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.

Bringing a touch of East Coast style to a desirable West Coast location, this new 6,300-square-foot home in El Medio Bluffs is filled with glorious light and a timeless, carefree ambience. Classical details—stately moldings, chair rails, paneled walls, and vintage-inspired hardware and fixtures—accent rooms that are open, generous, and subtly sophisticated. The overall palette is pleasingly minimalist, with fashionable white surfaces contrast serenely with the warm, soothing organic hues of the European oak floors and the greenery outdoors. Top-tier modern amenities— a Control4 smart home system, three zones of heating and air conditioning, and a home theater with a wet bar—contribute to the sense of comfort and ease.