7 Amazing Ways To Maximize Your Entryway For Fall

Fall is around the corner and with it the inevitable colder weather. The change in seasons is a perfect opportunity to try these amazing ways to maximize your entryway. Prepare for the coats, mittens, and rainboots. Create storage and organization in your entryway to make your transition to fall flawlessly smooth.

The entryway of your home sets the tone for the home’s decor and personality. Not only should your entryway be beautiful, it should be functional as well. Regardless of your entryway size, take advantage of the prime real estate.  A common decorating trend is an entry table, mirror, and lamp. Though a timeless classic, this arrangement is predictable. Try to reflect your family and home’s style. If you chose this option, personalize it.

When decorating your entryway, determine which things are important for your home and family. Ask yourself a few questions to determine exactly what you would like to accomplish. Consider the space, size, purpose, current use, and access points.

Do you enter your home through your front, side, back door, or mud room?

Do you need to choose an area for incoming and outgoing mail?

Do you need a family information or message center?

Do you need an area to store shoes or an umbrella?

Entryway Storage and Seating Options

Storage ottomans and entry benches are functional and stylish. These come in decorative wood, leather, or a fabric material to match your home’s décor. Ottomans offer storage and stylish seating. Consider storing bags, shoes, gloves, or hats in your bench.

Mail Station

Creating a dedicated mail station is an excellent idea for your mail organization. A magazine holder or basket is a great collection device. It is large enough to collect regular letters, magazines, or weekly circulars. Magazine holders and basket come in various styles, textures, patterns, and colors. Your incoming mail should have a divine home.

Tip I: Include a lovely trash receptical nearby. Sort mail as it arrives. Toss out any unwanted items immediately to keep clutter down.

Tip II:  Add mail bins for different family members.

Message Centers

A family message center is also another option for your home organizational needs. An assigned area for a family information center keeps everyone in the loop. Message centers are designed to organize schedules, menus, activities, and other reminders. The assigned “go to” area eliminates lost notes and missed appointments.

Message centers are available ready-made or as a DIY project.  Dry erase or chalkboards are popular options for leaving notes for family members. Other options include chalkboard painted walls, bulletin boards, and magnetic boards.

Individual Storage Ideas

Individual lockers are  popular in entries or mud rooms. If given the option to have individual lockers, I  recommend it. Individual lockers allow each family member their own storage area. These areas are perfect for bags, keys, umbrellas, and backpacks. You can be creative with the lockers with colors, themes, and designs.

Not into the locker trend? Try storage units with individual drawers and cubbies. It is the same idea as a locker but less industrial looking. Each family member has a dedicated space for their items.

The Small Things

Placing a decorative tray on your entry table is a great option for the organization of minor items. Trays are also a way to help prevent cluttering the entire table. Gathering mail, keys, and lists on the tray prevents clutter on the table. Assigning a home for these items can save hours of looking for lost keys.

 

Where Are My Shoes?

Shoe storage systems are an excellent option for storing your shoes near an entrance. There are many reasons a family may use a shoe storage system. Shoe-free homes, cleaned carpets, or hardwood floors all call for entry-way shoe storage.

• Create a pebble-filled tray to collect wet and dirty shoes.
• Place a shoe cubby by the door to gather shoes.
• Install low shelving to place shoes.
• And always have a place to sit to take off and put on shoes. Guests will appreciate the seating.

Go Up

Decorative hooks are a great way to use available space. Hooks are available in many styles and designs. Use them on the walls to hang coats, hats, or backpacks. Embellish hooks with paint or distressing, add framing, or wainscotting to customize the look.

Floating shelves  and hanging baskets are another great way to use wall space. Add baskets for storage and decorative items. Display figurines, books, or artwork to add character.  Take advantage of the wall space near the entryway for these items.  

There are many ways to style and use your entryway for storage and organization. Be creative and think outside of the box. Your home’s entrance is the first glimpse guests have of your family. Add your personality and style to a functional space. These ideas are a starting point to create an inviting and organized entry space for your home.

 

Nakeya Fincher is the lead Certified Interior Decorator at Divine Elements of Design. She specializes in transforming everyday residences into beautiful and welcoming homes. Clients of Divine Elements of Design receive personalized attention to help create a unique decorating experience. As an interior decorator and professional organizer, Nakeya provides information on home decor, organization, and planning & productivity on various blogs and other social media outlets. Facebook