Clutter in the entrance can stifle the flow of your home well beyond the front door. What to do with all the sundries that need stashing? Create a space that’s practical as well as pleasing to the eye. An all-in-one unit such as the one shown on page 12 is just one very convenient option. Read on for other ways to make your own entry (and exit) point as pulled together as can be.
Whether you have a grand foyer or no real entry at all, you can maintain order and a consistent routine with a few simple elements. Just how you go about implementing these entryway items will depend mostly on the physical footprint of your space. For example, if you have a dedicated hall closet, you may be able to forgo the hooks; if you don’t have room for a console or other table, you can mount a shelf or a floating ledge.
Even if you do have a coat closet, wall-mounted hooks are an efficient way to hold everyday items such as scarves and dog leashes; plus they allow raincoats to dry off. Be sure to arrange some hooks within reach of any little ones, too.
Corral items big (such as umbrellas and soccer balls) and small (like loose change and sunglasses) in coordinated containers. You can even designate a cubby for each member of the family, or for each category of gear—sports, pets, beach, and such.
You’ll need a horizontal surface to house small items, as well as a place to set down bags and totes as you come and go. Console tables have slender profiles; credenzas offer hidden storage. Shelves allow for customization. Or let a bench do double duty (see page 14).
Besides being an inviting addition to any entry, a seat has the practical purpose of providing a place to sit when putting on and taking off shoes. Many benches offer storage underneath, either with built-in cubbies for shoes and other everyday items or space for tucking in your own baskets or containers.
A mat or rug protects your floors from the elements and provides a soft spot for weary feet. Plus, it affords another way to personalize the space. Choose durable, easy-to-clean wool or indoor-outdoor rugs, or you can stick with coconut-husk or other traditional doormat fibers. Shoes and boots can go in a boot tray to catch any drips.
Martha Must
I keep a basket of nonskid socks by the entrance as part of a no-shoes policy, a custom I picked up when visiting Japanese homes many years ago. Besides keeping your floors clean, it is a cozy option for colder months.