Sarah Michelle Gellar's entryway color combination 'offers a sense of calm' from the moment she enters her front door

From Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Cruel Intentions, Sarah Michelle Gellar's reputation as an aughts superstar is undeniable. Her home decor is anything but dated, though; when it comes to design, the actor takes a more modern approach to making her space feel trendy yet timeless.

Case in point: her latest Instagram post boasts a quiet luxury-style foyer, complete with wood touches in the flooring, cabinets, and stair rails, complemented by a (nearly) all-white entryway color palette. 

All-white is a classic move, but adding brown accents can elevate and warm up a space depending on the shade and materials utilized.

'Decorating with brown, a color firmly rooted in nature, is reliable and timeless,' says Suzanne Duin, founder of Maison Maison. 'It is a warmer and more contemporary alternative to a grey canvas, suitable for pairing with just about any color.' 

Suzanne Duin

Located in the heart of Houston's River Oaks, Maison Maison is noted for beautiful lamps and antique pillows, French antiques and home accessories. Suzanne's residential design firm covers everything from remodels to ground up projects. 

The warmth of brown is highly compatible with neutrals' soft ambiance, particularly in an entryway like Sarah Michelle's.

'Sometimes simplicity is your best friend, and opting for a neutral color palette will ensure that your entryway will never go out of style,' says Graham & Brown Senior Stylist & Trend Specialist Paula Taylor. 'Decorating with neutrals works particularly well for entryways as they offer a sense of calm, helping to cleanse the mind of all the day's stresses the moment you walk through your front door.'

Paula Taylor

Paula is a Senior Stylist & Trend Specialist, working on design and colour trends within the busy Graham & Brown studio.

While Sarah Michelle has opted for an entirely neutral foyer, utilizing neutrals allows the opportunity to experiment with other elements of decor, from woven furniture to artistic light fixtures (see SMG's spiky glass piece). 

'Choosing a neutral base also gives you the freedom to get creative with your other furnishings,' Paula says. 'Why not experiment with different textures and tones to bring in visual interest elsewhere?'

Since the front entrance of the home is the first thing guests see, Paula has a recommendation to keep it looking fresh. 'Entryways are high-traffic areas, so to ensure this color maintains its clean look, be sure to opt for a durable matt paint which can withstand scrubbing,' she says. 

Shop our neutral entryway edit

Inspired? We can buy into the look with these soothing neutral picks below.