The dream has always been to have a foyer. You know a massive sort of pass-through area in the front of my house where I could put a round table right in the middle and make this big statement when you walk in. Here in NY, foyers like that are hard to come by. My price point is not in the area where I could have such a thing, so I have always had to make do with a little area of the wall by the front door that I turn into my perfect entryway area.  I think everyone needs an area like this in their home. It’s a great space to start showcasing the style of your home and it will provide you with much-needed storage. Here are my must-haves for the perfect entryway area!

For me, the main must-have that you need for an entryway area is a console of some sort. You can use a parson table, chest of drawers, or my personal favorite, a sideboard. I love this sideboard because it has a ton of storage. You can use the top drawers to store keys, mail, dog leashes, etc. An area for things that you need when you are running out the door. The bigger cabinet area can house accessories you use on your way out the door things like gloves, hats, umbrellas, etc. I also love this piece because it’s wrapped in grasscloth which adds a really nice texture element to the space.

The next must-have is something to fill the vertical space above the sideboard. A mirror is always good because it’s less commitment than artwork and a place to check yourself out when you are heading out the door. Personally, I always love an opportunity to add more artwork, so in this design plan, I’m featuring these awesome Assouline travel book cover prints! Aren’t they pretty! Love the pop of colors! Plus a set of 3 is only $10.99 for a printable versus the $95 for the actual travel books.

Now when it comes to the last piece of the puzzle, I think adding a lamp is a must-have. In this design plan, the symmetry of the artwork makes me want to balance it with a pair of lamps. But many times an entryway area might not be large enough to warrant a nice-sized piece of furniture and if it was a more petite piece of furniture then using just one lamp is perfectly good.

People may take this look and call it a day, but for me, design is all about the details and the layers so this is where the accessories come in! If you have room to the left or right of the sideboard I would add an x bench to use a perch for putting your shoes on. It’s also good to move around for extra seating. If you don’t have enough room for an x-bench I love the idea of a stylish tote that is the perfect place to store some kids’ toys!

You can keep the top of the sideboard uncluttered but I do think it’s nice to have a couple of little things. Don’t these Jonathan Adler stacked boxes look like they were made for this artwork! Place it in between those lamps and you are in business! If you want to just use one lamp then you can flank the stacked boxes on the opposite end of the console. In the middle area, you can add a tray and add a little vase for fresh flowers and something whimsical like this amazing ruffled marble bowl.

So, what do you think of my must-haves? Am I missing anything?