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!

12 Home Decor Ideas for Under the Stairs

For anyone that has a set of stairs in their home you have likely wondered if there was something you could do with that space - it seems like such a waste! Well there are some really creative and useful things you can do with that space under the stairs. Whether you are looking for a weekend project or a great idea to add on to your renovation to-do list - there is something on this list for everyone!

1. Reading Nook: this is a perfect little reading hide away for any member of the family.  Add a custom cushion for seating and lots of pillows for comfort. You can add some shelving for books and some art for a personal and decorative touch.  Don't forget some light - a pot light or a sconce is perfect for a space like this!




 2. Work space: this isn't a substitute for a full home office but it is perfect for a small work center at home for catching up on bills and emails or a great homework station.  Hiding your desk under the stairs keeps papers and files out of plain sight but you still have easy access to the space.

 

3. Closet: often home owners use the under the stair space as storage for items that are not needed on a daily basis like season clothing or decor, but why not make that useful everyday storage? Having easy access to our needed items but keeping them tucked away is a great idea for the space. This is also a great idea if you don't have a front entry closet.




4.  Powder Room: Short on space? Adding a powder room under the stairs is a great way to use this space whether it's on the main floor in the basement - this is a great renovation for your property in terms of use but also for resale of your home.



5.  Book case: are you a book lover? Need more space for your books? Use the stairs for extra book storage - it's simple and tucked away.  You could keep children's books on the lower shelves for easy access.  Add some baskets and you could storage puzzles, small toys or even board games.  Extra storage is never a bad thing.



6. Dog House: Or pet space!  Even our fur babies need a place of their own, so why not a little retreat under the stairs?  You can have their toys, beds etc....some home owners have even built in a gate or crate into the space to keep the pet area looking neat and tidy.




7. TV cabinet: Most of us don't like the TV to be the focal point of any room and those TV units can be so big and bulky.  Depending on your room arrangement you might be able to create a TV unit under the stairs like the one in this image.

 

 8. Bar: Love to entertain? This a perfect idea for the host or hostess - create your own bar (or wine storage) under the stairs.  You could even have a beer fridge and shelving for stemware.



9. Sports equipment storage :  this idea isn't as glamorous  but for the active this is great!  If you don't have a shed or garage for items like bikes this is for you.  Trying hanging your bike under the stairs.  It's out of the way but easy enough to access it when you need it.



10. Mudroom: If you have kids and don't have a proper mud room this might be all you need.  Use that nook under the stairs to create a mud room space for the kids day to day things - jackets, hats, back packs, shoes and more.  Under the stairs keeps it out of sight but not so much that the kids can't find their things. Try adding a bulletin or even a chalk board to keep track of events and appointments as well.


11. Laundry Room: Doing a remodel on a smaller space? Need a a better laundry room? Under the stairs could work for you! Stacked laundry machines can fit nicely leaving you room for storage of the cleaners and a folding space too.  This is perfect to add to the space if you are renovating as you will need the plumbing to be installed so if you are in a renovation and need a laundry room this might be all you need.



12.  Playroom or Kids' Clubhouse: Harry Potter may have lived under the stairs and it wasn't pleasant but you really can make a beautiful and fun clubhouse for the kids only under the stairs! You can get as creative as you like with this one!  Kids love to hide and play and under the stairs could be the perfect spot for a little playhouse!  You can paint it - add toys, books, bean bag, large pillows, sticker on the walls, have a door or curtain - it's entirely up to you!

We Answer Wednesday: How to add extra storage to a bathroom (without a renovation)

"We live in a small house and the whole family shares a bathroom.  We are managing just fine but the clutter of everyday stuff is getting to me.  What can we do to add some storage to our bathroom and not take on a renovation?"

The bathroom is a busy place and every high traffic area has a lot of stuff collecting everywhere but there are some things you can do to at least keep it under control.

We suggest taking a look at the type of clutter and where it is.  Counter space in a bathroom can often get overwhelmed with products and more and it can lead to spills and just overall disorganization. 

Baskets.  Can keep things look neat and tidy but still at your finger tips.  We often recommend baskets when we stage homes as they are easy to hide and bring out when you need them.  But for everyday, there is no problem with baskets that are 'out' - just having your items tucked away in a small basket keeps things looking (and feeling) organized.



Another great way to use baskets is hanging them - it's pretty and pretty practical.  That space over the toilet is often used for decor purposes but make it functional. These basic baskets (in a coordinating colour) hung on towel racks are a great way to keep everyone organized, so smart!



Towel racks. Think about relocating your towel racks to a location in the bathroom that will allow you to use the other wall space for more small storage. Hanging 2 smaller towel racks on the back of the door makes so much sense and it gives you more room for other important storage pieces and ideas.



Floating shelves. We highly recommend that floating shelves in your bathroom be the small colour or close to the same colour as your walls - this will keep them from looking and feeling bulky in the space.  A floating shelf is ideal for items that you need easy access to like towels or toilet paper.  Adding a few decorative items to an open shelf makes it more pleasing to the eye.  But matching baskets to contain smaller pieces is attractive, too



Small storage pieces. If you move your towel rack you might be surprised to find some wall space that would work for a small storage piece.  We love the idea of a tiered or ladder shelf, the piece itself isn't bulky and it offers lots of storage for everyday items.

              

Hooks and hangers.  Keep your towels (used ones) organized with hooks on the wall.  For your children keep the hooks at their level - this will mean they can hang up and tidy up on their own.



 closed storage piece.  We have looked at a lot of open shelving options but if that won't work for you look into a piece with doors (aka closed storage).  Chances are you will be able to find something that works with your current vanity - it really is best to have something similar we want consistency and flow. Look at the image below - this is a whole set.  It looks clean and streamlined not bulky and messy.  This is a great spot to hide medicine, creams, personal grooming items and more. 



Don't forget about the interior of our vanity for storage....

Try using a kitchen utensil holder to organize costume jewelry or even make up 



Baskets inside of your vanity are very effective too.





A Lazy-Susan isn't just for the kitchen, we love it for inside of a cupboard.  cupboards can get cluttered an disorganized very easily.  A lazy-Susan will help with organization, maximizing the space and gives you easy access. Or even just tiered shelving for inside of a cupboard - try the kitchen organizing department.



Lighting.  A dark room any room will always feel smaller so be sure to check on that lighting.  Are your bulbs working? Are they bright enough? Can you add more bulbs? Think about updating a fixture with more bulbs to add more light if you need it.






 Paint.  A fresh coat of paint can do wonders.  A small space like a bathroom would be a great weekend job for painting and with the right colour you can really brighten up that space.

We Answer Wednesday - Mudroom Mayhem

“I have a mudroom in my house that I feel is underused. Sure, we come in and use it as the main entrance but I just feel it needs some organization. What are some tips for making a mudroom organized and functional?”

Having a functional mudroom can make the day to day hustle and bustle so much more manageable. If you are lucky enough to have a mudroom in your home, don’t let it go unused! A mudroom is a fantastic way to keep outerwear, books, shoes, mittens (depending on the season) tucked away so that it isn’t taking over your front entry. Of course, this blog will also show you how to make your mudroom both functional AND stylish.

 

1. Incorporate Storage
Depending on how much space you have, adding some cabinets or shelving will drastically increase the function of the space. If you have the space to add a “hall tree” (shelves, a bench and a place in the bottom to store shoes) you will see the function of the space increase instantly. If you have kids, you definitely need the extra storage. Having a cabinet or shelf gives you places to store hats, mitts, scarves and all the extras kids need.

2. Add Hooks
Adding something as simple as hooks for coats will change your life. No more Jackets on the banister or laying on the floor for someone to trip on. Having a few hooks takes all the clutter away and stores it neatly.

 

3. Add Baskets
Adding baskets is a great place for hiding extra items such as winter clothes, the dogs leashes, extra keys etc. This is also a great place to add some colour or pattern! Adding baskets is an inexpensive way to add functionality.

4. Door Mats
Depending on the type of flooring you have, it may or may not be the most durable. Nevertheless, adding mats is another great way to pretty up your space. It also is a good spot for wiping your feet as you come in the door instead of tracking the outdoors throughout the house. Get a mat that is easy to vacuum and not too expensive, chances are this may change with the seasons.

Don’t be afraid to use colour and pattern. Most mudrooms are not in the center of the home so it’s a great place to be bold! Typically the mudroom is not the prettiest area of your home so bring colour to the walls or shelves and use a colourful rug, baskets and art! 

Part of keeping your ‘mudroom’ functional, is actually using these tools. So add name tags over hooks to keep the kids understanding where their things go. Adding their own specific area is a fun way for them to learn to clean up after themselves, and it saves you the trouble of always picking up bookbags, coats and shoes!