How To Create A Welcoming Entry

We all know that the exterior of your home when maintained really creates a welcoming atmosphere but as your friends, family and guests enter your home that inviting feeling should also transfer into the entry. Also if you are staging your home for the real estate market, you will want that inviting feeling as soon as buyers walk in!  Make that first impression from the curb last and carry through to the inside of the home.



The entry is a key space in any home - you walk through it everyday!  It isn't a complete room like a living room or bedroom but it does play an important role.  It is often where we keep things like keys and mail or important pieces like school bags or brief cases.  We often do a final 'check' so see that our ties are straight or that we don't have lipstick on our teeth or a hair out of place.  The entry is well used and for multiple purposes.  It's important to have a well planned and organized entry for practical sake but also that is looks good.  When you look good you feel good - same goes for your living space.  If your entry is just a catch-all space, it will feel stressful space and set the tone for your day.

Here are some great pieces to spruce up that entry and create a warm and welcoming space.

1.  A Runner or area rug. 

Update your area rug with a bright runner which leads your guests into your home. Colour can really brighten up the space but pattern can also add some create visual interest.  Or try both! worried about mud and wet shoes, look for a rug in indoor/outdoor material - it's easy to clean so perfect for a family space.

 

 

2.  A Console Table

 A pretty console table with shelves is pretty and practical. There is a space to hold mail, keys and other home decor favorites. Wow your entryway with a pop of bright color or high gloss!There are many style options - glass, wood, colour, drawers, bottom shelf and different lengths too! for a small space like a condo - glass is a great option you have the surface space without the bulk.  We also love the idea of sliding a small cube or stool under and open console table, pull it out for some entry seating to put on boots and shoes.

 

 

3.  A Shiny Dish

 Everyone loves a shiny dish for your trinkets. Make it a habit to throw your keys and spare change in the dish - and never lose your keys again.The shine adds a reflect surface in the space.  Every room should have an element of shine for visual interest.  small storage can also be pretty.

 

 

4.  A Mirror.

 Add a decorative mirror to your entryway to lighten and brighten. Mirrors reflect light and make rooms appear larger.Plus it is so handy to have a mirror right there for a quick hair, teeth and make up check.  Try something decorative like a Starburst mirror - it's practical and pretty!  But choose a mirror that flows with the rest of the decor in your home.  So a more rustic space would look better with a hammered tin or wood frame mirror.

 

 

5.  Baskets for Storage.

This is another great piece for a busy family home.  Slide these in a corner or slide them under the console table.  Have a console table with a lower shelf? Baskets are perfect for that.  What to do with those basketballs, tennis rackets and other “stuff” that comes in the door daily. Keep everything in plain sight, but organized in a basket by the door. 

 

 

6.  Entry Bench

In a larger entry perhaps opt for a bench instead or a console.  An entryway bench with storage is a bonus. You have a place to sit while you pull your shoes on and off. And you get to hide those things you don’t want in sight.This is ideal for a family home as long as you have the space.

 

 

7. Coat rack.

Small entry or limited closet space? Try a Coat rack - very accessible and easy storage.  Coat racks hold more than coats! Backpacks, beach totes and gym bags need a place to hang as well. 

 

 

 

8. Chic Chandelier.

Entry lighting doesn't seem important but it is.  Your guests will need to be able to see when they are putting shoes on to get ready to go.  A chic chandelier can light up a dark entryway - plus add glam to your space. 
Whether you prefer brass, brushed gold, black wrought iron or painted metal, there are so many choices to suit your style.  If you have a really dark entry - consider a table lamp on your console for additional light in the space.  

 

 

9.  Art.

A mirror is great  but if you already have mirrored bi-fold doors right at your entry another mirror is just overkill.  Try adding some art or photography at the front again creating a welcoming space.

 

 

With these easy 9 pieces you can create a  welcoming and useful entry space. 

We Answer Wednesday - Missing Mudroom

I am a busy mom with 3 busy kids.  I love my home but it is missing a mudroom - it is a space I desperately need but moving is not an option, neither is a costly renovation.  I really need a space for their school stuff, sport equipment and items for other activities and even a spot for the dogs leash. Any suggestions on what I can do? Please help me!!

No need to stress - life with kids is very busy and do they ever come with a lot of stuff!

But you definitely have options.  It just depends on the layout of your home.

If you have a garage entry door into the home you could try using some of your garage space for a 'mud room'  without renovating.

Try this....




Right in the garage add some hooks, shelf and baskets for kids coats, mitts, hats etc....Add an affordable shoe rack for shoes (outdoor and indoor) and in the spring months add an umbrella holder.  To keep organized add a bulletin board for notices, calendars etc....Plus add a few art pieces to keep it decorative and looking like a part of the home.  Need even more storage? Try adding a slim bench like the Kallax from IKEA and add baskets to various items plus you can sit on it to put on shoes and boots and the surface space can be used to 'hold' other items like back backs and other items you need to grab and go





Additional shelving, hooks and a bench for seating makes for a simple and functional 'mudroom' in the garage and don't forget boot trays and a hook for the dog!


This is very easy and affordable - you could do this in a weekend! And if you are ever selling your home this is a great way to show life without a mudroom



Another option.....



So this is an example of what you could do in the entry. Hooks for bags and coats, calendars, a clock and some shelving.  These plastic shoe mats with a slight lip are great for catching (and keeping slush and dirt).  A small chair or a slim bench could also be added to this arrangement to offer up some seating.

Another option, if you have a small entry ...try the hallway





These simple frames bulletin boards for each child is a way to keep papers and schedules organized plus a hook for the back packs. we would suggest additional hooks for coats.  This could be set up in a hallway near the bedrooms or a high traffic area like the kitchen

Just remember to think bout what you need and incorporate that into your 'mudroom' set up and it will be useful and because these solutions are easy and affordable, you can make adjustments as your needs change.