A home's entryway is often the most overlooked space in a home, but this is the first place that family, friends and neighbors are greeted, and it is the first interior space that reflects your decorating taste and style.

I've found that entryways present a number of challenges -- either they are too large, too small or there isn't one at all, because the front door opens directly into the living room.

Entries in larger homes are often ignored by homeowners because they feel the wonderful volume of space beyond is more important. I always encourage clients to use the smaller, friendlier area to greet guests, and remember that it is an everyday welcoming area for the family.

Decorating an entryway that precedes an expansive space can be as simple as arranging complementary pieces just inside the door, such as a combination of a large wall mirror placed directly over a console table, along with a pretty fern in a simple basket to fill the open area beneath.

Oriental rugs are wonderful in entries because they look beautiful, add color, wear well and tend to hide dirt. If you have the space, add a ficus or palm tree along with a side chair.

A table or a chest can create a wonderful area for tablescaping, using accessories that introduce the style of your home. Often, an attractive chest of drawers placed in an entry can anchor the area, and serve as storage.

A floral arrangement, which picks up the color scheme of the room beyond, adds a nice touch, provides fragrance and reflects pleasingly in the mirror above. It also allows you and your guests to check your appearance as you come and go. A large piece of art usually does not work well in an entryway, because you cannot step back far enough to effectively appreciate it.

The wall color of the entryway should be light and bright (off-white, pink or pale shades of green or blue), which will provide a positive and welcoming feeling that invites everyone into the rest of your home. It is important for the entry to be well-lit. If the natural light is not adequate, augment with a chandelier, wall sconces or a table lamp with a pink light bulb --similar to candlelight, it casts a warm, soft glow.

With a smaller entryway, your choice could be a bench, an umbrella stand and cluster of interesting wall hooks. Remember that if you install ceiling molding, it will draw the eye up and make the space seem larger, and for a contemporary space, you might consider a sisal carpet as a floor covering, as it tends to be lighter, neutral and textural.

For those who do not actually have a "formal" entryway, whether in apartment or condominium living or a smaller home, there are ways to create the illusion of an entryway.

Something as simple as a small area rug and a wall shelf can convey the appearance of an entryway, and a "floating" bookcase will separate space without blocking the light or the view. Accessorizing with colorful items that look good from all sides will add dimension to every viewing angle. A planter or two or a low decorative screen, can visually define the space between the front door and living space. A sofa or love seat, placed with its back to the entry, separates the space visually, and adding a sofa table with accessories and an attractive lamp will really increase the impact.

Regardless of what you place in your entryway, always keep in mind that you want to create a warm feeling that welcomes your guests.

Ruthanne Hatfield, of Napa, is an interior designer and a certified interior redesign and staging specialist. She redecorates home and office interiors with existing furnishings, as well as staging homes for resale. Her work is featured on Home & Garden TV, and she gives decorating workshops and career training classes in interior redesign and staging. She can be reached at (877) 441-2844 or www.interiorplacement.com.