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Get organized for Fall and make getting back to routines simpler

 

Novo 3 light flushmount via lighthouse co. / French coat rack via Seamax Interiors on Etsy / Schlage Encode Plus Electronic Smart lock Wifi Deadbolt with Apple Home Key, Camelot in Black Matte / Flowerbed cushion via V de V / Rulon white small tote basket via Crate and Barrel / Adama vinyl mat via V de V / Penny ottoman via Rainsford company / Burl Wood Console Table via Rainsford Company / Block Golden Calcutta Marble Table Lamp via CB2 / Rattan bowl

via Wills and Prior / Faux maidenhair fern via Pottery Barn / Ruby Circular Mirror via Rainsford Company




September is a month of fresh starts. Getting back to daily routines can be a welcome change for some but overwhelming for others. It can be a time of transition where flipflops and backpacks often compete for space.

Whether you have a tiny entryway or a spacious mudroom, this hardworking space can easily become a dumping ground for everyday items. With a little planning you can create an orderly and stylish entryway as well as comfortable and stylish spot that's easy to come home to.

I’ve partnered with Schlage Canada to create an inspiration board, and share some tips on how to create an entryway that that will ease you into the seasons to come.

Some tips for how to create an orderly and stylish entryway…

Add a multipurpose table.

When you walk through the door, it's useful to have a spot to safely place a phone, the mail or a coffee cup. If you have the space, a console table is a nice addition to an entryway. Add a catchall dish for loose change, sunglasses or keys, and perhaps a basket for mail. If space is tight, a small table or a shelf hung on the wall, placed just below a mirror, can serve the same purpose.

Include hanging storage.

Storage solutions are key for an organized entry. Not everyone has space for built-ins or a bulky armoire to hold coats. That’s where a wall mounted coat rack can work well. This French inspired brass coat rack with mirror would look fabulous. Get creative and DIY your own with brass hooks (vintage hooks would look great) secured to a 1x6 wood board or moulding cut to size - to create a spot to hang coats, hats and totes. Hooks are great for kids too, making it easy for them to hang coats and backpacks.

Make everyday life easier. Update your entry door with a keyless entry system.

Make running out the door easy with a keyless entry system. Schlage has launched the Encode Plus. Their latest smart WIFI deadbolt lock works with Apple® home keys. You can easily lock and unlock your door using your Apple Watch, iPhone and HomeKit, plus seamlessly manage codes and more with the complete Schlage Home experience, right at your fingertips.

Simply tap to unlock the door - instead of searching your pockets for keys. Works with Apple HomeKit and Apple home keys; with home keys you can simply tap to lock or unlock using your iPhone or Apple Watch for easy and secure access to your home.

The Encode Plus also lets you use voice control using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free convenience when paired with the Schlage Home app and a voice enabled device, or use Siri when paired with the Apple HomeKit.

The Schlage Encode Plus gives you anywhere access – meaning you can control access to and monitor your home from anywhere using the Schlage app.

You can share access with trusted friends and family - so there is no more keeping track of spare keys. Lock and unlock from anywhere, mange up to 100 access codes, view lock history, receive customizable notifications and easily manage multiple locks at once - all when paired to the Schlage Home app and connected to a secure WiFi network.

It’s easy to install with just a screwdriver, no hardwiring required.

The Schlage Encode Plus Electronic Smart Lock Wifi Deadbolt with Apple Home Key can be purchased at Home Depot Canada and is available in aged bronze, matte black and satin nickel finishes.

Include a place to sit.

A comfy spot to sit and put on shoes is great to include in this space. You can find benches that include built-in storage like drawers and bins, or just add a basket underneath to maximize storage. If space is tight, a chair does the trick and can easily be used in another room when extra seating is needed.

Add extra storage.

You can never have enough storage in this hard-working space. Baskets that slide a console table or bench can corral everyday objects like hats, 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 bowl on a tabletop to keep things contained and from feeling cluttered. Add a shelf above hooks that can hold pretty bins or baskets that can help disguise clutter but also look stylish.

Add something soft.

An accent pillow added to a bench or chair adds pattern, a pop of colour and a little something comfy to a room.

Mirror

A mirror is essential in an entry. After all, doesn’t everyone do one last check before you run out the door?
It also helps to reflect light in a room, especially in a darker space helping to create the illusion of a room being larger.

Add something personal.

While the entryway is a utilitarian space, you also want it to reflect the style of your home. So, add extra touches such as photos, art, plants and interesting objects to personalize the space.

Look for vintage or antique pieces that serve a practical purpose.

Look for wicker baskets at thrift stores. An antique crock or jar can serve as an umbrella stand. Vintage hooks can be found at antique markets and shops like The Door Store. Think outside the box when it comes to vintage pieces you might be able to give a new life.

Don’t forget the lighting.

Good quality lighting is important for an entryway. You want to be practical but welcoming. Use a combination of overhead and accent lighting. A semi-flush ceiling fixture adds much needed light. A table lamp or wall sconces can add more task lighting or be used as a softer accent.

…. and include a mat or rug to wipe your feet.

It’s not only a place to wipe wet or dirty shoes but it 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 and vinyl is easy to clean.


Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Schlage Canada in this sponsored post. All opinions and text are my own.















Gifts for the flower lover from Etsy

If you have someone on your list who loves flowers - this is your guide to the prettiest floral inspired gift ideas from Etsy. Perfect for the gardener, green thumb and just about anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature.


This makes the perfect gift for the person on your list who loves to treat themselves to fresh flowers or maybe they grow their own. A flower press lets you preserve your prettiest plants by pressing them between blotting papers until they are dry. Then they can be turned into works of art or they can create a flower journal of flowers and plants from the garden with a flower press from Oake Living.  


Another one for the gardener on your list but I also think this vintage garden trug from vintage seller Wine Horsley makes a brilliant tray to display vases or jars of fleurs.


Adore this daisy giclee art print from artist Claire Elsaesser.


The prettiest leaf necklace from My Wild Fleur.


 another pressed floral as daisy earrings from Pressed in Thyme.


A vibrant poster art print from Home Poster Decor is perfect for the plant person on your list.




Love these notecards - prints of pressed flowers from Seek and Bloom Creative


*This post contains affiliate links.

Holiday gift ideas from Etsy

Etsy is always one of my go-to spots for holiday gift ideas. I love that you can buy unique gifts from makers and vintage sellers from all over the world. It's also a great way to shop local using the sites filter to narrow down results to a specific location.

I've gathered some Etsy picks that caught my eye. If you want to explore additional curated finds I encourage you to visit the  Etsy Picks Page where you'll find more from the editors at Etsy.

First up, I love this colourful glass blown Neapolitan mini bud vase from Vancover-based Maria Ida Designs



Everyone loves a gift that lets them relax, especially during this busy time of year. Gift them a self-care box from Quebec-based La Marcotterie.



It's peek slipper season. Gift these felted wool slippers from Melina Studio in Montreal.




Cosy up with a kantha quilt, perfect for the sofa or as an extra layer on your bed - from Kantha Quilts Shop.


For the person who loves to try a new craft, a natural dye kit from Toronto designer Julie Sindon of Love of Colours.


A great hostess gift that makes kitchen clean-up pretty - slotted stoneware sponge holder from Rail 19.



A leather wrap journal is a beautiful gift for the artist, writer or just anyone who loves to put pen to paper. Made by Forest Nine.



Pretty jewelry is a welcome way to fill a stocking. I love this jade necklace from local sellers Leen Star and dome earrings from Its Well Done.



*This post includes affiliate links.