Gwyneth Paltrow's Controversial Entryway Layout Tosses the Rule Book Out the Window – But Designers Say 'Interrupting Flow' isn't Always a Bad Thing

Hallways and entryways are often considered 'in-between spaces', that is, rooms designed for passing between rooms. Thus, the predominant rule in decorating these narrow spaces is to avoid anything that may block the rhythm, making the area more difficult to navigate. Gwyneth Paltrow, however, interrupts the flow with a pedestal table, and it looks amazing.

The entryway in the Goop founder's Montecito home was decorated by the famed interior designer, Brigette Romanek, who infused the entire space with a welcoming, organic modern feel. Rather than falling into convention, she interpreted Gwyneth's entryway as a room all of its own. She decorates with furniture, including wooden benches, a pedestal table, and a collection of vases. It's an entryway that you'd want to stop and spend time in. Given that the pedestal table is directly in front of the door, it's a controversial choice that some people dub an entryway mistake. One commenter exclaims: 'I'm sorry, but I would not put that beautiful table in the center of the room, even if it is a showstopper! It is not practical as it blocks the flow from the door; you have to go around something to get where you're going.' But what do the experts say?

To unpack the decisions behind Gwyneth's entryway layout, I spoke to designers about the function of entryways and their opinions on the best way to design them. Just like Brigitte, they're not wholesale against interrupting flow. I've also curated an edit of stylish products to help you get the look in your own home. Let's jump in.

Recreate Gwyneth's Entryway Look at Home

Though avoiding blocking the flow of a room in a busy transitional space, such as an entryway, is a general principle of interior design followed by designers, in a large entryway like Gwyneth's, it makes sense to play with scale.

The presence of French doors fills the room with enough light that the table doesn't create a crowded feeling. Rather than adhering to strict rules, the most important step you can take in creating an equally chic entryway is planning out the space carefully. Nina Lichtenstein, a New York-based interior designer, explains: 'Investing time and thought into staging your entryway can significantly enhance the appeal and functionality of your home. With the right accessories and a clear vision, you can transform this often-overlooked space into a captivating and welcoming entry point.'

Furthermore, adding an entryway table to your space is one of the easiest ways to incorporate design-led details. We see this with the round vase and arching branch at the center of Gwyneth's design. Nina advises: 'A table offers both style and functionality. It provides a surface for decorative elements like vases, lamps, and trays while offering storage for keys, mail, and other essentials. Choose a table with a design that fits your space – sleek and minimalist for modern homes, or rustic and ornate for traditional ones.'

Finally, as the multitude of artisanal vases in Gwyneth's entryway showcase, this is not the area to be shy with your design. Magdalena Gierasinska, Design Expert at Barker and Stonehouse, recommends: 'Hallways are often the first part of your home that a guest will see, so make a style statement with a striking piece of artwork or furniture. Temper this boldness with a neutral colour palette and wooden furniture for a welcoming and inviting space. A rug grounds the space, adds warmth underfoot, and can inject a hint of color or pattern.'

Nina adds: 'Personalize your entryway with art and decorative accents. Whether it's a gallery wall of family photos, a piece of artwork, a vase of flowers, or decorative objects like geodes, sculptures, or plants, these elements add character and make the space feel like an extension of your home. Personalized artwork completed by the family or treasures collected from travels abroad can add a special touch.'

Whether you're looking for entry table decor ideas or more general entryway design tips, Gwyneth Paltrow's home is a gorgeous place to look for inspiration. It's beautiful, understated, and might even teach you how to break a few rules.

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