Creating a Welcoming Entryway

Hallways don’t exactly scream “hang out here”.  Our families usually charge right through them without giving it much thought.  It’s an easy thing to do.  Especially if your hallway is an entryway looks something like this:

hallway-before

These things are from the last tenants.  We didn’t think to take a picture of the space when it was full of our stuff (or maybe we were too embarrassed).  Instead of the drying rack in the back, we had Martin’s bike.  And my bike.  Instead of the metal furniture in the front, we had boxes of kitchen remodel supplies and gadgets waiting for their new home.

Then we built a hanging bike rack.  We finished the kitchen.  It was time for an overhaul.  Here it is (from the opposite direction):

germany-hallway

It’s far from being magazine perfect.  

Could we really call a place home if it were?  Martin and I don’t have a place for our keys or umbrellas.  We can’t put a cute little rug in this space like the experts say.  Can you see my bike handlebar poking out on the upper right?  Our hallway is a high traffic – high bike – area.  What we do have is a place for guests to take off their shoes and store them, which is essential in a country where people take off their shoes inside.

We also didn’t buy anything new except paint.  The print is from a flea shop.  The bookcase is almost 40 years old.  We built the bench/shoe rack from leftover kitchen materials.  The white item in front is our heater.

It’s nice to come home to a warm, welcoming entry instead of boxes and unfinished projects.  What do you think?

Now all I have to do is remind Martin to stop hanging his coat on my handlebar.

(Images by Katie for Making This Home)