With so many rooms in a home and plenty of decor choices to take care of, the entryway is one area that’s sure to be overlooked time and time again. It’s only natural to underestimate this space, but it’s important to remember that this is the first area of the home guests will encounter as well as the one which will greet you at the end of a long day.

Even the smallest of foyers can have a huge impact on setting the tone of your home, and so you should consider ways to transform the space.

The following ideas will allow you to rethink how you use your entryway, no matter what size, scale or shape.  Not to mention, if you’re looking for a fun, weekend DIY project, this is an excellent place to start.

Here are 4 home renovation and organization projects for your entryway

1- Keep things neat & tidy - entryway maintenance

If you have children living in your home, it’s likely the case that your entryway has become a place to throw coats, hats, jackets, shoes and other miscellaneous things. Even in a home without children, this is a common occurrence. If things keep piling up in your entryway, then entering your home might feel stressful, cramped or overwhelming. Keeping your entryway neat and tidy will have a huge impact on your mood and set the tone for the rest of your home.

There are plenty of ways to add organizational elements to this space without making it look like a closet. First, consider installing hooks so that outwear can be hung instead of strewn about. This will make guests and loved ones feel like you’ve put conscious thought into making the space inviting. Do take the time to locate studs in your walls instead of blindly installing hooks.

Another idea is to set up thoughtful storage space, and this could be a small bench with cubby holes underneath or even a shelf or two complete with divisions for outdoor gear, accessories, shoes, and so forth. If you have the space, you may even consider an entire shelving unit. For best results, work with what you have as well as in relation to your personal needs.

2- Take a seat - where to sit down when spending time in this room?

If space allows, we’d suggest putting a small bench or other sleek seating option in your foyer. Many entryways are well-organized but lack a convenient place to remove our footwear or rest bags while getting undressed. Remember, for some, it may be difficult to stand while placing their shoes on and thus, with a seat in place they won’t have to feel embarrassed asking for one. As mentioned in our previous point, a bench can double as a place to store things, as there are many models on the market made specifically for this purpose and with cubby holes inside or underneath. This addition may seem small but it’ll play a huge role in creating an entryway that is accessible and comfortable for everyone.

3- Define your entryway with purpose

Now that we’ve considered some of the practical elements of organizing your entryway, we can begin thinking about some of the aesthetic aspects. Defining the space through decor choices can help things really shine, so first let’s consider the walls. Maybe play with geometric or patterned wallpaper on a single wall or even paint one accent wall in a bold colour.

Another cute and fun idea is to incorporate a memo board so that loved ones can leave notes or you can set yourself daily reminders. This could be done in the form of a corkboard that you can use to pin schedules, documents or photos. For a different touch, you might try out chalkboard paint, which is amusing for children and adults alike.

Find other ways to brighten, lighten and open your entryway, especially if it’s small or narrow. If the space really needs opening up, you may hang a mirror. Now, your entryway becomes a place where you check your reflection before dashing out the door, not to mention the light that’s reflecting from other rooms of your home. Elegant light fixtures can offer an additional layer of charm, so you may install a chandelier or soft hanging light. Other things that can live in your entryway include art pieces, family photos, plants, clocks or anything else you’d like your guests to know is an impression of yourself.