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Front Entrance Woes

Sharing decorating ideas for freshening up our front entrance, plus a tiny closet makeover with added storage.

Our front entrance is anything but welcoming. I have had ideas for decorating it in the back of my mind, but thought I’d leave it for when our other renovations are complete. It never fails that just when you finally get a wall perfectly painted that something scrapes up against it and ruins the finish. However, my patience is running out. As Oprah says, your home should rise up and greet you. When I open my front door, I want to turn around and run in the other direction!

I’d love to come home to something like this beautiful entryway. Of course I’d need to add a rug because not having one in our climate is impractical.

Problems with Our Entryway

What do I find so wrong with our front entrance? First off, there are scrapes and marks all over the walls from backpacks, hockey bags, hockey sticks, and who knows what else. There are also fingerprints because the space is too small to put a chair or small bench for anyone to sit to tie their shoes.

Furthermore, the area rug has been there for years. Every summer I take it outside and give it a good hose down even though it isn’t indoor/outdoor (I don’t suggest doing this with an expensive rug) and let it dry on the driveway. It gets rid of the dirt and muck from winter and spring, but I’m afraid my cleaning trick has run its course. To add to my negative rant, the lighting is ho-hum and the flooring is starting to separate at the seams. Convinced yet?

With all of these characteristics I don’t like, you’re probably wondering if there’s anything I do! I have to admit the front entrance isn’t an aspect that sold me on our house. I always knew there were small changes I could do to make it better. However, it’s one of those spaces I have neglected. This is the complete opposite of what I tell my clients!

Cluttered Entryway Closet

Better Organized Closet

One thing I did change several years ago was the closet configuration. When we moved in, there was one shelf running across the length of the closet with a rod to hang jackets below. It was far from functional, so I took it down, painted (after filling the gigantic holes) and installed a system made by Rubbermaid called Configurations.

It was easy to do (no husband required), and it has worked well ever since. I was also able to repurpose the original closet shelf in the laundry room, which was a bonus.

I should probably mention that we weeded out the over-sized collection of jackets and hats (I still don’t know whose jacket that number 14 was- my son has only ever been 8 or 10).

To hold seasonal items, I also added baskets and a storage cart on wheels for easy access to keys, mitts, dog leashes, etc. It also purchased wooden coat hangers to keep the look consistent.

Entryway Closet with Rubbermaid Configurations Organizer

It functions well for our family even though it doesn’t have a “wow” design factor. We keep the closet doors closed most of the time, so it really isn’t something that I feel needs addressing.

Entryway Area Rug

I think a good place to start for our front entrance makeover is selecting a new rug. The size I need isn’t standard, and it’s proving to be a bit of a chore.

Here are some indoor/outdoor rugs I’m considering (all from Overstock):

Caprina Rug - Overstock
Courtyard St. Martin Rug - Overstock
Thom Filicia Ackerman Rug - Overstock
Thom Filicia Tioga Rug - Overstock

What do you think? As you can see, I’m leaning toward blues and blue/greens (no big surprise here!). I love that these all can be easily cleaned and are quite inexpensive. I should probably let you know that I’ve 99% decided to install rectangular grey slate tiles on the floor in a brick pattern. Perhaps that will sway your input.

One other thing before you head off… If you’re looking for more useful and pretty ideas in your life, make sure you’re on the email list! You can subscribe here.

Have a great weekend!

Shauna at Satori Design for Living Blog - Home Decor, DIY, Vintage Finds, Recipes

2 Comments

  1. Shauna, I really like your entrance but I know that we can’t see everything you can. Are you keeping the light fixture and painted ceilings because they are just fab! I like all of your rug choices but my favorites are 2 and 4. But if you are going with grey slate you probably want to go with something that’s a little lighter than 4 like number 2. Number 2 will also bring in some of the colors from your bench since the wood color will then be gone from the floor. My parents have grey slate in their entry way and it is beautiful it is actually original to their house was built in the early 70’s and the slate is still in perfect condition.  Good luck. 

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