Homegoods

My mom recently downsized from a house in the suburbs to a condo in the city of Chicago. We’ve slowly been helping her decorate every inch of her new place and I even shared my mom’s new blush bedroom here on the HomeGoods blog.

Photo by The DIY Playbook

So dreamy, isn’t it?! Even though her bedroom was looking good, we still had plenty of work to do for the rest of your new home.

Photo by The DIY Playbook

When you’re transitioning to a smaller space, every square inch needs to work hard for you and your life. We try to view every nook and cranny as an opportunity to get organized and make your house function well for you. So when we saw that she had a long hallway right when you walk into her space, we were determined to make the most of it! With just a few easy changes, we took that plain hallway and made it into this functional drop zone.

Photo by The DIY Playbook

It only took about 6 feet of blank wall to create a space that makes a world of difference in my mom’s daily life. She now has a spot to drop her keys, a spot to check herself out in the mirror before heading out the door, and a spot to hold her mail when she comes in after a long day. And the best part is there is still plenty of room to walk through this hallway! If you want to create a similar space, here’s what you need to get the job done.

Find Big Items First
After finding a slim console and lamp, we headed to HomeGoods to gather most of the basics for this space. We stumbled upon this large wood and white mirror and immediately added it to our cart.

Photo by The DIY Playbook

We could have done a piece of art or frames over the console, but the mirror actually comes in handy! It’s a spot to check your lipstick as you head out the door, and it bounces light around this slim hallway making it look a lot bigger and brighter. Make sure you don’t hang your mirror too high. 4-8 inches over a dresser or console is the way to go!

Add Secret Storage

Photo by The DIY Playbook

With the big items in place, we had fun shopping for accessories. Since the console is two levels, we added a basket to the bottom shelf. This holds hats, mittens, and scarves…a must for the chilly months here in Chicago! HomeGoods has tons of baskets to choose from, but we suggest going with one that has a lid on it. That way the items inside will be concealed and it won’t look messy when guests enter your space.

Corral your Keys

Photo by The DIY Playbook

I don’t know how people function without a spot for their keys! We’ve both always had “key bowls” in our homes, and knew that this entryway needed a spot for these essentials too. We spotted this little white dish amongst the accessories at HomeGoods and knew that it was the perfect size for car and house keys.

Photo by The DIY Playbook

You don’t want to buy a bowl that is too big, because then you may find yourself dumping change and other random items in this important spot. Instead, find a small dish that fits a few sets of your everyday keys!

Keep Mail Organized

Photo by The DIY Playbook

When designing an entryway, you need to think about how you use the space day and in and day out. When my mom gets home from work, she checks her mail and comes into her condo. Now she has a spot to corral her mail with this mail sorter. You don’t just need to keep desk organizers in your office space, but use them in your entryway too. Now she has stamps and envelopes on hand for sending mail, along with a spot to keep important bills and letters for when it’s time to sort through them.

Make it Pretty

Photo by The DIY Playbook

The entryway is usually the first area that guests spot in your home, so it’s important to keep this area well-styled and clutter free. Adding a few pretty items helps too!

Photo by The DIY Playbook

Because there was a wall outlet right when you view this console, we decided to add a large vase in front of it to cover it up. That way your eye is drawn to the curvy shape of the vase, instead of the outlet and lamp cord it’s trying to conceal.

Photo by The DIY Playbook

Some faux greenery (or real if you can keep it alive!), also spruces up this space. Just make sure you don’t put too many objects on your entryway console. You want it to stay neat and organized so it functions well for you every single day.

Bonus: Extra Seating!

Photo by The DIY Playbook

On the other side of the wall, we were able to add a little bonus entryway spot! We found this storage bench, a large piece of art, and pillows all from HomeGoods to complete this space. The bench is amazing because it holds (and conceals) all of the toys that my mom’s grandchildren play with when they come visit.

Photo by The DIY Playbook

A bench is also a great idea in an entryway because it gives you (and your guests) a spot to sit down and take your shoes on and off. If you can find a slim bench for your entryway you won’t be sorry!

Photo by The DIY Playbook

Mudrooms and grand foyers aren’t just for large houses. With a few feet of space, some creativity, and a quick trip to HomeGoods, you too can create a functional entryway in your home!