Your entryway is more often than not the first impression that guests have of the inside of your home - and we find that it's an area often completely neglected. We're all so busy these days, and it can be overwhelming to create a space that is as inviting as it is functional. Which in turn means that your entryway becomes a dumping ground for all of the stuff. Mail, backpacks, sweatshirts, shoes, it all piles up.
Here are our top tips for creating a functional, yet beautiful entryway for your family:
Anchor the space with a bench or console table/sideboard. If your household is one that puts on and removes shoes at the door, we usually recommend a bench with baskets underneath for shoe storage. If you have another space in your home for shoes, or don't take them off at the door, a console table or sideboard will anchor the space. In our Spring Lane project (pictured above), the family has a mudroom right off of their entryway, so we went with a console table with a small bench and basket tucked underneath.
Add a mirror. Mirrors are dual purpose in an entryway - they bring in light to an area that is often dark, and they can provide a quick glance to make sure there's nothing in your teeth as you open your front door.
Create a space for keys and mail. If you have an entryway console table or sideboard, create a spot for keys to be dropped and mail to be stored until it's sorted. Whether it's a small bowl and a tray, a basket, or a drawer, having a place to put keys and mail will help with clutter.
Add hooks for additional storage. We're firm believers that everything in your home should have a home. Meaning, you should have a spot for everything so that things don't pile up and create clutter (and add to your mental load of running your household). We like to add hooks to the wall of an entryway for everyday items that need to be grabbed on the way out - such as a jacket, your purse, etc. If you have a coat closet nearby, the back of that door is a great place to add Command hooks lower to the ground where kids can hang their own backpacks, sweatshirts etc.
It's always a challenge to create a space that is beautiful and functional for a busy family. But that's our superpower! We get to know our clients and their unique needs, and design a space that is right for their family.
Love our California casual style? If you have a project in mind, let's talk soon! Get in touch.