The Entryway
Threshold. Transition. First Impression.
The entryway is a threshold, a boundary we must cross to either enter or exit a space. It both ushers us into the world and welcomes us back when we return. Since it is the first place anyone interacts with upon arrival and the last place they occupy before departing, it makes a lasting impression.
In astrology, the first house or rising sign is considered a person’s mask. It speaks to, among other things, the first impressions we make on other people. Within a space, the entryway takes on the same role, setting the tone for the rest of the space. We can glean a lot about a home and its inhabitants simply by observing the way the entryway functions.
While function is important in all rooms, it is particularly important in the entryway. Whether the entryway is cluttered or organized informs how we interact with it. When we know where everything lives it is easy to run out the door to chase our next adventure. When systems are absent we may linger on the threshold upon arrival. We hesitate, immediately confronted by decisions, unsure of our next move. If we must decide where to put our possessions whenever we return home we inevitably find ourselves hunting around for them the next time we try to leave, racking our brains to remember where we put them earlier. A chaotic entrance sets a chaotic tone.
Serving as a launch pad and landing pad it is important to set the entryway up for both our arrivals and departures. Designated homes for coats, shoes, wallets, bags, keys, umbrellas, etc. are paramount. A well-designed entryway effortlessly welcomes new guests into a space when its systems are obvious. Visual cues easily indicate where coats, shoes, and any other accessories belong. When there is a clear system for where things live we can transition confidently and efficiently.
Since the entryway is a space we pass through en route to an exterior destination, it is not an environment we are prone to linger in. Much like the bedroom, it is a space of transition. Where the bedroom transitions us through time and consciousness, the entryway transitions us through physical space. It enables us to move from the home out into the vaster world. It is a place of preparation and organization, holding everything we may need as we journey outside of the home.
Our exterior objects—the pieces we carry with us when we go out into the world—live in the entryway. Shoes and coats protect us from the elements when we venture into the elements, as do hats, gloves, and umbrellas. Wallets enable us to acquire any goods and services we may need. Keys offer us peace of mind, keeping our homes safe and secure when we step out the door. Together these pieces enable us to smoothly navigate the world at large.
Energetically these exterior objects pick up lots of energy as they move with us through the world. Any opportunity we have to separate ourselves from the energy of the outside world is welcomed so it is a good habit physically to leave these pieces at the door. For this reason, it is nice to establish a shoe-free home as much as possible. Not only is it tidier from a housekeeping perspective, but it also keeps exterior and interior energies separate, clarifying what is truly ours and what is not.
Not everyone has a nice big foyer or mudroom with closets and built-ins so we make do with the space we have. If you have the real estate, benches or seats are a nice touch, particularly when navigating inclement weather. Often in apartments, the entryway is simply a door. Don’t be afraid to get creative. Doors and walls can store things too. An honest system that works for us is far superior to a fancy one that doesn’t quite fit. As is often the case, simple is often best.
TO CONTEMPLATE:
What is your first impression upon walking into your home? What catches your eye?
Consider the visual cues of your entryway. Does everything have a designated home? If you invited another into your home would they be able to navigate your entry system?
Is there room for your energy to land when you return home? How do you feel making a quick exit? Are there any shifts you can make to your entryway systems to simplify your departures and returns?
-MRD
