It’s officially peak guest season, and if you’re like us, you want your entryway to look swoon-worthy from the moment guests enter. Whatever the occasion—whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party, or a book club gathering—nothing beats a well-designed entrance that leaves a lasting impression.

On the other hand, the entryway is the last space you see when you leave the house and the first space to welcome you home – so you can make it work for you. The trade-off: let it tell a story that would interest others, but also let it feel like a warm hug you’ll be happy to come into after a hard day.

If you’ve been dying to update your entryway but aren’t sure where to start, here are eight essentials that make an entryway look like a pro.

Statement Lighting

Statement lighting is often reserved for the living room and dining room, but not for Isabel Runsewe, founder of Isy’s Interior. According to her, the entryway is a great place to update your lighting and make the space more upscale.

“It can be as simple as swapping out light bulbs for a more appropriate shade, to replacing lights and adding medallions,” she says. “Choosing the right shades of lighting for your space adds a level of warmth and sophistication and sets a relaxed atmosphere.”

Depending on your style, you can go all out with sculptural lighting fixtures, make a subtle statement with some vintage lamps, or maybe even invest in elegant table lamps that serve as conversation starters.

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Any mirror, plain or non-pointing

For interior designer Laura of Laura Solensky Design, no entryway is complete without a mirror.

“Any size entry can accommodate some sort of mirror so you can check your appearance before you leave the house,” she notes.

What’s more, mirrors help brighten up the space, making it a must-have for any gloomy pint-sized entryway.

Curated Artwork

Besides instantly elevating a space from bland to advanced design, the artwork creates a welcoming mood that would make anyone feel at ease.

And if you think that decorating the walls of the entrance has to be a huge investment, you are wrong. Simply frame your existing family photos or print out some snaps from your phone to make the area feel more personal without breaking the bank.

Oversized pieces

If there’s one guaranteed way to make a lasting impression on your guests, it’s by adding large pieces.

“I like to add large pieces of decor around the entryway because it allows for style in this space without cluttering it,” explains interior designer and lifestyle influencer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey. Think large lanterns, candles and vases.

Her rule, however, is to avoid cluttering the space with a bunch of little things. Doing so will only make your entryway look cluttered and cramped. Instead, she suggests keeping this space open to create flow throughout your home.

Storage Solutions

In addition to looking beautiful and harmonious, the entrance to your home should, most importantly, serve the needs of your family on a daily basis.

Malarkey swears by a stylish entryway table or console. Not only is it a great place to add decorative items that make a good first impression of your style choices, but you can also use it to store grab-and-go items.

Prints and textures

For a dose of fun, you can’t go wrong with textured walls and wallpaper – just ask Malarkey.

“I love a good print and a good texture! Anything that will make the space pop and immediately grab your guest’s attention,” says Malarkey.

Runsewe is also a very team wallpaper, but advises that the overall aesthetic should match the rest of your home.

“Depending on the client, it can be fun to use a bright and bold background, but I also enjoy using more muted tones to accommodate seasonal changes in decor,” says Runsewe.

Stylish floor treatments

Just like your walls, your entryway floor also deserves attention. If your floorboards are looking a little old and tired, give them a nice refresh with a coat of varnish – or maybe floor paint if you’re feeling brave.

Of course, a runner or rug is always a welcome addition to an entryway for two specific reasons, according to Solenski. First, it’s functional for wiping feet and keeping messes at bay. Second, it aesthetically brings color, pattern and personality to the space.

And if you have the budget to replace your floors, why not turn them into a dramatic feature? Malarkey’s suggestion: fun graphics tiles.

“I like to add something unexpected to add drama to the space and really make a great first impression with guests,” she says.

Personal items

After all, what is home if not personal? Let’s say you like to read. You can line your long hallway with a built-in bookshelf.

Or maybe you’re an aspiring plant parent. In this case, add trees, flowers and plants – and maybe even drape some vines around the mirror for a jungle look.

“Customizing the space with something unique about you or your family is always a great way to start a conversation when guests arrive,” says Malarkey. “This can be honoring your heritage by displaying family heirlooms such as pictures and crockery, or even displaying something you love and are passionate about!”