Fashionable foyers: Hints to a hip mudroom

As the weather gets colder we rely on a variety of clothing and accessories to shelter us and keep us warm. As a result, the mudroom or entryway becomes the heart of your home or apartment. But how do you create a space that is both functional and stylish? Whether you live in a small apartment and are tight on space or have the benefit of having a room devoted to all things outdoors, here are some ways to create spaces that are both decorative and organized.

The city mudroom
Most often this is the space we first see when we enter an apartment, so we want it to be strong on style while still easy to find your dog leash and umbrella.

Go for separate pieces that work together but have an eclectic vibe; this will keep the space looking larger than it may be. Another trick is to consider painting your walls a formal white and use shots of color on your furniture to accent.

Make sure each piece counts and has its own decorative elements, right down to the bowl that holds your keys. Give the room focus with some large pieces, like a great mirror or table, that have detail. And as far as organization goes: Don't try to hold every season in one area; having it all crammed together will only feel chaotic. So the flip-flops get stored and out come the rain boots, then snow boots, and so on.

As far as displaying and holding the stuff you need seasonally, get creative: Find benches and chairs with underneath storage. Choose pretty hooks for hanging your hats. Use decorative items to help you find your things in inventive ways.( e.g., a plaster bust to hold hats, etc.). If you're really tight on space, monogram a few tote bags for different family members to hold their stuff and just grab and go, day by day.

Country house mudroom
If you live in a home, you may have much more space to devote to your mudroom. So while you can have the luxury of more organizational opportunities, don't sacrifice function for style! And try to keep a cohesive feel throughout to help you find things and make the space a pleasure for guests to pass through.

A larger room requires unity of its main pieces to anchor its components. If you choose a bench, make sure that it corresponds with the shelf above it. Color on walls here can bring warmth and cohesiveness. And consider dressing up the country mudroom to link it to the interior space and bring unexpected elegance: Use more-formal pillows on the seating, try vibrant colors on the walls and even hanging a painting or two in the space. Also, an elegant indoor/outdoor rug in a sophisticated pattern adds just the right final touch.

What you saw on TODAY:
From Williams-Sonoma Home/West Elm:
Crewel pillow
Yorba pillows

From West Elm:
Lovebird rug

From Ballard Designs:
1 Vega mirror
1 Marrakesh 3x5 indoor/outdoor rug in blue and green
4 Cafe shelving 10" deep, black and white
2 Ballard boot tray
1 Fleur-de-lis hook in black
1 Brookfield Demilune bureau in black
2 monogram jute carryalls in black
2 Grand Cru wine crates
1 Mariana umbrella stand
1 Cheetah basket

From Crate and Barrel/CB2:
Buddha head in black and green
Hand sculpture
Sparrow pillow
Sprout coat rack

From Pottery Barn:
Samantha Collection bench, mahogany
Samantha Collection shelf, mahogany
Tufted Samantha Collection cushion, cardinal
Samantha square basket (3)
Samantha shelf basket (3)
Adeline rug 3x5
Photo carousel, small
Oversized etagere
Kubu Basket, Trough
Distressed bucket, white
Wire wall basket

From Urban Outfitters:
1 tufted green storage chair

Susanna Salk is special projects editor at “House & Garden” magazine. To learn more, visit their Web site at: HouseandGarden.com, and to learn more about New York City and the “House & Garden” Inaugural Design Week, visit: Designhappening.com

MORE FROM HOME & GARDEN

Home & Garden Section Front

580,000 steam cleaners recalled for shock risks Really? Wallpaper is becoming cool again Throw a summer soiree on the cheap   Trendy floor coverings to sweep you off your feet   Germs living in your kitchen   Fix it or nix it?   Cool rooms for kids Smoke alarms, tea kettles, basketballs recalled   How safe is the lock on your door?   Same space, different take Home & Garden Section Front   Add Home & Garden headlines to your news reader: