially helpful in an entryway. Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens, states: 'Filling your entryway with light is essential.' Jen continues, 'This space is the first thing you see when you come into your home, so you want it to feel warm and welcoming, not cramped and dark.'

She says, 'Especially in a small entryway, adding more light can have miraculous effects. Light can make the space feel larger and help your decorative pieces to shine. If your entryway doesn't have windows or another source of natural light, you can create a similar effect with synthetic lights. If the entryway is a hallway, pendant lights look especially chic. Lamps on a console table, or sconces beside the door are other ways to increase light in an entryway.'

Exploring as many entryway lighting ideas as possible is a worthwhile project.

Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Deputy Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens online. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.

With Joanna's expertise in your arsenal, your dream entryway is at your fingertips. Shop the Joanna Gaines edit below to recreate a similar look.