I guess I need context since the wallpaper is an odd choice for a drop zone since it will be covered with coats . I dislike drop zones in entry spaces at the front of a home so wher eis this in the home ? I see a odd piece of art . I need mor einfo and for sure pics of the rest of the home decor. I have no idea how adding some stuff on a shelf in a drop zone makes sense . IMO this space could have been a closet with doors not someplace where coats and shoes are on display and I do not see anything that says MCM only rustic and with no context I have no clue. Quirky can be fun but it still needs to have some reason .

Thanks for your comment! I hope this context helps.

The drop zone is located at the front entry of our house. While I know it’s not ideal from an aesthetic standpoint, it functions really well for our busy family. Originally, this space was a full-length closet with double bifold doors, but it wasn’t very useful—it mostly stored winter coats we never wore and a vacuum. So, I decided to transform it by removing the doors, adding a storage bench, and installing coat hooks (which aren’t visible in the "before" picture).

We love how functional the space is, but I wasn’t happy with the original look (beadboard, corbels, etc.), which led to the facelift. We chose the bold wallpaper knowing that once the hooks were installed and coats were hung, the pattern would be toned down—something we’re perfectly fine with.

As for the art, the piece shown is just an example of the kind of thing I’d like to place on a potential shelf. I realize it might not make complete sense, which is probably why I’m struggling to incorporate it. And honestly, I’m okay with not having a shelf at all.

Thank you so much! This is exactly the type of feedback I was looking for. The wacky wallpaper is a lot easier to digest with the space stocked with stuff. ;-)

Do you have overhead light in that closet? Something like this would be nice.

Does the 65” include the recessed end , or is just the opening size? I would take care not to crowd your hooks if you are hanging winter coats, especially as kids grow. Perhaps you already have that measured out based on existing items.

I like double ( above & below) hooks because you can hang a slim strapped item like a backpack loop, umbrella, underneath a coat, or hoody below.

I think the decor on the shelf is what is confusing me a c;loset really should be practical and drop zone one even more so .

@Patricia Colwell Consulting

If you look at the 1st picture, there are shelves for storage including shoes inside the closet on the right side.

Lay a rug to hide the trap door.

Another picture of the After space might be helpful. (Pictures of the Before are of no use at all. Before is gone.)

By their very nature, drop zones are going to lean toward a cluttered look. That’s just the way it is. For that reason, I wouldn’t add any decor like pictures.

It's a great little space! Not at all cookie cutter! Thought:

- Love that bench, especially since it appears to have a lift-up lid. Great storage. I agree with posters above who say, Add a cushion and a couple pillows. They won't be particularly functional, but they'll bring in softness and texture. And, yes, I'd paint that front green to match the wallpaper.

- Add a runner in front of the bench.

- I like the idea of adding hooks for coats. I'd stagger them in two rows.

- I love the Sasquash wallpaper and the painting even more! Quirky all right!

- Bring back that wide shelf! Put it right over the wallpaper, then add baskets on the shelf. Each family member should have one to collect keys, sunglasses and other "out the door" items.

- Those shelves on the right are a love-hate thing. So much storage, but not 'specially attractive. They seem to have been spaced for shoes? Could you add a door to cover these shelves? Or remove some of the shelves (they seem too numerous) and move those family baskets over to the side rather than the top?

- I'd like to see a mirror here somewhere. It would add some brightness to the space, and it would be a practical space to check your hair and face before leaving the house.

- Do you have lighting -- typical closet lighting -- up top? If so, that's enough. I don't see visual space here for anything fancier, and it's hidden behind the facing of the wall.

- The wall space just outside this drop-space seems empty. The drop-space itself is quite full, and then nothing on the outside. You don't have space for much, so I'd say just color is enough, but it is a need.

I think also, since it’s a small space that is already configured a certain way, try to prioritize what actually works best in just this space, rather than have it do too many things.

A lot of suggestions above, while good for brainstorming, keep pushing you toward lovely visuals at the expense of practical & how people actually behave. You can also include what you think you can “ train” family members to do.

For example, are seasonal jackets a priority? Focus on spacing for that, plus know that periodic maintenance is needed as jackets will accumulate.

If using side shelves for shoes, will you also have “ house shoes” there, or are you a sock/ barefoot family? Or some of each, but need to allocate space. And can’t store ALL family shoes there. Is it an absolute “ no shoes” rule, or best for kids who curl up feet on furniture & also don’t have a lot of judgement about the condition of shoes, vs. adults who could go to bedroom & change there. Will the shoes be actually muddy? How would you handle that? Not fun to have to clean out those shelves of dirt clods regularly. And for sure there will at least be “ small dirt”. No white bench cushion! Sheese.

It would not feel convenient to me to put keys and small pocket items in a basket on a high shelf. Hats, gloves, scarves maybe. So if you really want keys there, specific key hooks may be better. Or, accept a different key drop further into house, which may be more secure anyway.

If for kid school backpacks, backpacks may have to be unloaded somewhere else , then re- loaded. ( homework, lunch/ snacks water bottles, & weird stuff). So a plan for that.