Entryway inspiration: Prepare for the influx of holiday guests

I love a good entryway. They are often small enough that you can try the bold paint color or large print wallpaper without investing a ton of money or work if you turn out hating it. It's also small enough that it forces you to keep clutter under control. In my last apartment I had a mail sorting system that kept junk mail and other unwanted stuff from going into my living space.

With the holidays bringing guests it may be a good time to check your entryway or foyer to make sure it can handle the extra traffic, or just check up to see if it's handling the everyday to it's best potential.

Here are some entryways that are perfectly achievable for anyone, and combine some good ways to handle coats, shoes, keys, parcels, etc.

If space permits, I feel an entryway should be composed of the following elements
• a rack, cupboard, or hooks for coats
• somewhere or something to sit on while removing/putting on shoes
• atleast a small lighting source. Put the light on a timer during times of short daylight so when you arrive home it's already on. Not only is it practical for the dark, it's welcoming to come home to
• a tray, surface area, or some storage for mail and keys
•a space for shoes
•a dresser or console. I prefer a dresser with drawers, even if small, for storing seasonal items like hats, scarves, and gloves.

Other items you may want
• An umbrella stand
• A vase for flowers, which will add to the coziness of the space, and take away from too much "mudroom" aesthetic
• A mirror for last minute peeks before heading out the door
• A mat or durable rug
• Art work or photos that make you smile
• A calendar, paper and pen, or other solution for leaving notes or agendas for your family and yourself. A dry erase mirror would kill two birds with one stone - creating a space for notes and a mirror.

I'm sure I missed something...can you think of anything else?

A basket under the console saves surface space and keeps items neat


If you don't have an actual room or landing strip for your entryway, create one by the door by placing a chair, console, coat rack, etc. against a wall.


Using sconces for a light source saves surface space, and a framed chalkboard makes a pretty way to leave messages.




Even if space is small like this example above, you can distinguish it with paint, and even find a small cupboard or console.

6 images above via Domino

A chic entryway that still has all the essentials
via the bubbreport

This bench is welcoming and provides a seat for shoe removal. If you can do something like this, try to find a bench with a seat that lifts up to hidden storage.
via Country Living

So pretty!
via KML Design


If space is super tight, hooks on the back of the door can hold coats, a small side table for surface area, and even an umbrella holder (which could double for holding mail or as a recycling bin when it's not the rainy season). We have a very similar white owl umbrella holder buried in the basement somewhere. Do you think I should freshen it up ? Any suggestions if I should paint it another color?
via It's Personal


The symmetry of this wonderfully chic entryway keeps it looking neat and tidy. Even though this space is super luxe, it's still functional - stools for sitting, a console for surface area, lamps for lighting, and a mirror.
via Doryn Wallach Design


Cupboards for coats, a bench for removing shoes, a basket for storage, and a console for keys and mail, this entryway has it all!
via Country Living

Great antique cupboard!
via Canadian House & Home

This chalkboard calendar coat rack is really clever. You can get it at Plow & Hearth

What's the state of your entryway these days?

Help with ideas for bay windows!?

A reader emailed me with a really great (and challenging!) question:

"My fiance and I are moving into an apartment that has bay windows (in both the bedroom and living room). A lot of people convert them into benches, but I'd rather use the space as a showcase for special items, while not allowing it to look cluttered (clutter is my worst enemy!)."

As you can imagine, you have to dig deep to find bay windows that haven't been converted into window seats - and here are some solutions I found...


via Living Etc.



The above two photos are from an AT reader's home - I really like her solution of using a narrow console table in front of the window to create a beautiful display. Make sure the objects you use are edited and the arrangement is thought out to keep the console or shelf from simply looking like a catch-all place for objects.
Here's another example - though this is an unusual bay window, you can imagine the effect of having a narrow bench/table/shelf, etc. and using it as a display area.
via House Beautiful

You could create a glamorous reading nook - an excuse to buy a chaise lounge!
via Apartment Therapy

Found this on Apartment Therapy, but it's Victoria of SF Girl by Bay apartment. So pretty - and a great sun-filled reading nook.

via Apartment Therapy

via House to Home



A teapot collection displayed on a bay window
via FotoSA

I really like this shelf/drawer window sill display.
via Country Living

A display is especially striking when all of the objects are similar, or part of a collection.
via Canadian House and Home

I included this photo to show that, if all else fails, bay windows can be beautiful bare - just add some dramatic or interesting curtains, and/or some striking paint to make the area pop.
via Beecroft


via Design Sponge Online

Bring window boxes inside and grow flowers or herbs.
via House Beautiful

My sister utilizes her bay window for this exact purpose, as a pretty indoor green house.
via Martha Stewart

Does anyone else know of any great bay window solutions that aren't window seats? I'm all ears!

Looking good Southern Living!

I was pleasantly surprised at some very positive design changes in Southern Living's October issue. They definitely have a fresher looks with better typography, cute graphics, and clearer photography. All in all, they've modernized the look and the content. They have lots of interesting columns which you can see in this video

Here are some of my favs from the issue:


A new "Done in a Day" column, which features DIY decorating projects you can complete in a day. For instructions for the Family Command Center, click here.


They review Southern artists and shops, such as the Wildflower Cafe & Country Store in Alabama, and the Cochrans of Wood Studio, also in Alabama, who made this gorgeous rocker.


An example of the great new styling and photography you'll find - I love this last picture with the console and the white chair!

via Southern Living October 2009

I'm back, and I come bearing the portfolio of one of my favorite photographers!

Francesco Lagnese's work takes my breath away. The atmosphere is unreal and the light is so clear. I can't explain it - you have to see for yourself!
















Not too shabby a spot to take brunch...and lunch and dinner


*stunning!*


All photos property of Francesco Lagnese