An Organized 2012: Part Deux

We have been working on our entryway for awhile now. The first order of business was to remove an awkward closet and build a bench there instead (my husband's idea). But we still have a need for more storage and another spot to put on shoes and stuff so I'm on the lookout for inspirational pictures showing unique ways to create a family "drop zone" without turning our foyer into a mudroom. Here's some eye candy for ya...

The colors are right up my alley in this one. Love the striped cushion and pillows. Perfect for a single guy or gal, but those hooks wouldn't look near so stylish with kids in the house.



This one has more storage with the baskets up top and underneath and the neutral color scheme is nice.



Love the board and batten behind this bench. Oh, and the owl pillow doesn't hurt. The pictures above let you know a family lives there.



Got a lot of room? How about a bench-table combo? This space lets you drop and store everything in one nice, cheerful spot. Love!



Here's another large-ish space that combines seating with a console table. I like the idea of having a mirror in our entryway as one last spot to put on my lipstick or tie a scarf but it's also a great light-bouncer. Our space is dark, so...I'm thinking that's a must.



Ah, the perfect thing for our entryway. Love the table with storage/seating underneath and LOVE that it doesn't look like a mudroom. I've been jonesin' for a place to display holiday stuff and this would be it! Yay! Another thing to decorate like a mantel...and no, I'm not kidding.



Don't have space in an entryway, or just don't want your home's first impression to be that of a coat closet? Put some lockers between the studs underneath your stairs. Genius!



This is great for apartment-dwellers or just people who don't want the expense and time involved with built-ins. Convert a bookcase to a great mudroom or entryway piece.



And here's something requiring even less effort. Maybe you have a great coat closet or bench-type space already but just need somewhere for everywhere to put their STUFF. These personalized wall-hanging baskets do the trick.



And here's another cool idea for DIYers with a thrifty sensibility. Got a table? Top it with a pigeonhole-like piece and paint both the same color to unify them. Fill the holes with bowls for keys and cellphones, plus pretty things, too.



And finally, this space. Well, I just don't know what to say about this space except that it's the Holy Grail of entryways. If only...


So you get the idea. Combine baskets, tables and benches for smart storage that's stylish. Easy, right? Yeah, that's why I'm still working on it after almost 2 years. But we're getting there...pictures of our progress will follow at some point.