Our Lifestyle Expert’s Glam Micro-Makeover Gave Her Entryway a Smart Design — for All the Senses

published Aug 15, 2023
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Credit: Photo: Armando Rafael; Stylist: Margaret Ward

You know that one accessory, maybe it’s a statement necklace or a cool pair of sneakers, that instantly makes any outfit 10 percent more stylish? There are spots in our homes like that too. They don’t take much work to shine (that’s the whole point!), yet they look amazing. And they make the rest of your home look amazing too.

That’s the vibe that Charli Penn, Apartment Therapy’s Executive Lifestyle Director, wanted to bring to a sleepy spot in her space: the entryway. It’s just a quick pass-through on the way into her home, but she knew a couple little tweaks would infuse it with her distinctive style and personality. We can’t think of a warmer welcome home every day.

Credit: Photo: Armando Rafael; Stylist: Margaret Ward

Charli’s vibe refresh was all about designing for the senses: choosing the colors, textures, shapes, and — don’t forget! — scents that would elevate this often-overlooked area. Engaging all of our senses is when design really clicks into something special and we feel even more at home. Glade® PlugIns® Scented Oil MaxControl adds an aromatic ambiance with five adjustable settings for long-lasting, consistent, customizable fragrance.

“I love an easy win, and giving a low-lift update to an empty hallway felt like a fun, unexpected way to add drama to my home,” she says.

Credit: Photo: Armando Rafael; Stylist: Margaret Ward

Seeing Charli at the office is always the highlight of our days, so we love to see her bright energy translated in this entryway. A pair of wavy statement mirrors boost light (helpful in this little nook!) and have a practical use (you can still check your look in them on the way out the door.)

Her console table is equally bold, with gilded feet and enough eye-catching sculptural drawers to contain everyday clutter like mail, gloves, and hats. A bold floral arrangement adds shape, color, and a touch of nature.

We might not always think of scent as a design element, but the right one can really capture the mood of your space and your personality — just like a spritz of your favorite perfume or cologne can complete an outfit. Glade® PlugIns® Scented Oil MaxControl in Aqua Waves welcomes Charli home with a combination of island flowers, salt air, and ocean breeze.

Credit: Photo: Armando Rafael; Stylist: Margaret Ward

The MaxControl is the most adjustable among Glade Plugins, with 33 percent more scent release control for any size room — so she can come home to a space that looks, and smells, like home. “We keep our dial turned to the max, because we have two dogs roaming around and we do a lot of cooking,” Charli says. “We like to ensure that no other household smells can compete with this goodness.”