3 Tiny Entries That Rock

Sounds weird but, next to kitchens, entryways are my favourite area to design and style.  It might be easy to overlook your entry but,  as the most public space in your home, it deserves attention. Everyone sees your entry: family, friends, FedEx, the guy delivering pizza.  It's not just a landing zone for shoes and coats, keys and backpacks, it is a literal entryway into the rest of your home. Make it good!
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The "no-entry entry" we see below is a common situation in Etobicoke bungalows. The front door opens right into the living room and there is no physical separation between public and private space. Short of construction there is no remedy, but the feeling of an entryway is created here a nicely scaled table, lamp and artwork in this room by SJ Interior Designs.

Image: SJ interior Designs

There is never just one way to decorate a room, so I thought it would be fun to change a few things - pretty though this entry is. Here is how I would add a bit more function and change it up:

Image: Apartment Therapy

Looks like a Toronto condo, doesn't it? This strictly single file entryway makes the best of an awkward space with a wall of super-functional built-in cubbies and drawers.  Here are three easy but dramatic style changes:

This is a fairly typical entry in a small semi-detached or townhouse in Toronto. It is obviously not an ideal layout, but let's work with what we have. Assuming we can't relocate the coat and shoe storage to the wall to the right of the front door, a longer Shaker-style peg rail with a good amount of space between the pegs will hold more and look less congested. Ikea makes a slim shoe cabinet that looks more furniture like and would fit in this tight spot. Next, I would swap out the beige floor tile for something more exciting and re-carpet the stairs in a neutral sisal. Paint the handrail glossy black and the front door a new colour.