As we continue on the healthy home series to organize your home, let’s start in the entryway. The entry is not a gathering place but it is important because this is a first impression of your home. Your entry should facilitate the flow of people and storage of all your items and belongings. Make a list of everything that you want to store as you enter your home and then we can decide what we need for storage. This space in particular should be clutter free for safety purposes.
Removing shoes as you enter the home is appropriate in some cultures. It is also a good health practice to get into so you do not carry the pollutants, pesticides, germs or chemicals and transfer from your shoes to your home. One thing I consider a necessity for all foyers is a seat so you or your guests can safely and comfortably remove their shoes. A chair or bench would be perfect, and then an attractive place designated for shoes.
Some of the things we like to store near the entry include hats, coats, backpacks, purses, umbrellas, dog leashes, and gloves. A nice bowl or beautiful box and even a drawer can hold keys and wallets and other smaller items. Umbrella stands and hat racks add practical, decorative places to store your things.
Mirrors are nice to have in a hallway, you can check yourself on the way out and your guest can do the same when they arrive. If you have a very large entry, armoires, sideboards and tables offer surface and hidden storage. A decorative bedroom dresser can be a beautiful addition to an entry.
The entryway is the perfect party entrance. Be sure that you do not ignore the opportunity to greet your guests in style! If space permits, this is a great spot for a decorative floral arrangement. If you have a very delicate rug, exchange it so it is not ruined. Clear out the closet and make sure there is enough room for the coats of all of your guests.
The entry gets dirty, especially with rain or snow. If it is wood or tile a throw rug is important to avoid slipping and to pick up the filth that is carried in and then you can remove, clean and replace.
Next time, we will tackle the kitchen!
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