We Answer Wednesday - How to Style a Front Entry Console Table

"I have a console table in my front hall.  It's great for mail and keys but it's a bit messy!  I want my front entry to look welcoming and neat - any ideas how to make my console table look stylish?"

A console table in the front hall is a very functional piece.  You are right it is perfect for mail and keys but it can become a bit of a dumping ground.  A lot of that is habit ,training yourself (and others) to put things like backpacks and other items elsewhere i.e a closet, office or bedroom.

But we also believe that if your space is beautiful (by your definition) than you will be more motivated to keep it that way.

The front entry console table sets the tone for your home and can also be an inviting first impression for guests.

Styling your front console table is all about using the space in a beautiful and practical way.  Here are some musts:

1 - Light- many front entries have an overhead light fixture but in our opinion you can never have too much light.  Plus having a table lamp on the console table (assuming you have a wall outlet for it) is handy if you arrive home late or leave early and don't want to wake the whole house with bright overhead lighting.  When it comes to table lamps you have some many choices - find one that suits and flows with the look of your home. How many lamps should you have? We say one is usually sufficient especially if it is a small space with a small table but if you have a long console table in a large entry, 2 table lamps is a nice balance.



2- Mirror - we love a mirror above a front entry console table - it plays two roles, 1: it's a great way to take a final look at hair, make up etc...before you head out to wherever you are off too; 2: it allows light to bounce around the room making a smaller and tighter space like an entry feel larger.  If you already have a mirror, like mirrored closet bi-fold doors, opt for an art piece instead.



 *We love the wall sconces on either side of this mirror, it's a very clean look in this front entry.

3 - Storage - part of the front entry is storage, so make it pretty! A bowl on the table is perfect for keys or loose change, it keeps it all contained, easy to access but also hidden (so the surface looks neat).  We also love a basket for two under the console table - this is ideal for mitts, hats in cooler weather but also summer gear like hats and sunscreen.  Have a dog? Hide their leashes etc. in a basket. Again easy access but neat!



4 - Seating - this is a nice addition if you have the space.  Under the console table is a great spot to tuck away a small bench, cube ottoman (or a storage bench).  Pull it out when guests neat a spot to sit and put on their shoes.  This is also another way to add to your decor - you can have a bench with some print, colour and/or texture.




5 -  Decor - we've covered the necessities of the front hall console table and now it's time to add your personal style! There are many decor items that you can add to the table to add your touch - framed photos, flowers or a plant, candles, or just a decorative item.  Be sure to have room for the necessary pieces and then layer your decor.  The amount of decor depends on the amount of space you have.  We like to vary the heights and shapes and stick with odd numbers.  Keep in mind if your entry console is more functional or decorative (some people have a second entry that is more functional and keep the front entry more beautiful)



Also if you are selling your home, remember that your potential buyers will also be walking in the front door.  A styled front entry sends a great message and sets the tone.  So be sure to pay attention to your front entry!

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. 

Grand Entry

Whether you live in a smaller space or a larger family home, I'm sure you know the importance of the entry.  It's where we enter and leave our home everyday, we leave our mail, our school bags, shoes... you name it!  It's grand central station....but what can you do if your entry space is limited?

These pieces may inspire you to create a more practical (and stylish) entry

1 Transparent console table
Styling a small space can be difficult because it can easily appear cluttered as soon as you start to fill it with furniture and accessories. A modern transparent console table is not only narrow, but is seemingly non-existent and you get surface space without the bulk!  I love the mirror paired with the transparent console, allowing light to reflect in the space so it looks larger. Underneath the console table is a great spot for a seat (like a stool) and/or a box or basket for things you don't want to display like mitts, scarves, running shoes etc....This entry is girly-glam bu this could easily work paired with some organic elements like wood, sisal and leather (see second image)


 Photography by Yale Wagner

 

 2 Stools
I love the look of a bench or chair to give ample comfort when putting on shoes, but most apartment/condo entryways simply can’t house a larger piece of furniture. A stool or smaller upholstered bench is a smarter solution and can also tuck under a small desk or table to save extra space. Look for a stool or ottoman with storage options.



 Photography Angus Fergusson
  
3 Mirrors
Whether you’re dealing with a narrow or dark entryway, mirrors work double duty to help reflect light into that space, as well as create the illusion that it’s bigger than it really is. And a last check before running out the door is always good to have.  I also love the industrial chair by the front door this is perfect for sitting down to put on or take off your boots.  See image 2, I love the full length mirror at the entry, a great way to have another full look at yourself before you leave, now there's no excuse for mismatched socks and shoes!


 Photography by Brandon Barre




 4 Hooks and lighting
If you’re working with an especially tight entryway, hooks are a life saver. Who needs a table surface when you can hang up your coats, scarves, keys and sunglasses? As for lighting, if you don’t have a ceiling fixture, try installing sconces.  This also works because the storage pieces and the wall blend into one another and they are finished in a light tone so the entry feels larger



 Photography by Donna Griffith

 5. Easy Storage
Baskets, boxes, bowls and more are great ways to keep things in order and you do not have so spend a fortune either.  A slim console table is perfect in a small entry and use the open space below for storage (or seating), don't forget a bowl on top of the table surface for keys, mail etc...


 6.  Floating shelves
If your entry space is very tight you may want to opt out of furniture all together and install a floating shelf - perfect for keys and mail.  An umbrella stand would fit nicely underneath and you could add a coat rack for easy access to coats and jackets.  you could even add a hook or two under the floating shelf, perfect for a dog leash. Don't forget a few accessories to make it pretty too!






Also if you are considering selling your home, a welcoming entry will not only make buyers feel good and leave them with a great impression but it will also give them a great idea how to live beautifully and functionally in the space.

Hello, Colour!

Spring is here!  And if you are looking to give your home a little makeover, have you thought about something as easy as your front door colour?  Such any easy fix and now that the weather is getting warmer and drier (very soon) it's the perfect time!

So what colour to choose?  Here's a few great ideas...from Beauti-tone Paints

1- Beauti-Tone Wet Sands 3H2-7  a beautiful golden orange tone. 

2 - Beauti-Tone Green Conifer Hills 5141EC a classic and tradition colour but if you are a fan of green but want to stay understated this is mixed with black so it isn't too green

3 - Beauti-Tone Earthenware  3E1-8  I love a red door but finding the right red it tricky.  I also love an orange too but sometimes it can look too much like it's a Halloween decoration.  So this colour is perfect!

4 - Beauti-tone Direct Line 436  Purple is a great colour choice for an exterior door.  I've selected a variety of purple hues for condos and single family homes.  This purple is rich and regal but would also work well in contemporary design

5 - Beauti-Tone Grey Eyeshadow SC047  A great grey option, looks great in traditional or contemporary style door.  If you find black too intense this is a great alternative.

6 - Beauti-Tone Loving it 3C2-8  I love a red door, very classic and yet still fun!  This is the perfect red door shade.

7- Beauti-Tone Hidden Mountains 5135EC  Aubergine is a great alternative to Cranberry which was so popular.  this is rich, sophisticated but a bit different.

Other elements to consider when you are changing you door colour. 

- Think about your trim, if you really want the door to stand out go with a lighter trim like white or cream.  Keeping the trim darker is a more modern look and really look at the age/style of the home to see if modernizing it is the way you want to go.

-  Update your grip set too.  That should include the knocker, kick plate, numbers (address plate) and mail slot or mail box.

- a good cleaning maybe even power washing is a good idea too

- How about the exterior lighting?  It should match the grip set.  So if the grip set is black so should the other accessories be.

-  I love to see some greenery around an exterior entry.  Planters, natural wreath, there are so many possibilities