Dakota Fanning’s Minimalist Entryway Proves Why White Walls, Wood Accents, and Thoughtful Simplicity Are the Ultimate Design Statement

The actress's entryway features white painted walls, a wood sidetable, simple mirrors, and a single chair for a sparse but elegant space

Dakota Fanning
(Image credit: Pascal Le Segretain via Getty Images)

First impressions are everything in the home, and as such, an entryway is a key area to introduce your house's design scheme to guests. For minimalists and maximalists, a rule of thumb: don't overdecorate, less is always more.

Case in point: Dakota Fanning's stunning, modern minimalist entryway, which is sparsely decorated with a wood sidetable adorned by mirrors (like this beautiful piece from Walmart), a single, velvet chair, and soft lighting. The white paint serves as a calming foundation upon entry.

Shop the minimalist entryway edit

The combination of white and wood is a staple in both traditional and contemporary, minimalist interiors, and as such, including them in an entryway is a winning combination.

'Wood accents bring nature indoors, adding texture and depth to white-painted walls or furniture,' designer Nina Lichtenstein explains.

'This connection to the natural world promotes a sense of tranquility and well-being in the home. White paint, on the other hand, emphasizes simplicity and purity, allowing the beauty of the wood to take center stage.'

The beauty of working with this palette is its versatility, Nina says.

'White paint and wood accents can be tailored to fit almost any interior design style. Whether it’s the clean lines of Scandinavian minimalism, the cozy appeal of farmhouse chic, or the sleek sophistication of modern design, this pairing adapts effortlessly. White can be the unifying element that allows different wood tones to coexist, creating a cohesive look that is both timeless and trendy.'

It's also a fantastic scheme to work with if you want to accentuate existing home features. Dakota's staircase is a clear point of interest here, so her choice to minimally decorate around it is a wise one.

'White paint can be used to highlight architectural features such as wooden beams, trim, or cabinetry,' Nina explains. 'Painting the walls white allows these wood elements to stand out, turning them into focal points within the room. This technique is especially effective in spaces with intricate woodwork or unique wooden details.'


Hannah Ziegler
News Editor

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.

Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.

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