creationsbyrachel: Setting Up Home: Evolution of an Entry Way

You know what they say about first impressions: they either make ya or break ya! The entry way, where you welcome friends and family, is the first impression of your home.

Not only does it the set the tone for your whole house, I believe it sets YOUR mood, as soon as you walk in the door.

Is there a place for your keys, coat, wallet or purse? Is there a place for the little ones to take off shoes and put school bags? These are a few of the things I asked myself when setting up our entry way.

Let's get started!

First: I started with my basic pieces: a bench for taking off shoes and a mirror. It looks okay.... But definitely boring and basic. (I even swept for these pictures ;))

The next thing I wanted to do was to focus on adding some rugs to catch mud and dirt as soon as we walked in. I also wanted to soften the bench a little, so I added a few pillows.

It's starting to look a little more like a house now. But still too boring and still nowhere for shoes or keys.

So I added a basket to corral all of our shoes.

Next I focused on creating a place for guests to leave purses or keys. I added a small table with a wire basket and a decorative hook for purses, book bags or small jackets. (A pretty plant never hurt either) (it's ridiculous how happy that pig makes me!)

So now I have addressed most of the organization problems ( believe me, you'll be glad you added a spot for keys and wallets, when your husband stops asking you where they are!!!)

Last but definitely not least, I focused on art!

I accessorize the small table, because let's face it, I have a LOT of thrift store crap that definitely deserves to be front and center! ;) Then I added a small gallery wall, making sure they were hung at eye level and down towards the table. I love adding wreaths to mirrors. They help break up the large emptiness of big mirrors.

I quite like my entry way now! It makes me happy everytime I come home!

Again the before and after: