Over here at the Jungalow we talk a lot about interiors–but today we’re gonna venture outside a little bit, right outside actually, to the home’s entrance. The entrance to a home is a really important place. It’s like a palate cleanser–it’s a perfect spot to tell guests and neighbors a little story about who lives inside. Of course the space needs to be functional too so I’ve teamed up with Target Style to share some ideas of how to really make an entrance.
This post is an exciting one as it’s the first post that we shot at our brand new digs, the #JungalowByTheRiver. I love the character in this Spanish-Style Jungalow: The archways, the orange trim, the terracotta tile roof, and obvs, all the plants–but I knew that we could pump up the volume a little bit to make this space more fun and more functional especially since (unlike our rental) in this place we’re actually gonna have a guest room–so I’m excited to host friends and family this summer.
First, we decided to add another color to the mix to provide some contrast. We started with this this navy blue patio rug which we used in lieu of a traditional welcome mat. It adds a much needed pop of pattern to the space and is larger than a regular welcome mat–so the space almost ends up looking like a little room. It’s the perfect little introduction to our patternful world.
We then found a navy bird-feeder to tie in the navy accent color even more. I think that hanging elements add a ton of character to an outdoor space whether it be a bird feeder, hanging planter or outdoor pendant lamp. Hanging elements make the space feel more intimate.
We included a small ottoman/side table here. It’s always nice to have a place to set down a purse or mail while unlocking the door. It’s also a good place for fresh flowers or statement leaves to make the space feel welcoming, too–just the kind of thing I’d add if I was expecting guests. We used a couple of beverage tubs and a bowl as planters here too.
Another element that we added was a little thrift-store painting on the wall. It’s a tropical vignette that I feel announces “Welcome to the Jungalow!” I love seeing art (or mirrors!) outdoors. It adds that little unexpected flair to an entrance.
I love the way the space looks from the inside too–which is also important (especially since our front door is glass!) The outdoor rug kind of looks like patterned tile to me–which echoes some of the design elements we’re adding to our home’s interior. Now we just have to finish the inside–so that when guests do come, don’t don’t just hang out in our adorable entryway ;). Do you spend time decorating your exterior or is it all about the interior for you?
*Photography by Danae Horst
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Barbara says
Great post! I love the idea of plants at the entrance. I’ll be moving from my 2 bedroom apartment to a town home next month and can’t wait to start decorating with plants. First on my list – the entrance! I think this could be the less difficult spacec to tackle ( for me anyway) because it is small compared to the interior where the choices are endless. Thanks for sharing.
Justina Blakeney says
congrats on the move! It’s true that tackling the entrance is less intimidating–it can help set the tone for what goes on in the house to…Good luck with your move!!
Shavonda says
Love it Justina. I adore your entryway with the arches and recessed doorway. Ours is recessed too and i think that allows for so much more space and decorating maximization. I love the pairing of orange and navy. Love thr patterned rug and all the plants. I also love that your front door is a french door. This is definitely an entryway that says “Welcome to Our Home”.
Justina Blakeney says
awww thanks Shavonda!!
Carole says
I love this and it’s seeing things like it that make me wish I lived in a sunnier climate. The (sun)light here (the UK) in general doesn’t really lend itself to this kind of outdoor decoration: when the sun does come out it might not last all that long before the next rain sets in and everything needs to be carried inside ;-)
Justina Blakeney says
Haha! Good point. This post is very sunny-climate-centric. I’ll have to brainstorm ideas for folks who get lots of rain!
Evita says
Beautiful! Your hydrangeas are gorgeous and I hope you post pics when your plumeria blooms. The painting reminds me of some Marco Ernesto art in our home.
aprilneverends says
Oh I’m so exciting to see it happening! Your entry is very welcoming; I love, love the idea of using art outdoors, and our (future) entrance might also allow for that, since it has arches and a little roof; but won’t it get ruined by the weather? I know that winter is virtually non-existent in Southern CA for three years already; and I have a vintage-not-too-precious-but-lovely painting in the kids’ bath right now, and it’s doing great; but still…
On the other hand, there are so many choices for wall art that will work in rain, sun, etc: say, ceramics; or I love mirrors too.
But your painting looks just so, so adorable. That’s one cool-or should I say warm?-entrance.
Justina Blakeney says
Ya it’s a good point about the art piece getting ruined. I found this piece at a thrift shop for $5 so even if I enjoy it out there for a year–and then switch in out for something else It feels worth it. I certainly woudln’t put anything too precious out there, though.
Parker says
I love watching your home grow. I adore the little space you’ve built by the front door. The idea of putting a painting outdoors really inspires me.
Personally, I don’t love the rattan side table with gold planter in front of the window. It looks a bit out of place and perhaps over-staged.
Regardless, you’re the bombdiggity.
Justina Blakeney says
haha. You might be right. Thanks for you two cents!
elaine says
hi! where is that lavender/purple planter from?
Justina Blakeney says
HI Elaine, It was actually just at the house already when we bought it, so I’m not sure. Sorry about that.
Bianca says
Wow! I’ve missed a lot, did you get a house? Can someone fill me in?
Justina Blakeney says
Hi Bianca! Yes we bought a house last month! We move in at the end of the week!!! Eeep! Stay tuned for more… :D
Michelle says
Oh how I miss some of the So Cal architecture (in Denver now). Your place is wonderful. And I love the orange and blue combo at the front entrance.
Dee says
I love the upgrade! I do have exterior decor of sorts, a welcome mat and assorted pots of plants. I actually have that navy rug in the larger size in my living room. I’ve found outdoor rugs to be fantastic for hiding and easily removing dirt (four kiddos and a dog=dirt everywhere).
Justina Blakeney says
Yes! Outdoors rugs are such a good option for inside especially where kids and pets are involved!
Elizabeth B says
Love a well styled porch/exterior! It’s the first thing people see so I feel like it needs to give them a hint of what’s inside! :)
Where is the streaky blue and white vase with the palm leaf in it from?