Category Archives: entryway

My Dream Home

I’m sharing my dream home over on La Dolce Vita today! Click on over to check it out!

Posted in entryway, interior decor | 6 Comments

uten.silo organizer

Have seen the iconic uten.silo organizer (first created in 1969!) in various spaces and always think it looks cool and practical. All the little pockets are so great for organizing and making easily accessible all the small items that might not otherwise have a home.
uten.silo-organizer-photog-pergunnarsson
designedforlife-uten.silo
It’s a bit pricey though. I wonder how difficult it’d be to create an inspired DIY version…hmmm…

image credits: 1-per gunnarsson, 2-via designed for life.
Posted in beautifully organized spaces, entryway, organizing products | 4 Comments

Rainbow Banisters

This is such a fun, simple idea and has such a beautiful effect! If I had stairs in my home, I think I’d definitely try it:
rainbowbanister
rainbow-banister-viabrightbazar
Image credits: 1-via designscouting, 2-via brightbazaar
Posted in color inspiration, decor, entryway | 7 Comments

Under Stair Storage

These lovely spaces take advantage of an area which frequently goes forgotten and under utilized:
<span class=
informal-entry.<span class=;<span class=
071280B2-45CB-4<span class=<span class=<span class=
I think my favorite is the idea of installing built-in drawers.  Such a great way to maximize storage potential!

image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Posted in entryway, entryway organization, storage, storage solutions | 12 Comments

Beautifully Organized Space of the Week

Beautiful boxes, a basket, and vintage suitcase provide ample storage and keep the color story consistent. A white stand near the door keeps umbrellas contained and readily accessible. The dark wall colors (love those stripes!) help the TV and DVD player”disappear” and keep them from being eyesores.

Bookshelves
via lonny mag

Posted in beautifully organized spaces, decor, entryway, living room organization, organization, organizing with baskets, wicker baskets | 4 Comments

Entryway Configurations: Part II

I’m back with inspiration, tips and organizational solutions for entryways -this time for those without an entry closet! I meant to post this earlier, but unfortunately had some technical difficulties! Anyway, all is good now so let’s get started shall we?To keep the small stuff organized and out of view, opt for console tables with drawers. Decorative items on the tabletop can actually serve to help deter clutter since they limit flat surface available for setting things down.
realsimple-entry-whitemirror.jpgwhiteconsole-viadecorpad.jpg
L: via real simple ; R: via decorpad
Use drawer organizers to create a specific place for everything {keys, mail, cell phones, the dog leash, etc.} and keep things neat.

SCAN0015-1.JPG
via domino

For larger storage, try a chest that fits under a console table

markham_roberts-entry.jpg
via markham roberts

or storage ottomans which can also serve as seating for taking off shoes. 

entry-whiteottomans-viadecorpad.jpgYvonne O'Brien Interior design1.jpg
L: via decorpad ; R: Yvonne O’Brien

Put decorative bowls, tins, trays, bins, etc. into service and designate a specific container for everything you regularly need to store in the entryway

entry040910-viacanadianhousandhome.jpgSCAN0013.jpg
L: via canadian house and home; R: via domino

whether that be umbrellas, newspapers, or the dry cleaning that needs to be dropped off.

SCAN0012.jpg
Nate Berkus

Baskets can hold a variety of things and fit nicely under a console table or a bench.

sam-entryway-bench-viasimpleeffects.jpgwhite_console_Interiors_via_SimplyNatural_blog.jpg
L: via simple effects ; R: via simply natural

You can designate a separate basket for each household member so everyone knows where to find his or her things.

Scott-Dorrance-via-dti_rect540.jpg
Scott Dorance

SCAN0005.jpg
via the nest

Pieces that make use of vertical space like those shown below allow you to add baskets up top as well

potterybarn-entry.jpgentry-styleathome.jpg
L: via pottery barn ; R: via style at home

and utilize hooks for hanging coats, scarves, handbags, etc.

_white-mud-room-apttherapy.jpgbluewalls-entry-realsimple.jpg
L: via apt therapy ; R: via real simple

If you don’t want to spend much on a piece of furniture, opt for individual hooks and a simple shelf -they hold baskets just as well. If you’re limited on space, try utilizing an available corner.

http-_www.housetohome.co.uk_galleries_hallway_Practical_hallway_8365.html?subslug=.jpgcorner-betterhomesandgardens-viamysimplerlife.jpg
L: via house to home ; R: via better homes and gardens

If you don’t like the look of baskets, boxes are a nice alternative.

foyer girly-canadianhouseandhome.jpgEntry-SamanthaPynn.jpg
L: via canadian house and home; R: Samantha Pynn

If you prefer to have boxes and baskets out of sight, go with a closed console {or similar piece of furniture} and give every area of it a purpose. Fit it with drawer organizers and dividers giving each household member a space or grouping items by type.

white-foyer-michael berman hb.jpgPicture 59.jpg
L: michael berman ; R: via lonny mag

dominoentry-whitemirror.jpgdomino-viashelterinteriordesign.jpg
L: via domino ; R: via domino

domino-roundlightfixture-entry.jpgthenest-entry-photog-marklund.jpg
L: via domino ; R: via the nest

ED1007_Jackson-hall_V.jpgBLUE FOYER-housebeautiful.jpg
L: via elle decor ; R: via house beautiful

brightmulticolor-entry-domino.jpgcloset-hidden-shelf_realsimple.jpg
L: via domino ; R: via real simple

If you don’t have room for a piece of furniture {even a small one} make the most of your wall space by using hooks

rachelwhiting-hooks.jpgPicture 27.jpg
L: rachel whiting ; R: source unknown

and/or wall organizers that hold the mail, sunglasses, and other small items.

entrways-domino.jpgutensilo3
L: via domino; R: uten.silo

Oftentimes its the small items that get lost most frequently and can be the cause of the biggest frustrations.

Vitra Utensilo from Jack's House Tour.jpg
via apt therapy

The more things you designate a home for, the less clutter you’re likely to have :)
Posted in decor, entryway, entryway organization, organization, organizing with baskets, wicker baskets | 6 Comments

Entryway Configurations: Part I

If you’re lucky enough to have a closet at or near the entry, take full advantage. This is the ideal spot for hanging items and keeping not-so-pretty things out of sight.
arranged-closet_realsimple.jpgentryhallcloset-simpleeffects.jpg
L: via realsimple ; R via simple effects
Maximize your closet space by installing hooks, shelves and/or by adding a bookcase {either horizontally or vertically like the one below right}. Use boxes for infrequently used items and baskets to corral more frequently used items. Matching hangers will help the space look streamlined. Wooden ones are usually the best for coats as they tend to be sturdiest ones.
martha hall closet.jpgReal Simple After Closet.jpg
L: via martha stewart ; R via realsimple

If you allow your entry closet to meet most of the practical needs, this gives you the flexibility to use the most visible part of the entry to set the mood and decorative tone of your home. Maybe the only other thing you need is a flat surface for dropping off your keys and cell phone, so you can get away with having a non bulky console table that displays decorative items…
ritakonig-entryway.jpgpeacockfeathers-entry-domino.jpg
L: Rita Konig via domino; R: via domino
domino-entry-chandelier.jpgdomino-bluedoor-entry.jpg
L: via domino; R: via domino
…and if you want {and have the space} you can add a chair or bench for taking off your shoes…
bluedecorative-entry-vtinteriors.jpgnew-orleans-entryway-countryliving.jpg
bench+entry+domino.jpgnateberkus-entry.jpg
L: via domino ; R: nate berkus

 

…and/or a mirror for a quick check before heading out the door….
HBJune2006dMaryMcDonald-Entry.jpghjohnny miller-metalchain.jpg
L: mary mcdonald ; R h jonny miller
Miles Redd july 2009 HB.jpgdomino-mirroredconsole.jpg
L: miles redd ; R via domino
SCAN0006.jpgEntryway-Eric-Roth-CoastalLiving.jpg
L: via the nest ; R viacoastal living
design-happens-round-up-pink-entryway400x371.jpgdomino-entry-400.jpg
L: via design happens round up ; R via domino
entryway-longmirror-domino.jpgjonathan-adler-foyer240.jpg

L: via domino ; R: jonathan adler

Up next, entryways without entry closets.
Posted in decor, entryway, entryway organization, organization | 6 Comments

Decluttering Your Entryway

If you’re decluttering and organizing your home, the entryway might just be the perfect place to start. It’s usually one of the smaller areas of the home and also one of the areas that can tend to cause some of the greatest frustrations, so taking care of it can make a big impact in motivating you to continue on to other rooms.

As I outlined in the Decluttering Strategies post, a good thing to start with is to identify what your motivation is and envision how you want your space to be. How does the entryway in its current state make you feel? Does clutter put you in a bad mood when you walk in the door? Is it hard to find things when you’re heading out the door? Can you imagine the potential of the space?

before-closet_realsimpleReal Simple After Closet
photography by Noah Webb

List the functions you want the entryway to support. Work around your habits and desired lifestyle. What do you need a place for? Below is a list of common items convenient to have a place for in the entryway:
  • shoes
  • keys
  • coats
  • handbags
  • mail
  • hats
  • scarves
  • backpacks and school stuff (i.e. signed papers, lunchboxes, announcements)
  • reusable grocery bags
  • cell phones, blackberries, etc.
  • sunglasses
  • umbrellas
  • coins
  • dry cleaning to drop off
  • temporary items -(i.e. stuff you want to take with you)
Clear some space, have bags and boxes ready and start clearing everything from the entryway, sorting as you go. More often than not, the items that tend to collect in this area, tend to belong elsewhere in the home so sort those items by the room in which they belong in. You might also find that the entry has become a dumping ground for items you don’t know what to do with. Resist the urge put these in the Maybe pile. Make a decision on as many items as possible about whether you want to keep or get rid off them. If the item belongs to someone else in your household, be sure to consult with them or set it aside for them to make a decision on it.

Once you’re done sorting, take a look at your Keep pile and assess whether the entryway is the best home for each item. Will having them in the entryway interfere with the functions you want the space to support? Refer back to the list you created earlier.

Find a place for everything that you’ve decided belongs in the entryway. Put items where they’re most used and can be easily accessed. Establishing designated spots for the things you drop off and pick up as you go in and out can significantly minimize chaos. You may find it useful to sketch out a little plan to help you determine what you want where and figure out what little additions you might want to shop for (i.e. bins, hooks, a table, etc). If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to give equal attention to practical and design concerns.

In the posts to follow I’ll go over a variety of entryway configurations and organizational solutions. Stay tuned!

Posted in entryway, organization | 9 Comments

This Week: Entryways

Hi everyone! Hope you had a great weekend! Mine was a busy one spent out of town working on an organizing project, dropping off donations, going on a few shopping trips {no purchases for me though}, doing some research, and spending a few hours with my sister figuring out how to make chicken posole for our mama all on our own {cutting up a whole chicken was quite the challenge for us!}

toddalexanderromano
by todd romano

Here on the blog I’m dedicating this week to entryways -the “mood-setters” of the home and areas that tend to easily become cluttered. Check back all week for tips on decluttering, organizing, and of course tons of inspirational photos!

¡Hasta mañana!

Posted in decor, entryway | 4 Comments