5 Ways to Make a Better Entrance

1. Clean out everything but the necessities. Get rid of miscellaneous papers and piles and hone it down to the essentials. Once you figure out what's a necessity in this space, you'll have an easier time figuring out how to keep it organized.

A built-in like this is great, because it doesn't allow for any extraneous items. There's a clear spot for coats, hats and other basics — everything else makes its way into the rest of the home.

You don't need a lot of space (or a built-in of any kind) to make a great entryway. A sliver of wallspace next to your front door is all you need. The smaller the space, the more important it is to keep it clutter-free. This entryway just has a small shelf for knickknacks, a mirror, and a place to hold important reminders.

2. Make a communication center. Your entryway is the one spot in your home where you are guaranteed to grab a family member's attention. Everyone has to pass by it on their way in and out of the house, so make use of this by putting a bulletin board, calendar, chalkboard or whiteboard nearby.

Customize Your Command Center

Having a space for the family's electronic accessories is another great addition to the entry. Today, almost everyone has a cellphone, computer, music player or other chargeable device, and it can be difficult to keep things straight. Setting up a spot for all of these necessities near the entry means that things won't get lost, and your daughter will never forget her iPod again. This stunning charging console was custom-made, but you can create the same look with a charging station set on top of a small table or console.

3. Establish zones by item or owner. The best way to keep things organized in an entryway is to encourage your family and guests to divide things up by type of item, or by owner. Set up baskets or bins and label them by family member, or organize them by shoes, gloves, hats and other common items that clog up the entryway. The cubbies in this photo are great, but if you don't have the option of building them in, get big bins and label them with your family members' names.

Create a Makeshift Mudroom

Another option is installing basic coat hooks, and labeling each one with a different name. If you're living in a multi-person household, having a zone for each person can be incredibly helpful. It's also important to organize things in a way that makes it comfortable and easy to store them. Shoes should go on the floor so they can be kicked off quickly, while jackets and hats should hang at eye level.

4. Make organization obvious. Let's face it: No one in your family is going to keep things neat and clean unless you make it ridiculously easy. Make sure that it's clear where everything goes in the entryway so that there's no confusion. Put out shelves for bags and scarves, little bowls for change and a rack to keep shoes tidy. Look for open containers for the smaller but important items — like keys or cellphones — so that they're easily visible and accessible on your way out the door. Hooks, baskets and bins should all be labeled.

5. Keep it cheerful. Tour entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home, so make a welcoming place. Put out a bench, chair, small stool or other place for guests to sit and take off their shoes.

Make sure there's something fun or pretty in your entryway for visitors to enjoy. A pop of color, artwork, a fun pillow, plants or cute wall hooks can all bring a smile to visitors' faces.

Putting down a rug in the entryway can make a huge difference too — it separates the space just a bit so that it feels like its own room — and will catch dirt tracked in. Mirrors are a great idea too, so you can take a last look at your outfit or makeup before you leave for the day.

More:
Guest Picks: Get Your Entryway Organized
Weekend Decorating: 8 Ideas for Lighting Your Entry
Come On In: Welcoming and Stylish Entryways