Feeling Calmer Each and Every Time You Walk in the Door

Even though they’re the first thing we see each time we step into our homes, our entryways and mudrooms are often neglected. Treated like places to just get through and done with. But when you show these areas some love, you’ll get something incredibly important in return…..namely, feeling calmer, more in control, and more at home each and every time you walk in or out the door.

Read on for some simple ways to add some more Zen to your day (not to mention, less tripping and hunting).

Contain the Clutter

Our brains prefer order, and when we see clutter, it can trigger stress and anxiety. That’s exactly what you don’t want as soon as you walk in the door. When you add the angst of losing your keys or an important paper, it gets even worse.

To feel calmer and more in control when you’re coming and going, don’t be afraid to work with the space you have. If you don’t have a closet, you can install hooks on walls or add a freestanding garment rack. If you don’t have floor or table space for traditional containers, you can also find hanging organizers…..or just hang a bag for each person on a hook or clothes hanger. Make sure to choose containers based on your needs (hats, small personal items, school papers?). Hint: Our stackable wire baskets come in a variety of sizes.

Spruce It Up

Entryways and mudrooms don’t have to be utilitarian; look for ways to add elements of style. After all, you’re going to feel good coming in the door if your space is attractive and inviting. Maybe it’s a brightly colored wall, maybe it’s a piece of art. If you’ve got room, it could be a funky chair or a vintage umbrella stand. A good-looking shelving unit like this bamboo one can do double-duty with decorative items up top and baskets for shoes, hats or other gear down low.

Make It Comfortable

At the same time, don’t make your entryway so “pretty” that it’s not comfortable. Make room for necessary items like places to hang coats and a chair where people can sit to put on shoes. To make it feel more like home, think about photos of family or friends. Greenery is especially grounding – even artificial plants that look like the real thing. If you’ve got a mudroom off the garage that only you or your family comes in through, consider silly photos, kids’ artwork, or anything that feels like home to you.

Maximize Vertical Space

Even in a family of three or four, there can be So. Many. Shoes. Most people don’t have room for 12 pairs on the ground, but if you’ve got a wall, you can get a tall shoe rack to do the job. You can also put your wall space to work with coat hooks (like these from Drakestone by TRINITY). Floating shelves like these are perfect for adding a touch of style; they also work well in mudrooms for keeping track of keys, sunglasses and other little necessary items.

Add A Mirror

Want to make your entryway look and feel larger? Add a mirror, which does the trick by reflecting light. There’s also the added bonus of giving you a place to check your hair, face or hat before you walk out the door. Designers recommend you hang mirrors at eye height, just as you would for artwork. If it will hang over a piece of furniture, shoot for a mirror that’s two-thirds the size. We offer standard Drakestone by TRINITY mirrors, as well as ones you can customize by size, finish, and style.

Looking for more inspiration? Shop TRINITY Entryways and Mudrooms.