There are rugs designed specifically for this, but they are kind of ugly to my eye. I have a cheap rug that is the first "step" into the house, and when we lived "up North", I had a nice copper tray for just this purpose. It collects the water and crud and then about every other day, I had one of the kids, clean it off with some paper toweling. Or more frequently if needed. They have them in various catalogs, Frontgate is one that has them.

I like that idea. Maybe a shoe rack for that little corner by artwork... :). With mat under for dripping.

Hi Teri, I'm not sure what your exterior is like, if you have a covered porch or a small area there, but perhaps you could put a thicker mat outside as a first line of defence as well.

The double boot tray, if it fits, is the perfect thing. (Check online; lots of places have them.) I have a thick, wool thrift shop oriental rug in our front hall. It looks beautiful and absorbs some water. If you can find space on your shelves for a basket, put some cozy slippers in there for your guests.

I have a really rugged mat outside before they get in, and then I have a nice neutral 4x6 brown and gray rug I found at Pennys, which gets the rest of the dirt off!

No snow here in California but if you can swing it a hanging shoe organizer would accent the small space nicely. Or something like the attached. And the first thought we had was a nice shoe rack. Excited to see what you come up with!

I'd try a bigger rug in the entry, and a boot tray. I've never seen that double one before, but it would have been invaluable when my kids were little!

When the snow arrives, I completely cover my mat (4x6) with two clear vinyl runners (the ones with spikes on the underside so they won't slip). I have boot trays to the side. I clean the vinyl when it gets dirty and wet.

Have to admit, I dislike the snow, the mess and the vinyl mats, but I hate even more walking through all that salty, sandy melted snow every time I answer the door.

Ideas from upstate NY, I would put the widest, longest runner you can fit that goes from the door all the way past the stairs. And a boot tray in the recess where the salt container is. Don't spend a lot, be prepared to throw out the rug next summer. I have a colorful black background hooked 4x6 by my front door, but i resolved that it won't last more than 2 winters.

Rocket what do you mean by color black background hooked. Do you have a picture?

I chose a hooked rug because it was sturdy to stand up to the snow brought in on boots. It was less than $100 on overstock/ebay. I would suggest a longer one for your area that extends from the door all the way to the left of the staircase to give you more room to stand.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/351569860456?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Flor has some carpet tiles that don't allow the water to penetrate to the floor. Can't recall the name but I bet if you called they would be able to point you in the right direction quickly. The plus is that you can get the size you need to extend as long as needed and replace a square if needed in the future.

Chilewich mats ... Beautiful designs! The store where I bought mine has a Chilewich mat in the entranceway to the store. The owner says that when it gets really dirty, she takes it to the car wash and sprays it off. She loves how easy it is to care for. This is a Canadian location with at least 4 months of snow ... this is high praise!
Don't go with shelves or trays that are wooden. The water from your shoes and boots will destroy them. For sure, get a good boot tray.
In the long run, the best solution I've seen is to put in-floor heating into your entranceway tiling. The water tracked in on your boots will evaporate quickly.

A shoe rack, like you can see in our design below, is a great way to keep things organized. There is also a coat rack in the entrance here, along with a bench.

Some people use a tray filled with pebbles, google shoe tray pebbles, to dry the shoes before going to the shoe rack or cabinet! cheap easy and organic looking.

Waterhog runner from llbean. I have the same problem. You can get it custom cut as well. Just hose off to clean or in tub.