How to Create a Foyer Where There is None

Many homes lack formal entryways. Learn how to turn the area by your front door into a functional space to greet guests and store shoes and bags.

By: Laurie March

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Photo By: Bethany Nauert

Photo By: Mondrian Correa

Photo By: Bethany Nauert

Systemized Stylin'

Being organized doesn’t have to be a chore. With a centralized location and some stylish additions, you can turn plain cupboards into an orderly and elegant wall that does it all.

The Need for Neat

This wall needed organization for both the grown-ups and little one in this home. Use store-bought cupboards for a stylish way to create a foyer wall that does it all.

Keep It On The Level

Use a level for precision when hanging the upper cabinetry. Its important that the weight of the cupboard is distributed evenly, and anchored into the studs to bear the weight of its contents.

To Each Her Own

One of the best ways to stay organized is to have a designated spot for each family member’s important, daily stuff. Mom will always know where her purse is when it has its own place to be tucked into at the end of the day.

In Case I Forget

Having a chalkboard handy offers a perfect spot for those last minute ideas or lists that come to mind as on the way out the door. A navy chalkboard bound in copper trim makes a list-making chore into something aesthetically pleasing and on trend.

Repurposed Organization: Designer Tip

Inside an upper cabinet, double the space by using a spice shelf as a vertical organizer. It frees up room for wallets underneath while utilizing even more space for notes, pens, etc.

Mail Call

Get a small mail organizer to keep your bills separate but in one, safe place. Even if you can’t get to your bills immediately, they’re all in a safe place, out of sight.

Keep It Brassy

Brass is not only a classic design accent but it bounces light around a space beautifully. Three small, brass mirrors add a warm touch to the wall in this utility space.

Mini Man Cave

Keep all Dad’s things together in a cabinet of his own. He won’t forget his glasses, keys or the always important “Honey Do” list with his own tidy space.

Cord Corral

Binder clips aren’t just for paper. They are excellent at keeping cords from getting tangled. With repositionable hooks you can place them anywhere.

Fun Down Under

Lower cabinets can hold toys and stuffed animals with fun art on the inside of the doors, creating a playroom that you can close up when baby is done!

Wicker for Whatever

To keep the oddly shaped toys from taking over the space, place them in heavy-duty wicker baskets. Far fewer toys will be underfoot when they’ve got a stylish spot to return to.

Just In Case

The cabinet nearest the front door can do double duty for storing the diaper bag, and a basket for back up blankies. Rolling the blankets up makes them easy to grab on the go.

The Art Zone

Laminate colorful fine art wrapping paper and to serve as educational and original art posters for the play zone. Tape them to the inside of the cabinetry and baby will see them everyday.

Rolling Out The (Beige) Carpet

Bound carpets are a streamlined way to visually divide a room into two zones and delineate the space for the living room from the entryway and play zone.

Coats, Scarves and Hats. Oh My!

No more excuses for dropping coats or hats on the couch when there are designated hooks for each family member. Use a chalkboard hook that can be written on to add a personal touch and you’ll never be confused on what goes where.

Nothing To See Here

More and more households are going “shoeless”. Taking off shoes at the door reduces outdoor germs being tracked inside and is safer when you have little ones crawling on the floor. Keep shoes out of the way by being placing them inside a storage bench.

Keep It Together

Instead of letting decor take over, identify a space it can live in and don’t let it expand. Designers use trays skillfully to corral accessories, so that they have a pared down, edited appeal.