Week 9: How to Create Flare and Function in a Tiny Foyer

Now that we've had a quick break it's time to jump back into the saddle with Week 9 of the Whole House Organization (WHO) Challenge, where my aim is to organize my entire home in 14 weeks or less.  

If you have a small foyer- or worse- no foyer at all, this project could either be really simple, or completely paralyzing.  Today, I'll show you how to create an organized, functional entryway from virtually nothing.  Here goes...​

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After last week's enormous closet organization challenge I welcomed this project with open arms.  But it still required a lot of brain stretching. Take a look at the photo below and you'll understand what I mean. ​

If your saying to yourself, "What the heck is THAT?"...well..its one of the entryways to my home.  My "foyer".  Please be nice. 

Initially, I wanted to show both of my entryways.  But the other one includes a closet.  I'm sorry but, two back to back closet reorganizations is NOT my idea of fun.  So we'll have to save that one for another time. 

​Anywhoo, back to the issue at hand.  As you can see, this foyer is T-I-N-Y.  It measures 3 feet, 6 inches by 3 feet, 1 inch to be exact; very awkward- especially when the door is open.  So I had to really think about what I wanted this space to do.  How should it function? 

Here were my requirements. I needed this space to:

• Feel warm upon entry
• Display a clock
• Be stylish 
• Allow a place for hanging coats and keys
• Offer a place to store shoes once they are removed
  
• Provide an area for umbrellas
• Have a mirror to reflect light and allow for last minute hair, makeup or tie check, before heading out the door 
  

Some of these necessities were pretty easy to check off the list.  But when the door is open, I only have about 5 inches of clearance behind the door.  So trying to find a solution for the the umbrellas and shoe storage was a bit tough.  In the end, here are some of the items that made the cut.

Yes, you're looking at a plastic bag holder, two metal hanging file folders and a photo frame.  "Why", you ask?  Well, the more I looked at the plastic bag caddy, the more it resembled an umbrella stand to me.  So I gleefully plopped down my $4.99 to purchase it from my local Burlington.  

And the hanging file holders - which I painted white by the way - seemed like the perfect storage place for a couple of pairs of shoes.  These I received free from a company that was doing an annual office purge.  The photo frame ($2.49 at Target) will go around the awkward alarm system that sets smack dab in the center of the wall.

So after putting it all together, here is what I ended up with:   

The transformation blows me away!  I spent more time putting this post together, than it took to actually execute the project!

Every item on my wish list has now been addressed.  The signage ($7 from Hobby Lobby) provides a warm welcome home.  There's an analog clock which is surprisingly refreshing to see ($19, Target), and a place for umbrellas ($4.99 Burlington).  We also have a place for those last minute hair, makeup and tie adjustments before heading out the door ($5, Target dollar section).  And as you can see, the shoes - even for the the Mister - fit comfortably.  Mission accomplished!  

I'd love to get your thoughts on this project.  Please tell me: 

• How do you organize your small foyer?
• Are there any tips in this post you think you could use?

* this post shared at: A Bowl Full of Lemons, Thrifty Decor Chick

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