The moment guests cross your threshold, your entryway sets the tone for their entire experience within your home. This transitional space offers a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, travels, and design sensibilities before anyone even reaches your living room. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell mastered this concept in their former Malibu beachfront residence, where they created a stunning Balinese-inspired entrance that tells a story of global exploration and refined taste.
The couple's former home, which later found new ownership with Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds, exemplifies how collected treasures from around the world can transform a simple foyer into a captivating gallery of personal history. The design demonstrates that an entryway should be more than just a pass-through space—it should be a narrative experience that immediately communicates the home's character and the inhabitants' journeys.
Jennifer Guerin, Interior Designer and Founder of JG Color Studios in San Diego, emphasizes this philosophy: "I believe an entryway should tell a story the moment you step inside. Handmade pieces collected globally – like a textile or ceramic – carry heritage, artistry, and a grounded palette that instantly adds soul and creates a warm, intentional first impression without overpowering the space." This approach perfectly captures the essence of Hawn's design strategy, where each piece contributes to a cohesive yet eclectic aesthetic.
The Balinese style that Hawn embraced draws heavily from Southeast Asian design principles, emphasizing natural materials, handcrafted details, and a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This aesthetic values authenticity over perfection, celebrating the unique imperfections that make handmade items so compelling. The result is an entryway that feels both exotic and welcoming, sophisticated yet approachable.
Several key elements define this global-inspired look and make it achievable for homeowners seeking to infuse their entryways with similar character. First, consider incorporating a statement sculpture as a focal point. In Hawn's home, a seated Buddha figure positioned on the mezzanine level overlooking the entranceway creates an immediate sense of tranquility and spiritual grounding. Such pieces serve as conversation starters while establishing a meditative atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the chaos of daily life.
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood, and Hawn's choice of an oversized paper lantern demonstrates how a single fixture can dramatically impact a space. This nod to Chinese design traditions brings soft, diffused light that flatters both the architecture and the collected objects below. The paper lantern trend, once considered dated, is experiencing a surprising resurgence as homeowners seek alternatives to harsh overhead lighting and mass-produced fixtures. These sculptural lights add architectural interest while maintaining the organic, handcrafted feel central to the global aesthetic.
Seating in an entryway serves both functional and decorative purposes, and Hawn's selection reflects deep appreciation for historical craftsmanship. An ornate, lacquered bench reminiscent of Qing Dynasty designs features intricate cut-work cloud motifs that showcase the incredible skill of traditional artisans. Such pieces don't just provide a place to remove shoes; they function as functional art, offering daily utility while displaying museum-quality craftsmanship. The deep, rich finishes typical of these benches create a striking contrast against lighter walls or natural wood tones.
Wall art in a global entryway should feel collected rather than curated. Hawn's incorporation of oversized decorative leaves made from Indonesian bamboo and dried twigs demonstrates how organic materials can create dramatic impact. These pieces work beautifully when mounted directly on walls, arranged up a stairwell, or even displayed in large vessels as sculptural elements. They bring literal pieces of the natural world indoors while supporting artisan communities in Southeast Asia. The scale of these pieces is particularly important—oversized elements prevent the space from feeling cluttered while making bold statements about your design confidence.
Storage solutions in a global aesthetic must balance practicality with beauty. A mandala-style carved wooden cabinet provides essential hidden storage while serving as a stunning decorative element. The intricate geometric patterns typical of mandala designs draw the eye and create visual rhythm, while the solid wood construction speaks to longevity and sustainability. These pieces often feature hand-carved details that can take months to complete, making each cabinet a unique work of art that honors traditional woodworking techniques.
Implementing this travel-inspired design approach doesn't require actually traveling the world or purchasing expensive antiques. Many contemporary retailers now work directly with international artisans to create authentic pieces at accessible price points. The key is selecting items that genuinely resonate with you rather than simply following trends. Each piece should evoke a memory, dream, or aspiration, creating a personal connection that makes your entryway uniquely yours.
When arranging your global entryway, consider the principles of visual balance and storytelling. Place larger pieces, like a carved bench or cabinet, against walls to anchor the space. Use vertical elements like sculptures or hanging lanterns to draw the eye upward and emphasize ceiling height. Layer in medium-sized items like textiles or wall art to create depth, and finish with smaller objects like bowls or books that invite closer inspection.
Color palettes in global design tend toward earth tones—deep browns, warm ochres, muted terracottas, and natural wood finishes. These shades create a grounded feeling that complements the organic materials and handcrafted textures. However, don't shy away from occasional vibrant accents found in traditional textiles or ceramics, as these pops of color can bring energy and prevent the space from feeling too subdued.
The beauty of this aesthetic lies in its flexibility and personal nature. While Hawn's Balinese-inspired entryway serves as inspiration, your version might incorporate Moroccan textiles, Mexican ceramics, African sculptures, or Scandinavian woodwork. The unifying principle is intentionality—each piece should be chosen with care and arranged with purpose.
Beyond aesthetics, creating a global entryway supports sustainable design practices and artisan communities worldwide. By choosing handmade items over mass-produced alternatives, you're investing in traditional crafts that might otherwise disappear. This approach to decorating carries ethical weight, making your design choices not just beautiful but meaningful.
The well-traveled aesthetic also offers practical benefits for modern living. The emphasis on natural materials and quality craftsmanship means these pieces often outlast trendy alternatives, providing better long-term value. The neutral color palettes and timeless designs adapt easily to evolving tastes, allowing you to refresh your space by simply rearranging existing pieces rather than completely redecorating.
As you develop your own global entryway, remember that authenticity trumps perfection. The slight irregularities in a hand-carved cabinet, the variations in a naturally-dyed textile, or the patina on a vintage sculpture are not flaws—they're evidence of human touch and historical depth. These characteristics create the soul that Jennifer Guerin references, transforming your entryway from a mere transitional space into a meaningful prelude to your home.
Goldie Hawn's approach demonstrates that the most compelling interiors don't come from following rigid design rules but from collecting pieces that speak to your experiences and aspirations. Your entryway becomes a daily reminder of the vast, beautiful world beyond your door while creating a warm, intentional welcome for everyone who enters. By embracing this global perspective, you create not just a beautiful space, but a living story that continues to evolve with each new treasure you discover.