How to Style an Entryway: A Simple Guide

The entryway is the first and last thing you see & experience in a home. I truly believe that little things make a big impact and when it comes to the often overlooked entryway, this could not be more accurate. Being mindful of little details will give this space of your home some TLC.

There are certainly many ways to style an entryway but keep scrolling to read my tips & find inspiration for styling your own entryway…with a Nordic touch.

1. Start with a console table of your choice.

First things first, you will need a table to house your keys, mail, etc. and of course, decor. I chose this acrylic table to keep the entryway bright & airy.

2. Hang or lean a mirror.

Next, I added a mirror to create depth, dimension, and the allusion of more space (ahhh…the magic of mirrors). You can either hang it or lean it against the wall; I have opted to let it lean.

3. Light a candle.

Candles are a key staple of Nordic design. Placing a candle on your console table will add warmth and overall cozy vibes. You can either use scented, unscented, or battery operated; any will do! I also like to place the candle in a wire basket or on top of a stack of books.

4. Display stacked books.

Speaking of books…choosing to display books allows you to showcase your interests in a subtle way. Since I am an avid art enthusiast, I have stacked a few books of my favorite artists. You can also display books by your favorite designer, photographer, or even your wedding album!

5. Layer in your favorite decorative objects.

Now it’s time for the fun part! Whether it’s your favorite vase or a sculpture from a glorious vacation, this is the time to put them on display. I would suggest keeping it to a minimum so that the decorative object(s) can have the spotlight and pack a decorative punch. You can also swap these out when the seasons (or your mood) changes.

6. Complete the look with a floor vase.

Lastly, adding a large vase (that can double as an umbrella holder) is both functional & beautiful. Keeping a monochromatic color palette, with varying textures for interest, will tie all decorative elements together.

The final product!

5 Nordic Decor Elements You Need In Your Living Room

Living rooms are a place of comfort, community, and relaxation. I wanted our living room to exude modern Nordic design: combining nature, light, and simplicity. Since moving into our home & redecorating the living room hundreds of times, I have narrowed down 5 decor elements that will help you get the same feeling.

1

  • Candles – Never underestimate the beauty of candlelight and the cozy feeling it provides in all seasons. Not only do they provide a soft glow, but can make your home smell oh so good. Bonus points for the candles with the crackling wicks for a pseudo-cabin experience!
    • Candleholders – Simple candleholders with tall candles also add a beautiful & hyyge-like touch. Sticking with a neutral colors, you can never go wrong. You can find my Iitaala Nappula candleholders here and here.
Simple, clean and elegant.
Picking the right candle is simply picking scents that spark joy.

2

  • Flowers – Fresh flowers bring nature straight into the home. I usually make a weekly run to the market to have fresh flowers at the start of the weekend. The fresh aroma is inviting & unmatched!
    • Clear glass vase – your fresh flowers need a place to rest! A beautiful glass vase allows for the flowers to shine and for design to flourish. This is the Evelyn Small Vase from Crate & Barrel. I love light shining through a unique glass vase.
Hydrangeas are my favorite!

3

  • Books – Showcasing your interests in the form of beautiful coffee table books is a win/win. Mixing simple designs & bold graphics allows for a balanced, clean aesthetic. Choose your favorite designer, artist, country, etc. when displaying your coffee table’s main attraction; this can be a great moment of personal expression. You can find similar books here and here.

4

  • Antiques – At times, I like to mix in vintage pieces with modern decor, especially if there is sentimental value. My grandmother passed down this porcelain Estonian dancing couple to me a few years ago and I have been waiting for the right place to display them. I remember admiring them as a child and now getting to display them in my own home is a treasure.
Music & dance is a vital part of Estonian culture.

5

  • Plants – Pops of green in a neutral palette evoke that Nordic feeling. With nature being the focal point of Nordic & Scandi design, it is important to keep greenery close. Not to mention, they make the air so much better! Whether you are starting off with your first plant or are a seasoned plant parent, there are a variety of plants that can join your home. To keep the focus on the plant, keep your vase or pot simple and in a neutral color. This Grecian Bust Pot is from Anthropologie and can be found here. (Note the additional books! The Marimekko design book can be found here and the photographic Psalms can be found here)
This Grecian goddess brings life to the bookshelf.

Hope you found these tips useful! Comment below to let me know your thoughts and share your decor elements in achieving modern Nordic design.

Cheers!