a slim small stool with large hooks above where the backpack is hanging seems to be the only spot.

Possibly remove the closet doors and create a bench with cubbies and hooks/rod

could offer shoe storage as well.

Yes, remove closet doors and do this. Then train your family to hang things neatly.

Inviting Laundry and Mudroom · More Info

Get a patterned indoor outdoor square rug that harmonizes with your floor and wall color:

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I would definitely keep the closet doors! Much rather have shoes/coats in the closet than on display. A small stool/bench where the backpack is and a pretty entry way rug would be nice.

@Lyn: agree that for now, a nice open space would work well with kids in the house. I had a tight front closet space like that and it was hard to hang coats in such a tight space with half the closet behind the sliding door. Doors can go back on later. The other space to consider is under the stairs. Sometimes that can work as a low closet space.

I see a spot for a table --on the wood floor in front of the half wall facing the Front door. Is that the Living room?

Hang a nice big painting on the wall to the right of the closet facing the Living room.

No more hooks in the entry area... put the shoes and stuff in the closet. Replace the hooks with something pretty.

Anyone mention carpet runner?

You have a hall closet, so why aren’t the shoes and all the stuff hanging on pegs stored in the hall closet? Do you need an organizer unit in there? Once those items have a home in the closet, you will find wall space for a mirror, floating shelf for your keys, and small ottoman to sit on while removing shoes.

I would take the slider doors off the closet and create what you need in there for a neat entry.

I would put 2 or 3 recessed lights in the ceiling of the narrow hallway and probably that's it. Might be a fun space for oversized b&w portrait photos on the kids.

A rug with stripes will make the entry feel wider. Simplifying what is on the walls will make the hallway less cramped. Keep the closet doors closed to hide your clutter, those visible mud room units only look photo shoot ready on Pinterest - usually look messy and cluttered in real life with young kids.

Without knowing a lot of factors, you could think about creating a tray ceiling at the entry so the eye is drawn up and there’s a more spacious feel.

Thank you all for the suggestions! I'll post photos once I work a bit on it. Someone suggested better organization for inside the closet, any ideas?

Please keep the closet doors - look at DYI shelving, two layers for hanging shorter items, pull out wire baskets. Hooks belong in back entries as they will always look messy and soon become overloaded. You could look for a tall slim piece of furniture where the hooks currently are - open shelves on top half and doors on bottom. Kids could use the closed part and you could keep shelves functional and decorative.

It looks like you might be able to fit a small stool underneath the shelf/coat rack by the stairs and then a small console table near the front door where the jacket is hanging. Here are a lot of our entryway designs for clients. Please note the hooks, stools, rugs, console tables, etc.

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