First impressions: How to Style an Entryway

It can seem like the smallest and yet most daunting space in your house to decorate. . . . none other than your entryway! What is it about this small space that has the ability to stop you right in your decorating tracks? Maybe its the size and need to squeeze so much function into such a tiny space. Not only do you need to hide all of the shoes that are constantly piling up at the front door, but you also want a space that will greet your guests when they come over and give the first impression of “Hey, I’ve got it together!” (Or at least it looks that way). But where do you start? Trust me, you’re not alone! My entryway is one of many rooms in our apartment that is far from finished. So if you’re looking for some inspiration or just a couple tips of where to get started, keep reading!

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The above entryway styled three ways by Anne Sage for West Elm  is a great place to start for inspiration! Sometimes the hardest thing to tackle when decorating a space is your overall look. Do you want something minimalistic and understated? Or maybe something more high impact? Either way, understanding your overall direction will help guide your purchases, even if that overall direction is a bit fuzzy. Think of the colors you want in the space. The wood tones or lack thereof. You can fill in the rest later!

The first place I started with my entryway was the largest piece of furniture. In most cases this is a table or cabinet but it doesn’t have to be! For me, choosing this piece was all about functionality. Going up and down the stairs for shoes every morning just wasn’t working so I chose the Ikea Hemnes Shoe Cabinet in white. It was the perfect, cost friendly option to hold our shoes and the top drawer is the perfect destination for our keys, sunglasses, and other accessories we need before running out of the door.

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Once you’ve chosen the largest piece of furniture (whether its a table, cabinet, bench or something fun), start thinking about the accessories. Does the space need light? Add a lamp! Do you like to get one last look at yourself before you run out of the door? Hang a mirror! Once your space functions exactly how you want to use it, its just about adding in the decor that will bring it to life. The sky is the limit in this area, so head over HERE for more inspiration and ideas for what you can add to your entryway. I’d love to see what you do to spruce up your space! Share with me in the comments below or tag me in your posts.

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2 Comments

  1. Kim McHugh
    August 16, 2016 / 3:40 PM

    I want my entryway to look good but for me it needs to be functional as well. I have baskets for our shoes and we use some hooks for our keys. I love the idea of having a mirror near the entry because I often run back to my room to check my lipstick before I head out the door. I will look for a good spot for a mirror that is functional but adds some zip to the decor.

    • monique
      August 16, 2016 / 6:42 PM

      That sounds perfect 🙂 Send me a picture once you find one, please!

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