Side door entryway desperately needs update!

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

We primarily use the side door to enter and leave the house and it’s just such an odd space, I can’t figure out how to decorate or what type of rug to put down or where to even start! Hallway is being painted a light grey color, and has dark wood floors. You walk in to a blank hallway and the bathroom door. Should I put up shelves? Get a console table? Help!

Featured Answer

hhireno

8 years ago

Since it’s your “welcome home” spot, make it welcoming. I would add a long, colorful runner and some art or pictures that make me happy..

Maybe a mirror to check your look before you leave the house? Will you need a bench for taking off shoes? A shoe rack for storing those shoes? IKEA might still have a bench with cubbies, which accomplishes both seating and storage. I have a cedar chest that doubles as a seat and stores hats and gloves.

If you don’t need a seat, a thin console table might be nice for dropping the mail or storing keys, but not if it’s going to become a drop and ignore and look cluttered spot (I do not have a console table because that would happen in my house).

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Comments (12)

suezbell
8 years ago
The space is beautiful functional -- or would be without clutter.

Repainting is always an option to make any space feel "new" again.

You might consider a new light fixture for the wall.

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1QCh1SFXXXXbTaXXXq6xXFXXXv/simple-LED-Wall-lights-Wall-Mounted-Indoor-Decoration-wall-Light-Hall-Bedroom-living-room-corridor-restroom.jpg_640x640.jpg

A hall tree might be worth considering.

http://floorganics.com/how-to-make-a-hall-tree-storage-bench/how-to-make-a-hall-tree-storage-bench-hall-tree-storage-bench-furniture-hall-tree-storage-bench-ikea/

(IF?) If that's a closet in the foreground of the pic on the right, perhaps you do some reorganizing inside so you'd not need storage in the hall itself. Perhaps you could add storage to the inside of a door for that closet.

http://www.thebuildingnashville.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/contemporary-bedroom-decor-closet-door-storage-small-closet-room-design-1-hanging-space-shoe-rack-door-shelf.jpg
Jenna Curren thanked suezbell
Jenna Curren
Original Author
8 years ago
Considering we just moved in last week, clutter is an unfortunate but unavoidable part of my day-to-day right now. Thanks for pointing out that my hall shouldn't be a mess, that really helped me with my interior design question!
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Annie Deighnaugh
8 years ago
If it were mine, I'd skip the gray paint and go with fun colors/design/pattern to liven up the space. I'd want some real happy colors welcoming me home, so I'd make them my favorites. I'd be sure to paint the ceiling too. And get one large piece of artwork to fit in the blank space in the wall.

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In my house, our mudroom entry is a shade of heather that is one of my favorites and I love coming home to it every day.
Jenna Curren thanked Annie Deighnaugh
Denita
8 years ago
It looks like you have a great space for that cabinet that is there right now. Perhaps a simple round framed mirror over the existing cabinet and art on the wall across from the doorway with a colorful runner to brighten the space.

Mirror like this below in proportion to your existing console/cabinet:

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Jenna Curren thanked Denita
gracie01 zone5 SW of Chicago
8 years ago
You just moved in last week. Take a deep breath and relax. Live in it for a while and you'll know what you need there. Do you need coat storage? Do you have kids? Are you in an area with snowy boots? Do you need a big calendar/message center? Congrats on your lovely home.
Jenna Curren thanked gracie01 zone5 SW of Chicago
dragonflywings42
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I love Annie's examples and I think the third photo would work well for you in whatever color you love, but is too bold for your living areas. If I walked into that blue entry, I would be thinking "This is a fun family!" and not "Gosh, what a narrow space". Since your hallway is a bit wider than the blue one, I agree with Denita that a mirror over your cabinet is a great idea. (IMHO, mirrors are best near the door, in bathrooms, and in a closet or bedroom ... places where they are actually useful.)
DYH
8 years ago
I love that blue wall with the striped runner. It would make anyone smile after a stressed day.
sumac
8 years ago
Spend the time and money on sample pots of paint. With that warm wood grey's can look VERY cold. Ask me how I know!

I would look at mudroom images for inspiration
Jenna Curren thanked sumac
decoenthusiaste
8 years ago
Nothing but a great runner rug that draws the eye to color and pattern. Maybe a mirror on one wall so you can check yourself before leaving the house, and a place to hang keys.
Jenna Curren thanked decoenthusiaste
Jenna Curren
Original Author
8 years ago
You guys, this is all seriously amazing advice. A mirror, how did I not think of that?! Getting really excited to start playing with paint and giving the space some life. Thank you everyone, it's very appreciated!!
Christy Reves
8 years ago
I love your woodwork. Cute, cute home. It looks like your small narrow table to the left of your door is small enough and would work placing it on the long wall across from the door. You could play it up with a nice large piece of art. I think the light sconce can be pretty with a different funky little shade. I would take down the coat rack closest to the door and paint the bumped out wall a different paint color. A small antique chair would add welcome and charm placed where your table is currently. Have fun.