The number one, biggest pet peeve of mine about our old house was that there was no foyer. Nothing except for a 3'x4' piece of tile in one corner of the living room. Entering the house felt like starting a book on page 20, or missing the first half of the movie. I always felt I was playing catch up when I came in. No smooth transition – and no place to put your coat or boots.
So when we toured our new house with our realtor – It had me at "hello".
I love the entryway to our house because it is working for us. There are plenty of spaces that are NOT working for us- the kids bookshelves, our basement storage, our mudroom, the garage, the list goes on. But the entryway? The entry is working. Why?
#1 The First Impression
This is the first thing people see when they enter our home. I want them to feel welcome; I want them to feel peaceful. I think the key to making almost any space feel peaceful is to avoid clutter. (See #2-4) This bird painting is one of my favorites from Pier 1; the pot was from Home Depot; the basket from JoAnne; the table is an oldie from K-mart (it came with 2 stools that have long since bit the dust).
#2 The coat tree
Hangers are hard for kids. Especially kids who come charging in the front door from school starving hungry, and having to pee like a racehorse. Hangers are hard for guests who don't really want to rummage in your closet- but would like a place to toss their coat/purse. I love this IKEA one because it has low hooks- ostensibly for purses- that are perfect for children. The mirror was from Target, and the chair was a thrift store fine that I spray-painted.
#3 The boot tray
In the Midwest this is a must for snowy boots. But I was SHOCKED at how those tiny low walls made a difference for my children. They went from dumping footwear in a heap somewhere near the rug to lining them up in the tray. This was $5 at Target. Easy to clean and a clear target for shoes and boots.
#4 Baskets and Drawers
Things need places. Especially things you have in your hands as you are coming in the door. Keys, wallets, mittens, mail, chapstick, the prize rock you found on the playground. If it doesn't have a home, it becomes instant clutter. So each kid has a drawer and hubby has a basket. They can put whatever they want in it on their way in and out. They are great catchalls that close and hide the mess.
There are, as always, thing s I would like to change. The front door needs to be painted; I'd like to add a bit of interest to the walls (maybe a subtle stencil?); and the light is a builder-grade boob light. But all in time. Today I am celebrating that my first-grader put hung up his snow-pants without a reminder!
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