Small spaces have their own unique set of challenges. Low ceilings, limited wall and floor space, multiple doors or openings. My little entry has them all. Surprisingly though, it’s one of my favorite spaces in our home. A few years ago we did a complete renovation of the stairs. Talk about a transformation…and that’s when I fell in love with this tiny space. I’m going to share how to refresh a small entry and work around all the obstacles.
I still love everything about this room but once in a while it needs a refresh. I usually spruce it up seasonally because that seems to be the easiest way to go about it. Adding seasonal decor takes just a few minutes but always makes a room look cheerful and revived.
The first thing I do is add fresh flowers either from the grocery store or my yard. I love being able to walk outside and come back in with a bouquet of something. These lilacs are not only lovely but they filled the space with a clean, fresh scent. Earlier this spring I had already switched out the prints in these three black frames to my watercolor tulips. To add a little interest I replaced the middle tulip printable with one of my Motherhood quotes.
One of the ways I like to accessorize my entry is with tote bags. You can plop a bunch of flowers in them and they make a perfect vase. I don’t literally put the flowers in the totes…I put the flowers in a container and place the container in the tote.
Here is a look from last spring that was fun and a little unexpected. I put my grain sack tote on the end of the stairway banister and filled the bottom with plastic grocery sacks. I placed the tulips in a plastic pitcher and put that in the tote bag. I did this all summer long…I just kept switching out the flowers. I warned my husband about the water and we managed to avoid any spills!
If you have even a tiny bit of floor space it’s easy to add color with a rug. I chose this blue outdoor rug because I can take it out on my front porch and hose it off if it gets dirty. It was also an amazing price for a rug this size. (Link at the end of the post.)
The last place for me to add a little interest is this tiny corner with my husband’s chair. I try to have some sort of fabric in this corner…either a throw or pillow, sometimes both. I dug out an old pillow cover and in a few minutes the corner was refreshed.
So to sum things up, if you want to breathe some new life into a small space here are some ideas:
Fresh flowers
Inexpensive art prints
Unexpected accessories
Colorful rug
Textiles with color and texture
Links and sources:
Free Printable Art
Outdoor Rug (aff. link)
Grain Sack Totes
Similar floral tote
Refinished stairway project
Paint colors
Print of my home: The Red Painted Cottage
Thank you for stopping by and spending a bit of time…I am so grateful.
Ricki Jill Treleaven says
Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 10:39 pmI think I shall “borrow” your tote bag idea…..so simple and fun!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 10:10 amHi Ann! LOVE your darling entry way! How clever to use a tote to hold flowers. Works perfectly in your space. As always you decorate with such wonderful details!
Cindy says
Friday, May 15, 2015 at 6:39 pmI just love your ideas Ann! I wish I could put a tote of flowers on the stair railing…I might try that! Can’t do the floor…my pitbull is a “bull in a china shop”! Lol! It all looks lovely as usual:)
Catherine McNaughton says
Friday, May 15, 2015 at 11:17 amThank you for the inspiration. It reminded me that I have a large lilac tree that is finally in bloom. What a welcome sight it is to have a fresh and large arrangement of lilacs at the entrance. And what a delightful scent!
Mildred Hoppe says
Friday, May 15, 2015 at 10:21 amThe blue pitcher next to the chair…
Where did you get it?????
Ann Drake says
Friday, May 15, 2015 at 3:18 pmHi Mildred…I got that years ago from an Etsy shop. I cannot even remember the name of the shop. Sometimes you can find enamelware on eBay and Etsy for a reasonable cost. Just watch the shipping because that can add up. Thank you!
Dawn says
Friday, May 15, 2015 at 7:54 amAmazing how a few new touches can bring life to space. I love the white lilacs . I planted a sucker from a friends white lilac bush about 3 years ago, so far no flowers but Im anxious to see if they truely are white.
Mary says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 7:25 pmAnn, this entryway is absolutely gorgeous! The color of the walls is beautiful and we love the stain on the stairs and handrail accompanied by the white ballisters and all the other white trim. Stunning!
Patricia says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 3:31 pmGreat tips, Ann. I love the flowers in the tote on the floor and the ones hanging on the bannister.
Ann Drake says
Friday, May 15, 2015 at 3:19 pmHi Patricia! I hope all is well with you…thank you so much for taking the time to comment. It made my day. :)
Connie Rice says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 2:03 pmAnn,
I love your blog — it’s so my own personal style! I love the rug in your entry and would like to know where you bought it.
Thanks,
Connie
Ann Drake says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 2:11 pmHi Connie!
The rug came from amazon.com. Here is the link:
http://amzn.to/1K8tS5Z
Thanks!
Peggy Zortman says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 11:39 amLove, love, love the blue! And the touches of design in the rug, pillow and totes just adds more interest. Your home is such a breath of fresh air!
Martha says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 11:34 amAnn, I love the simplicity of this refreshed entry. My entry is very small and I am inspired to change out the waterhog mat in front of the door for something prettier for the summer. The waterhog is essential in the winter, but not now! Always love your ideas, and recipes.
Stephanie @ Casa Watkins says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 11:12 amLove the refresh. It is so simple, but the colors look amazing. I always enjoy seeing your printables.
beatriz says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 10:59 amHi Anna, you have a beautiful House, you have lot of creativity for decoration, everything is beautiful I congratulate you
Gretchen Lee says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 10:13 amAnn, your home is so classy! Please come decorate my house now!! What is the color of your walls? It looks like a Periwinkle. Pretty!
Ann Drake says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 2:12 pmThe walls are Upward by Sherwin Williams in a satin finish.
Thank you!
Jeanie says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 10:09 amAbsolutely beautiful. I love the flower ideas you shared. I would love to know how you clean those beautiful floors!
Ann Drake says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 2:09 pmHi Jeanie! With vinegar and water plus a couple of drops of lavender essential oil. Thank you!
Laura Miller says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 10:01 amWonderful ideas Ann,
Thank-you for sharing. Now, if only my entryway was as large as yours. Mine is narrow, long and no stairs and goes right into the front room. Any ideas?
Love, love your ideas!
Make it a great day!
Laura
Kathleen G says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 9:19 amThere’s something about the way you decorate Ann that is so refreshing. Walking in to your entry says “Welcome Home” Kathleen in Az
penny @ the comforts of home says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 9:00 amYour entry looks wonderful. I love the flowers in the tote idea!
Anne@DesignDreams says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 8:37 amLove the cream and blue together – and those prints are gorgeous!
Shelia says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 7:51 amHi Ann! Oh, what a pretty entry you have and I love your spring touches. The lavender is so pretty in that blue pitcher! I love your rug and the flowers in the tote! You’re the most creative one! Hope you’re doing well.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Tracy@www.bluridgevintage.com says
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 6:27 amI love the idea of the totes. They add that pop without a lot of expense. You have done a great job with minimal additions and it looks great.