Cypress Homes realizes that foyers and mudrooms are all about first impressions. When done right, these entry spaces sum up a home’s style in a few square feet, visually preparing visitors for the rooms that lie beyond. Foyers and mudrooms have a practical aspect as well — a bench to rest on, a mirror for touch-ups that owners and guests alike look to when coming and going. Here are 8 ideas to make the first steps into your home more appealing.

1. Coat Rack

Having a place for your guests to hang their coats is a great way to keep everyone’s belongings off the floor or on your favorite couch. This could be anything from a rack on your wall with hooks to a simple free standing coat rack that can be moved easily whenever you want.

2.Canvas Storage Bins

This creates convenient entryway storage. Whether they’re tucked into cubbies, underneath seating or into a closet, these bins will make it easy for your whole family to store their hats and gloves. These bins are also easy and inexpensive to change in case you decide on remolding or re-painting your entryway.

3.Use a Warm, Inviting Color Scheme

Warm colors are often more inviting than cool ones. Think creamy neutrals, red, orange and yellow. However, try to avoid too much of the bold colors because they can be very overwhelming, especially when you are first entering a friend’s home. Some prefer to use warm, neutral hues in the entry with pops of color in the accessories.

     4.Lighting

In addition to a beautiful ceiling fixture, suited to the style of your decor, a table lamp will give you a softer glow when you need just a little light or want lighting more for ambiance.

5. Seating

Arrange a place to sit in your entryway, for taking off shoes, sorting mail, and so on. It can be a chair, of course, if you have room, but you can also get creative here, using a vintage trunk or chest, a storage bench, a garden stool. A low-slungbench set against the far wall serves as a perch for visitors and a place to set bags, scarves, and other personal items temporarily.

6. Mirror/ Artwork

Having a mirror too look at when you walk in is something that every guest will enjoy. Being able to fix their hair after a windy day or just checking to make sure they look good is something a guest will appreciate. It is also a good way to reflect light to your entryway and maybe even give it an illusion of a bigger space. The artwork should be simple but it should also give your guest an idea of the theme of the rest of your house.

Keep the snow and muddy shoes off your tile or carpet with an ultra-absorbent mat traps water and dirt so that your floors stay clean and dry.  The indoor/outdoor mat will protect your entryway for all seasons.

8. Slim Coffee Table

A slim, hand-welded steel table fits perfectly into narrow spaces, such as the foyers often found in condos or apartments. A delicate design camouflages a durable construction that can support a surprising amount of weight.

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