Come on in!

What is the first impression guests get of you home? Well, of course the outside gives a first impression, but it's the front door as well as the entryway. Once inside the door, the entryway is the first glimpse of your home a visitor will see. It gives them a little insight as to what the rest of your home is like. Does it say "welcome!" or "go away!" Hopefully, it says "welcome, come in, enjoy". One way to welcome visitors is to paint your front door a wonderful, warm red. Try Benjamin Moore 'Rosy Apple' or Columbia Paint 'empower' red.

Once inside, there are many things you can do with the small entryway to make it accommodating. A bench and a shelf with hooks is a great place to take off shoes and hang coats. Not enough room? How about a small round table, console or even wall shelf hung low to drop keys and mail. If there is room, you could add a small scale chair.

Sometimes entryways are big, and can be more of a mud room. Try a stack of lockers for an urban twist. Sometimes these can be acquired through a school system that might be renovating. Also check out www.potterbarnteen.com

So, come in, and welcome!