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I try not to speak in absolutes, but I've perfected small-space living. After three years living in my 490-square-foot studio apartment, I've developed a formula for all entryways. My studio apartment has a designated area separate from the open living/bedroom area, but it’s till pretty tiny. I only have about 9 inches of space or else I wouldn't be able my front door. So, let’s get into The Three S's of entryway styling!

Simplify. Store. And Style..

Simplify

It's a hard pill for all maximalists, but you must clean and simplify your belongings before bringing beautiful light fixtures or wallpapers. Trash things you don't need, and in the winter months, pack away your hats, coats, and scarves into vacuum-sealed bags to save space.  

Entryways are drop zones, but they're also the first thing people see when they walk into your home. It sets the tone and must be equally beautiful and functional. Once you've edited and tossed anything you don’t need, you're ready to get to think about storage.

Storage 

Apartment entryways are often tight, so you gotta find strategic ways to organize your items. The STÄLL or HEMNES cabinets from IKEA are my favorites because they're less than 12" deep (the STÄLL is about 8") and both are under $200! Other options include the Nolan Entryway Hall Tree from West Elm gives that custom look for a fraction of the cost.

Using big furniture in a small apartment can seem counterproductive, but the space you lose will give you so much more storage in the long run. Consider using a larger cabinet with doors to keep things hidden.

For my minimalist friends, this floating vanity works because it’s got a full-size mirror, shelves and thin raised legs, which creates the illusion of openness.

If you need more storage (or don't have the square footage), consider wall-mounted options like decorative hooks and wall-mounted drawers.

Style

Now it's time for the fun part. STYLING!

Entryways are workhorse spaces, so I prefer to keep styling limited yet impactful. Always switch out those hideous boob lights for an exciting flush mount and stay away from long pendants, so you won’t have issues opening your front door.

When it comes to art, a print in a standout frame flanked by mirrored candle holders is my go-to! Not matter the style, having a mirror at the entry is perfect for last-second touches before walking into the world.

Let’s talk about rugs! My apartment building prohibits doormats in the hallway, so I opted for a small vintage rug in a darker color to hide dirt between cleanings. Other options include funky doormats from Ruggable - use code IMANI10 for 10% off!

To wrap up the space, grab a few decorative items like blows or trays to corral your keys right by the door. And there you have it… A perfect entryway.

xoxo,

Imani