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?

From my library: Speed Decorating by Jill Vegas

I really like the tips in "Speed Decorating: A Pro Stager's Tips And Trade Secrets For A Fabulous Home In A Week Or Less," and the pictures are mighty cute too!



Two lovely entryways - check out the wood "bottles" to the right of the red secretary.

Five Musts For A Great-Looking Entry

1. Clutter-free surfaces. Get rid of boxes, shoes, anything that doesn't belong in the space.

2. Brilliant light. Replace any burned-out or too-dim bulbs. Clean and polish light fixtures.

3. A nice-looking floor. Vacuum and mop the floor. Replace the doormat if it's dingy. If the floor's condition is really bad, buy some floor polish and buff out scratches, or buy some carpet tiles (FLOR brand is an example) and make a runner to hide them.

4. Clean walls. Get rid of scuff marks (a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is great for this), or touch up the paint in spots to hide them. If the walls are in really bad shape, repaint.


I really like how the side of this settee is just a bare wood.

What a dreamy reading nook!

A sweet little writing area in the bedroom


I love this bathroom! "A bathroom adorned with unique accessories and artwork feels comfy. Here, botanical prints, a fern in a simple vase, and a vintage map makes this room memorable."

Anyway, I'm sure you can see why Speed Decorating is a fav. new addition to my humble library!
All photography by Michael Grimm<

Organization inspiration and tips

When it comes to pretty and practical organization, nobody brings it like Martha!

Her kitchen

A shelf over a door creates instant extra storage.

I love the homey feel of this office

If your fellow inhabitants don't really believe in sorting mail, atleast you can avoid stacks of it be designating an entryway organizer for everyone.

I love this medicine cabinet, just find some thin metal sheets at a hardware store, some magnetic containers (these are very popular and can be found at places like Bed, Bath, and Beyond.) Just make sure that if you mount anything inside the door that you can close it.


cylindrical vase= snazzy t.p. holder


we really need a boot tray...

A simple shelf that folds down is a great way to extend window sill surfaces. *tip, this is also a great idea to ad on counter space *

mount grow light underneath a shelf, and you can have flowers year round.

these following images are just for gratuitous prettiness...




If only I had such great light!

via marthastewart.com

Entryways - they're more important than you think!

When you walk into your house tonight, are you going to be welcomed by a calming, organized entryway? Or will you be welcomed by muddy boots strewn around, stacks of mail, and random homeless items? While I hope it's the first, if it's not, you need these ideas! Your entryway is the first thing people (and you) see upon entering, and sets the tone for your home, so it has to be up to par! For a really detailed way to set up your entryway, I highly recommend Apartment Therapy The Eight Step Cure, by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan. In his book Gillingham-Ryan devotes an entire chapter to the entryway, or what he calls, "the landing strip."

via Country Living

Boot tray is a great idea - especially on a day like today

Directions for this project here on marthastewart.com



Directions for this project here on marthastewart.com

via Martha Stewart

Not an entryway- but these ideas can be adapted for the entryway.

via BH&G