A Warm Welcome!

Photo Courtesy of The Design File

Confession.  I have no foyer.  Its one of the many downsides of living in a small home.  My front door opens right into the living room with nary a welcome mat or place to deposit keys or your hat.  It makes me sad.  (Not really.)  But while most people in larger homes worry about keeping their entryways organized and clutter free I'm left wondering where to place my mail and wet umbrella.  Not only that, but I want my guests to feel warm and welcome when they enter my home and that is no easy task when you're opening the front door in the middle of your main living area.  

I'm woman enough to say it....I have foyer envy.  Sigh.

 

Photo Courtesy of The Old Painted Cottage

However, while perusing the "Apartment Therapy" archives recently I was struck at the creativity of some small home dwellers, whether they be in an apartment, bungalow, cottage, condo or mid-century slash modern ranch home.  These homeowners have panache!  Sign me up for some pinache, willya?  They've taken it upon themselves to create entryways out of thin air.  Poof!  Like magic....

 

Photo Courtesy of Country Living

With some well placed benches, a boot tray, a lovely plant, nice lighting...these people have created a warm, welcoming landing strip for shoe removal and the hanging of hats as well as a place that invites guests in with a lovely embrace. 

 Photo Courtesy of Country Living

 Photo Courtesy of Mochatini

Who needs grand entrances with sweeping staircases and chandeliers as long as there is a hat rack, umbrella stand and a little organization.  

 Photo Courtesy of Mochatini

I must get a bench like this one pictured above.  I bet my children would never leave their shoes in a pile by the door if we had a bench like this.  Sigh.  Now I have bench envy as well.  

 

 Photo Courtesy of Country Living

These clever people built a nice half wall with a pass through that divided up their living area nicely to create an instant entryway.  They tiled that small area to give the room clear distinction without scrimping on space or style..  A little banquette and a throw rug makes the area its own room.  

Photo Courtesy of Mochatini

My silly friend, who happens to be one of those frugal genius decorators who creates something out of nothing, did what the homeowner above mimicked.  She had some special family photos printed in black and white, matted them in black frames and displayed them on inexpensive shelving in her foyer.  The entire effect cost less than $50 and it looks fabulous!  A great welcome to a warm family home. 

 Photo Courtesy of The Design File

I love hooks and hat racks.  There's just something about them that screams "Home Sweet Home" to me.  What's the old adage about a place to hang your hat?

  Photo Courtesy of The Design File

  Photo Courtesy of The Design File

I plan to steal the idea of mounting those clever wire baskets on the wall as a place to corral mail and homework, permission slips and To Do Lists!  

 Photo Courtesy of The Design File

After about 45 minutes of blog stalking and downloading pictures of lovely entrances, I've deduced the following:  with a few well-placed benches or shelves, good lighting, a welcoming houseplant or flower arrangement and possibly a decorative screen as a divider I can make my own foyer in my little Jewel Box® Home.  

Guess what my project for this week will be?  Now if only I had a place to put my To Do List...

~Amber