If you are new here, we are currently living the rental life in a 1500-square-foot apartment in Nashville while we search for our forever home. Luckily, and because we have an attached garage, our entryway is a bit larger for an apartment. This area is the main hub of traffic coming and going and comes with a few pain points. Two years ago I started tackling this project and got sidetracked. So I am circling back around and today I am sharing with you my small space entryway project part one. The mood board I created and ideas I have gathered. Doing this step prior to a home project always helps me to stay focused on the end goal, and keep the style and design tight, while also staying within the set budget. 

The end goal is to create and style an entryway that not only functions well for our family of seven (plus a Great Dane), but that is cozy and inviting. And even though this is a temporary space, I believe we can still make things beautiful while also making sure to invest in pieces that can be utilized in the next home.

Let’s begin with the pain points of this small space entryway:

1. There was no place to catch shoes that we removed as soon as we enter from the garage. And with seven people, you can imagine how miserable this was. Shoes were everywhere! This is a problem that I was able to solve with decorative storage baskets. Perfect for added decor, but that actually serves a purpose and gets a job done.
2. We were also dropping keys and wallets around the corner on the built-in desk we have in the dining area. Finding a console table was a great solution to this and also where the shoe baskets are stored as well. So this pain point is taken care of.
3. To go along with that, the console table we purchased, which you will see just below, has a black finish to it. With the amount that those baskets are being pulled in and out, the finish has been completely worn down. So the table will be getting a good sanding to remove the black finish and I am going to keep it a natural wood tone. This will hopefully minimize the wear and tear being such an eyesore.
4. I would love to find a way to incorporate storage for umbrellas for easy access since we do tend to get a good amount of rain throughout the year here in Nashville.
5. For little ones needing to put shoes on, I would love there to be something better for them instead of sitting on the floor and getting run over by oncoming traffic. This is a big maybe given the amount of space available.
6. And, of course, even though it is a small space in our home (without any natural light, unfortunately) I want this to have a very comforting “welcome home” type of vibe. So figuring out some lighting to add for ambiance is key.
7. Lastly, a place where coats, jackets, and handbags can hang. 

These are my favorite console table finds for a smaller entryway:

Knowing that I need decorative storage to tuck shoes away, I know the console table will need to be longer in size. This will allow me to add baskets underneath that can be pushed in after shoes are put on or taken off. I also don’t want it to be light in color. In a high-traffic area such as this, I know I will regret doing anything that will show marks from shoes, bags, and anything else being tossed around. Here’s a handful of my favorite finds I found:

Amett Console Table from Birch Lane

A great option for a small space that is also budget-friendly. It gives the flat surface space as well as the underneath storage ability.

Andersen Console Table from Wayfair

This one is a look that I love! Cleaner lines and a touch more modern with added drawer space. And even though it doesn’t have a lower shelf, some great storage baskets could still be placed underneath and tucked away.

Wood and Rattan Cane Console Table from World Market

A fantastic way to add some texture and interesting lines with those rounded ends! If you have the proper space, this table could be great and I love that it has more flat surfaces to add decor including storage.

Natural Wood Foyer Table from World Market

This one gives a more traditional feel and has a beautiful look to it. It’s also nice and long, but narrow which will help in a smaller entryway.

The console table I ended up finding:

This one is from Wayfair, but I found it on FB marketplace. The size is perfect, it’s extremely sturdy, and I love that it has added drawer storage on top of the space below to place baskets.

Decor finds to maximize and elevate a small-space entryway

I already have the baskets as well as the rug that I love for the entryway. However, it needs to be finished up with a few additional decor items, some functional pieces to help alleviate some more of the pain points, as well as some added ambiance for a warmer welcome when we walk in the door.

Here are a few findings I have gathered up and will be shopping for:

BASKETS

The baskets I have purchased for this project have since sold out at Target, but here are some that offer the same look and functionality:

Threshold Natural Basket from Target

Branas basket from IKEA

Beachcomber basket from Pottery Barn

LIGHTING