Designing Your
Entrance
As we approach any building for the first time the entryway
gives us the first impression and prepares us for entering
the building. Therefore, a smooth, functional and visually
attractive design will enhance the experience. There are many
things to consider such as: the access, traffic pattern and
capacity, climate, privacy, the house appearance, and the
proportions of the front door.
Just as our driveway is usually the most direct way to reach
a garage, our entryway should follow the same rule. A pathway
that in order to look more interesting changes directions
will become irritating and some visitors might take short
cuts. Even if the focus is on creating direct access, there
is still space for pleasant curves or alternating rectangles.
The path should reflect the amount of traffic; for one person
a 2 to 3 ft wide path would work, but it is more desirable
to create enough space for two people to walk side by side
by allowing 4 to 6 ft or more. The landing area by the door
should not be too small that it is not awkward to open the
door. The landing should also be a place where a group of
people can have a conversation.
Climate conditions directly influence the design of the entrance.
For instance, if we live in a windy climate, we can decrease
the winds by choosing to plant trees or shrubs as a windbreak.
If we are expecting loads of snow every winter, situating
the path and landing away from snow sliding off of the roof
should be considered. In a sunny location, installing structures
that will create shade or planting shrubs or trees will make
it more pleasant for our visitors to approach the house.
Our house and entryway should complement each other’s
styles. We can achieve that by sensitively choosing materials
and plants. This applies to material used for pathways, landings,
retaining walls, fences, gates or planters as well as for
trees, shrubs and perennials. As we choose plant materials,
proportion is a main factor. We should always incorporate
evergreens for all-year interest as well as choose plants
that will complement each other through the seasons. Plants
should look attractive from the house as well as from the
street.
Our privacy is an important part of creating a comfortable
feeling when entering the house. I do encourage creating a
small room in the entrance area that feels partly separated
from the street; usually surroundings determine if that is
possible.
I choose plant material in this order: First I look for the
right place for a focal point tree or shrub. This could include
more than one specimen, depending on the size of the entrance
area and its situation. After that, I choose evergreen shrubs
to create a foundation, closely paying attention to their
mature size because evergreens that crowd an entrance could
be a problem. Next, I work with flowering shrubs and perennials
to soften the look.
Lighting is another crucial factor. The major role for lighting
is to help people see their way to the door, but it should
not just accomplish that. When the front of the house is attractively
illuminated, the lighting could play an aesthetic role and
catch our attention from the outside as well from the inside
of the house. A softly lit landscape will extend our enjoyment
through evening hours, especially in the winter months.
To sum up, because first impressions are so important, we
should plan an entrance area that will feel spacious as well
as cozy, private and welcoming; It should be balanced but
not symmetrical and attractive through all seasons and times
of the day.
Viktorie Hladik
Horticulturist
Landscape Designer
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