A Summery Entrance
Now that the winter boots and coats have found their way to storage, the entry way needs an overhaul. Lighten up the coat rack, pack up the mittens and scarves, and bring a little bit of the warm weather inside.
A Summer Gallery
Pick a wall – any wall – to use as your gallery. Hang photos, artwork and/or mirrors to create a welcoming focal point. For a truly summery look, incorporate bright yellows, greens and blues to mimic the great outdoors.
A Welcome Change
Now that the salt, mud and snow is a thing of the past, find a new welcome mat that reflects your personality (for instance, my mom wants to buy me one that says “Go Away”). Aim for something soft and fluffy, as sandals are the season’s footwear and your feet deserve to be pampered.
An Airy Closet
Take advantage of the extra space in your winter-coat-less closet with a few “hanging shelves” (Ikea’s, for example). Store sunglasses, sunscreen, sun hats and other items you’d forget if not readily available. Read this for more advice on organizing your closet (just replace coats, mittens and scarves with their summer counterparts).
A Treasure Hunt
Make every trip this summer exciting by finding something unique and displaying it in your entry. It could be an intriguing piece of driftwood hung on the wall or a collection of seashells in an ornate ceramic dish. If you’re planning a road trip to many beaches, collect sand in a jar from each location, marking the jar with each location.
A Hidden Trove
Keep your entry as carefree as your mind by hiding clutter. If you don’t have a dual-purpose storage bench, try covering a table with a cloth that reaches to the floor to keep your clutter hidden or use some attractive baskets.