first impression

Bonnie Walker
Aug 9, 2016
2 min read

Entryways are still something I'm learning how to style. Living rooms - love 'em. Bedrooms - in my sleep. But entryways pose a challenge of creating an inviting, open space while needing to be jam packed with functional practicalities. Appealing spaces are great, but appealing spaces that don't function properly quickly become cluttered and messy.

When styling your entryway, pick a focus factor - a statement of some type that will draw the eye as well as your guests into your home. On a home tour in Raleigh I saw this gorgeous statement wall which really got my mind turning. But I don't have the capacity to do moulding detail in my current apartment. So if you're like me and you need something more construction and budget friendly, I highly recommend a gallery wall. Not only does it create interest right inside your door, but it is also wonderfully versatile, customizable to season, preference, or size of space. (For more tips on gallery walls, see my post here.)

But as I said, your entryway can't just be inviting, it needs to be practical too. When I walk in the door I'm usually a mess - juggling coffee and keys in one hand with my purse and multiple bags stacked up my forearm (you know you do it too.) Every time you get home you are in a quick transition, purses, keys, even shoes sometimes need to be put away and you need to re-orient to being home. So in order to keep your entryway clutter free you need a drop spot. A table for your mail, a spot for your purse, a closet for your coat. Notice the tray on the second shelf of the console table? A great place to set your mail, wallet, sunglasses, etc. while still keeping the top of the table open and available for styling. Not cluttering the top surface allows you to decorate it and create the impression that this is a home that is well organized. (Even if it isn't! But shhh, I won't tell anyone.)

What's more, I've found that the absolute best thing that helps me keep my entryway in order is so simple - a hook for my keys. It's such a small thing, but I've found that having a consistent, designated place for my keys helps everything else feel more organized. When you hang your keys up, you can't just throw everything down on the floor. It makes you more mindful of your space and what you're doing with it. That old mantra "a place for everything, and everything in its place." There's a reason it's a mantra - because it's true!