Foyer
The house is entered through the foyer, where a wooden console welcomes visitors with a chic display of curios and an abstract painting. It sets the tone for the home: quiet elegance in a neutral palette, spelling serene luxury. The sleek metal hat and coat stand next to it adds function to the entry space, while a slatted wood partition demarcates the entry from the rest of the home and ensures privacy.
Open cabinets When you’re really tight for space in an entryway or a hall, sometimes even having cabinets with doors can be a dealbreaker. Try removing the doors from a simple cabinet or using an open bookshelf instead, with colour-matched baskets (such as white baskets on white shelves) for a slimmer profile but still a tidy look, and with no swinging doors to get in the way.
Shoe shelves Shoe racks that sit on the floor don’t always make the best use of space. Thinking back to our floating cabinet, it’s helpful in a small space to keep the floor free and clear. Instead of a floor unit, try using wall-mounted racks or slim shelves to keep shoes up and out of the way, and hidden from normal view (which may be just as well for your well-worn sneakers).
Floating cabinet We usually see floating cabinets used as bathroom vanities or perhaps cool modern bedside tables, but they are excellent choices for cramped entryways and hallways. The fact that they float off the ground means you’ll avoid stubbing toes when multiple people are trying to squeeze through the space at the same time. Floating cabinets also make it a bit easier to manoeuvre wheeled items through, such as strollers or luggage. Choose a cabinet with hard lacquered doors in a fun colour to add a pop of interest and to help it stand up to a few accidental dings.
Select slimline storage Storage near the front door is always a good idea – but only if it’s tidy and practical. Built-in storage wins every time. This clever cupboard features a sliding door to avoid encroaching onto the hallway space. Tip: Narrow console tables, slim shelves and specially designed skinny shoe cabinets can all help to keep your entryway clutter-free.
Corral entryway clutter If there’s one area in the home that’s hard to keep tidy, it’s the entry hall. That longed-for calm place of welcome can often become an obstacle course of shoes, bags and umbrellas. To conquer the clutter, think about installing cabinets to hide your outerwear from sight. Lisette Voûte Designs came up with this cabinet wall, which has plenty of space for all sorts of paraphernalia. At the centre, the team even put in a seat and hooks, which provide a handy perch and easy access to frequently used items.
On the opposite side stands a tropical-style carved-wood console paired with a sun-frame mirror, offering a welcoming touch. The floor has a geometric pattern that distinguishes the foyer from the living space.
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