In this blog series, we'll be looking at some Big Design Ideas for Small Spaces. This first blog post starts at the front of your home, the entryway. Look for upcoming articles that will take you on a tour of design for small spaces, focusing on living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.

The entryway is the first thing your guests will see of your home, and is the ideal area to store your entire going-out checklist (Keys? Check. Shoes? Check.) Even if you have less space to devote to your entryway area, here are some of our ideas to make sure that your small space entryway leaves a big first impression, including space-saving entryway accents and decor.

Don’t Drop the Drop Zone

If your small space doesn’t have a designated entryway room, it’s worth it to designate a particular zone of your home to the entryway. Drop zones are one of the most underutilized features of a home, and are especially needed in small spaces. Turning your entryway into a space where your important daily items you need throughout the day can be stored when not in use can save you time in the rushed mornings. A beautiful entryway table with a tray to catch your knick-knacks, hooks to sort your keys and lanyards, a basket for the frequently used shoes: all of these simple solutions can make leaving home and returning organized as well as stylish.

Space-Saving Storage Solutions

The real key to a successful small-space entryway is storage. Make sure to not limit yourself to the storage possibilities open to you! Multifunctional pieces are game changers when it comes to small space design, and entryways are no different. An entryway bench with storage is a classic that never goes out of style, since it comes in so many styles! Fit a multifunctional bench next to a little accent table for a small space combo that works double duty.

Entryway shoe storage is a common issue to face. No one wants to trip over the winter boots again and again for months on end. Luckily, there are a ton of creative solutions for keeping your soles out of sight. Multifunctional storage is a good idea here, as many seating solutions also offer storage space, like a small ottoman or chair. You can also use large hooks to hang shoes if you’re lacking the floor space for them. Pegboards or other shelving solutions can easily be modified to be shoe storage, especially to show off some of your more stylish pairs. And much like the blanket ladder, shoe ladders are coming into fashion, as they only require a small design footprint while providing plenty of storage and style.

Simple Styles to Defeat Disorder

When it comes to styling your entryway, you’ll want to lean towards simpler styles. This doesn’t mean you have to stick to minimalism, but it’s easy for entryways to collect the detritus and random items. To avoid clutter, style your entryway with simple accents and storage solutions like baskets. Look to beautifully designed pieces, like a foyer table or small chair, to stand out on their own and add style without cluttering up your space.

A gorgeous rug is the perfect design addition to a small space, no matter the size of your space available. Floor mats and runners add a pop of color to your entryway without taking up precious room while protecting your floor. Looking for something a little different? A hearth area rug in a half round shape fits well in front of a door and is available in an array of sizes to best fit your space.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, whose small space entryway is the most light and airy of all? Why yours of course, when you reach for one of the strongest design strategies of the entryway, the oversized mirror. Not only perfect for checking your hair on the way out the door, but also for expanding the visual space of your entryway.

Read more in our blog post about incorporating mirrors into your design.

Small spaces don’t have to feel incomplete, and a designated entryway in your home can set the right mood instantly. With some clever storage and design solutions, your small space entryway can provide substantial utility and style.