While Arts and Crafts architectural appeal begins at the curb the interior appeal begins with the entrance hall or foyer. This area gives the guest the legend to the home’s décor intention. The entryway is the pivotal point, the hub of the home, where everyone must come through to get to the rest of the rooms. As first impressions go, an Arts and Crafts home should begin its personal statement of honest simplicity at its threshold.

Every home’s entryway is sized differently but no matter what we have to work with, a grand hall and staircase or no formal entry at all, we can create the illusion of a welcoming room for guests. Treatment of the entryway should create a warm place for greeting and welcoming the arrival of both family and friends. Using organic elements like woods and metalwork accessories and lighting you can create the cozy Arts and Crafts bungalow you desire.

Whether your home has a hardwood entryway or tiled foyer the laying down of a warm rug in deep red hues as a runner or full rug makes a large statement of style and reception. Pick out a signature piece for your themed entrance like a formal hall table or library table crafted in sturdy native hardwoods. There are many to choose from, like one of the many Amish created Mission inspired tables. This sturdy and well used table will help organize the home and family by having a place for mail, keys and homework.

If there is no hall closet for coats and winter accessories then a rack hung on the wall will be needed. If space or arrangement allows then the next most important piece is a handsome but utilitarian wooden chair or bench near the door. This seating will allow you a place to take on and off your shoes, help children with coats, a seat for guests to wait, or even a practical place to put bags and coats as you enter the home. A solid wood dining room chair or leather upholstered chair is a wise selection for durability since this is a high traffic area.

Placing a metal ware or a naturally painted and glazed pottery bowl on the hall table for keys and loose change will keep the table neat and the keys easier to find. A metalware lamp, preferably in bronze with an amber glass shade will cast a warm golden glow over your entry portal. Lanterns with candles lit or lantern-shaped electrical lighting in sconces or chandeliers add the elements desired in Arts and Crafts designs. The placement of a long case modern Grandfather inspired clock made by Amish innovators is perfection in the one area where time is imperative; in the comings and goings of the front door.

If you are looking for single piece that is full of decorative impact as well as functionality there is no better piece to invest in than an Amish Hall Tree or Hall Bench. No solitary piece of furniture functions so inclusively as, for example, the Rustic Hall Bench. The Rustic Hall Bench is a solid wood paneled bench with architectural interest as well as coat racks, seating and storage.