Modern Contemporary Entrance Design-Project Journey
Hello friends! I’m thrilled to take you along on the journey of my latest project where we have designed a lobby area and a safety door at the entrance of a beautiful home.
The lovely Thakur Family wanted their 25-foot-wide lobby to make a statement while maintaining a modern contemporary aesthetic with a subtle traditional touch. Their key requirements were:
- A design that elevates the space without taking up much floor area.
- Incorporating their existing shoe rack into the design.
- A sustainable approach by upcycling furniture rather than replacing it.
Planning the Design
After multiple discussions and idea exchanges, we decided on a sleek and seamless design approach. The first step? Accurate measurements of the space and existing furniture to ensure a perfect fit.
To maintain a clutter-free look, we utilized an existing beam, extending it by just 1 inch from below to accommodate concealed lighting. Painting it in the same wall color ensures a seamless appearance, while the 4-inch floor-depth panel subtly enhances the depth and aesthetics.
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The Design Approach
Our goal was simple: keep it minimal yet make it stand out. To achieve this, we curated a modern material palette with carefully selected elements such as fluted panels for texture and elegance, minimalist door handle for a clean, sophisticated look and matte black jaali to add a subtle contrast.
To infuse a contemporary touch, we introduced an inverted arch design in the nameplate panel, making it a striking yet harmonious element in the space. At the same time, we balanced the modern aesthetic with traditional elements such as Jute-textured laminate for warmth and character, Gold T-patti accents for an elegant, timeless touch and curated paintings that add cultural depth without overwhelming the space.
Below are the design suggestions for the front elevation, showcasing how we brought together these elements to create a sophisticated yet welcoming entrance.
When designing this 25-foot-wide lobby, one of our key considerations was to keep costs in check while ensuring a visually appealing and well-balanced space. Instead of doing full-length paneling across the walls— which could feel heavy and expensive—we opted for a strategic, minimal approach to enhance the aesthetics while maintaining openness.
Key Design Decisions
- Selective Wall Paneling: Instead of covering the entire wall, we installed minimal panels on both sides—one to accommodate the doorbell and the other for the nameplate, ensuring functionality without overwhelming the space.
- Seamless Shoe Rack Integration: The existing shoe rack was repositioned but not removed, allowing it to merge seamlessly into the design, making the entrance feel like a cohesive unit rather than separate elements.
- Gold T-Patti Accents: To achieve a rich yet modern look, we incorporated T-patti detailing on both sides of the walls. This added a subtle touch of traditional elegance while tying the entire space together harmoniously.
Material Palette & Textures
Below is the material palette for this space, showcasing how different textures and finishes come together to create a cohesive, well-balanced design. Each material was carefully selected to complement the overall aesthetic while ensuring durability and sophistication.
MATERIAL PALETTE
Now, let’s take a look at the 3D render of the designed space! These visuals truly bring out the details and thought process behind every design decision.
A key highlight of this project is the upcycled shoe rack, which has been seamlessly integrated into the contemporary design. Instead of replacing it, we carefully reimagined its placement and surroundings to ensure it blends perfectly with the new aesthetic.
To maintain design consistency, we introduced an arched element above the shoe rack, thoughtfully aligned with the inverted arch detail on the nameplate panel. This repetition of form ties the space together, creating a cohesive and intentional design.
Doesn’t the upcycled shoe rack look like the perfect fit in this setup?
3D
To enhance the traditional essence without overpowering the modern aesthetic, we incorporated traditional art frames into the space. These carefully chosen frames add depth and cultural character while maintaining the overall sleek and contemporary look.
Before & After: The Transformation
Now, let’s dive straight into the before-and-after photos of the space!
Below, you can see how the shoe rack originally looked and how beautifully it has been upcycled to blend seamlessly with the new design. The transformation showcases how thoughtful redesigning can breathe new life into an existing piece, ensuring it not only serves its purpose but also enhances the overall aesthetic.
BEFORE
AFTER
A key design feature in this space is the arch element, which has been thoughtfully curated to enhance the overall aesthetic. We crafted this arch using a jute-textured laminate, which beautifully complements the grey base laminate, creating a perfect balance between warmth and sophistication.
The contrast in textures not only adds depth to the design but also reinforces the seamless blend of modern and traditional elements in the space. This carefully chosen combination ensures that the arch stands out while maintaining harmony with the rest of the interior.
Take a look below the door panel, where the new safety door has been thoughtfully integrated into the design. The sleek lines and modern finish of the safety door complement the overall aesthetic while ensuring that the entrance is both secure and stylish.
The minimalist design of the door aligns with the contemporary theme, allowing it to seamlessly blend into the space while still standing out as a functional yet elegant feature.
BEFORE
AFTER
The name plate wall serves as the focal point of the entire space, carefully curated and crafted on-site to create an elegant statement. We’ve used a blend of jute laminate, fluted laminate, and a profile light behind the nameplate to highlight this feature, giving it both depth and a soft glow.
The nameplate itself is kept minimal, designed by a local artist using resin to give it a contemporary and refined look. This adds a personal touch to the space while ensuring that the overall design remains clean and modern.
The combination of materials and the strategic lighting truly makes the name plate wall stand out as a unique feature in the entrance.
NAME PLATE PANEL
And here it is—the view of the old and new safety door in all its glory. The sleek design, combined with the thoughtful integration of the surrounding elements, ensures that it’s both functional and stylish, adding an extra layer of security while enhancing the overall aesthetic of the entrance.
BEFORE
AFTER
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BEFORE
You can check out more photos of this exciting project here and get a closer look at the details that bring this design to life.
I truly hope you enjoyed the overall design and the thought
process behind every element we introduced. If you have any feedback or
questions, feel free to DM on instagram page—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Do let me know how you find the overall design and most importantly the thought process!!
Remember to here to keep getting updates.
Until Then Take care and Keep learning!!
See you soon…
Megha Srivastava
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