It’s often said that you only get one chance to make a first impression. Thankfully, there are many ways to impress when it comes to designing a compelling entryway. The first thing visitors see when they step inside your home, an inviting entry can set the tone for the rest of your décor and establish your aesthetic at a glance. Let these six elegant properties inspire your own grand entrance and make that first impression one worth capturing for posterity.

Contemporary Elegance in North Carolina

This waterfront oasis in Wilmington, North Carolina boasts a stone-lined entryway that guides guests into the house and beyond. A covered passageway leads to a tranquil outdoor retreat that features a swimming pool, fire pit, and a poolside kitchen and bar. The only thing more breathtaking than this fully outfitted outdoor entertaining area is the view of Masonboro Island and the Atlantic Ocean close at hand. Snap a photo from one of the home’s terraces, or consider the view through floor-to-ceiling windows that welcome outside in.

Stately Presence in Paris

In the heart of the 7th arrondissement is a refined residence that embodies classic Parisian style. Past the cobblestone courtyard lies a sumptuous 19th-century interior complemented by thoroughly modern amenities. The home includes a cinema room, a spacious professional kitchen, and a gym complete with sauna and steam room, but it’s the rich carpeting, sparkling chandeliers, and textured wall finishings of the entryway that make this property the epitome of luxury and worthy of an Instagram feed.

Rooms With a View in Florida

The moment you step into this home on gated Palm Island, you are greeted with breathtaking water views. But first, traverse the flagstone walk and enjoy the shifting shade of the palms as you are welcomed into a home that understands scale. The interior hall is an airy, two-story cathedral of stone and glass, where the bright surfaces mirror the glimmer of the bay outside. This fully-automated smart home offers options for dining and lounging inside and out, so that no matter the weather, comfort can be found in sight of the sea.

An Entrance With Impact in Dubai

This lavish Dubai home is likely to cause a stir the moment your guests cross the threshold. An arched window frames the home’s carved wooden doors, while ornately patterned floors and torch-inspired wall detailing complete the magnificent entryway. Located in the prestigious Emirates Hills, this estate home overlooks landscaped gardens, as well as the nearby lake and golf course.

A Poised Penthouse in New York

New York City has no shortage of glamorous homes, and this Park Avenue penthouse is no exception. A private elevator brings visitors into a sunlit entryway, where 12-foot ceilings, parquet floors, and a sweeping staircase await. Guests venturing further in will find a handsome library with a wood-burning fireplace and wet bar, a well-appointed living room, and views of Central Park and the famous Manhattan skyline. A landscaped terrace encircles the second floor, while the rooftop terrace offers charming seating nooks for photographers looking to stay a while. 

Country Elegance in Connecticut

Down a tree-lined drive on the cusp of a formal courtyard, this one-of-a-kind gated estate offers the ultimate in privacy and serenity. The manor’s exterior is adorned in classic brick and limestone in the Georgian style, giving way to light-filled interiors and a tiled reception area that will satisfy any follower of the hashtag #ihavethisthingwithfloors. Beyond the winding staircase and elevated country details are spacious family rooms and yards of decorative millwork. The ideal venue for sport, the home offers a professionally equipped gym and a regulation indoor tennis court. And with two spacious guest dwellings, you’re unlikely to ever lack a willing partner for doubles. 

Whether traditional or contemporary, sparsely furnished or adorned with art, a well-considered entryway offers a first glimpse of your home’s character and style. Welcome guests—and yourself—with a first impression that delights the eye.

Originally published in January 4, 2020 by sothebysrealty