Mirror / Light fixture / Brass hook / Leather plant hanger / Antique Crock / Console Table / Basket / Schlage Sense Smart / Art / Pillow / Bench / Boot Tray / Rug /
It’s that time of year where it can feel like we’re straddling winter and spring. One day we’re wearing our winter boots and the next day our wellies. Whether you have a tiny entryway or a spacious mudroom, this hardworking space has a lot to handle - and look stylish too. It's a space that can easily become a dumping ground for everyday items. With a little planning and organization you can create an orderly and stylish entryway as well as comfortable and stylish spot to come home to.
I’ve partnered with Schlage Canada to create an inspiration board, and share some tips on how to create a family friendly entryway that that will easily transition into spring.
Here are 12 ideas on how to refresh your entryway…
Add a multipurpose table.
When you walk through the door, it's useful to have a spot to put down your belongings. If you have the space, a slim console table is a nice addition to an entryway. It also serves as a place to add a catchall dish for loose change, sunglasses or keys, and perhaps a basket for mail. However, if space is tight, a shelf hung securely on the wall, placed just below a mirror, can serve the same purpose.
Include a place to hang coats.
Outfit your entry with storage solutions. Not everyone has space for a built-in closet or a bulky armoire to hold coats. So, if space is tight, use your walls and create a wall mounted coat rack. Add pretty brass hooks to a 1x6 wood board or moulding cut to size - to create a spot to hang coats, hats and totes using vertical space. Did you know that in addition to entry hardware, Schlage makes other hardware such as hooks, door knockers and even barn door hardware? Chic coat & hat hooks from Schlage Canada in an antique brass finish, would look great hung on an entryway wall.
Make everyday life easier. Update your entry door with a keyless entry system.
Raise your hand if you are often juggling bags while trying to unlock the front door, or your kids have forgotten their keys and they can’t get inside. Instead, enter an access code on the touchscreen to unlock the front door instead of searching your pockets for keys. You can share access with trusted friends and family - so there is no more keeping track of spare keys. Pair it with your smartphone and compatible with Apple Home, Alexa and Google Assistant too. That sounds smart to me.
Include seating.
An entryway should also include a comfy spot to sit and put on shoes. If you have the space, make the most out of it with a bench that also includes storage. Whether it has built-in drawers or a shelf that will hold baskets and bins, it serves as a practical and comfortable spot. If space is tight, a chair can work and can easily be used in another room when extra seating is needed.
Add extra storage.
You can never have enough storage, so try to include as much as possible in this hard-working space. Baskets that slide under your bench or console table can corral everyday objects like hats and scarves, shopping bags or kids’ stuff. If you can, give everyone in the family a bin or basket so they have a separate space for their gear. Add a small tray or decorative boxes on a tabletop to keep things contained and from feeling cluttered.
A place for wet boots.
Say goodbye to muddy floors. Place a boot tray near your front door so that there is a spot to slip off wet or muddy boots.This is perfect for this slushy time of year.
Add a throw pillow.
An accent pillow always adds a simple and stylish update to a room,. Add one to a bench to add pattern, colour and a touch of comfy.
Mirror
A functional addition that also boosts light in a room, especially in a darker space. It also creates the illusion of the room being larger. A round mirror softens the angles of a space filled with the straight edges of a bench or table. Just make sure it's in proportion with the room.
Add something interesting...
Although the entryway is often a very utilitarian space, you also want it to reflect the style of your home. So, add extra touches such as art, plants and interesting objects to personalize the space.
Hang some art
Make an impact and set the tone for visitors. Family photographs, art and interesting objects can enhance and personalize this space.
Add fresh greenery
A planter filled with spring bulbs can sit on a console table or hang plants from the ceiling using plant hangers. These leather hangers are a nice, streamlined alternative to the popular macramé varieties.
Add vintage touches that serve a practical purpose
An antique crock serves as an umbrella holder. There sturdy and can handle wet umbrellas. Pick one up at an antique market. I’ve even seen them for sale on Kijiji.
Don’t forget the lighting.
Add a combination of overhead and accent lighting. A semi-flush ceiling fixture adds much needed light in a space that may not have a lot of ceiling height. Add a small table lamp or wall sconces for softer accent and task lighting if you have the space.
…. and include a spacious rug to wipe your feet.
There is nothing worse than everyone coming in the door and trying to fit on a tiny rug because they don’t want to get the floors wet. So, don’t skimp on size. Place a good size indoor/outdoor rug in your entry. A rug also helps to define the space. Choose a material that works well for a high traffic area. Sisal works well, as does any flat-weaves. Chic indoor/outdoor rugs are now readily available, like this pretty clay coloured option with a pattern that will hide dirt.
Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Schlage Canada in this sponsored post. All opinions and text are my own.
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