A pegboard in the entryway is my favorite way to turn that chaotic “drop zone” into something that feels calm and pulled together. When I lived in my tiniest apartments, a well-styled pegboard gave me storage, decor, and daily sanity—all on one wall. Scandi-Style Natural Wood Pegboard Light oak pegboard warmth—minimal, airy entryway storage that feels cozy, not cluttered. In my 450 sq ft place, a light wood pegboard warmed up the entryway without adding…

A corner mudroom can be the hardest spot to design—and the most satisfying once it finally works. These ideas help you turn that awkward angle into a polished, practical landing zone for everyday life. Tiny Corner Mudroom for Apartments Tiny corner mudroom magic: bench, three hooks, one shelf—bye-bye apartment entry clutter. I’ve carved out a micro corner mudroom using just a small bench, three hooks, and one shelf—seriously, that’s it. In a studio, those few…

A great entryway mudroom doesn’t need a ton of square footage—it just needs a smart plan for shoes, coats, and all the stuff that follows you home. I’ve lived with tiny, awkward entryways for years, and these ideas are the ones that actually kept my “drop zone” from turning into a daily pile-up. Mix Open and Closed Storage Small entryway win: one unit with open cubbies for daily gear + closed doors to hide clutter.…

A small entryway can feel like a daily pinch point, but it’s also the easiest place to create calm with a few smart moves. Use a High Shelf Over the Door A high floating shelf over the door adds hidden storage without stealing precious floor space. When I truly had no room, I added a floating shelf above the door for off-season items in matching bins. It’s the kind of small entryway trick you don’t…

Your entryway sets the tone for the whole home, even if it’s just a tiny slice of wall by the front door. Bench That Earns Its Keep A slim bench with hidden storage—pretty, practical, and perfect for small entryways. I swear by an entryway bench because sitting to put on shoes changed my whole leaving-the-house routine. Mine doubled as storage underneath, so you get function without adding bulk. A few things you might like: Wood…

Stairs and hallways do so much work in a small home, but they’re often the last places we decorate. In my tiny apartments, these “pass-through” spots ended up being the easiest way to add style fast—without taking up precious floor space. Wallpaper on One Hallway Wall One patterned wallpaper wall that carries into the stair view for instant hallway magic. A patterned wallpaper (or removable version) on one hallway wall looks amazing when it continues…

A small lobby can still feel like a big, confident first impression when you design for height, light, and flow instead of trying to cram in more stuff. Make the Front Desk a Statement (If You Have One) A bold handcrafted reception desk adds instant authority and style to a small lobby. In a small lobby with check-in, a statement reception desk creates structure and authority without needing extra decor. I’ve helped clients get a…

A hallway can feel like dead space, but the right color turns it into a mini moment that makes your whole home feel pulled together. I’ve tested a lot of paints in narrow, low-light hallways, and these ideas are the ones that consistently make small spaces feel bigger, brighter, and more you. A Bold End Wall as a Focal Point Paint the end wall deep and let one simple handcrafted piece anchor the hallway’s destination.…

If your hallway is always the first place shoes pile up, you’re not alone—I’ve been there in more tiny apartments than I can count. Under-Stair Hallway Shoe Drawers Under-stair shoe drawers: a sleek, hidden hallway solution that keeps entryways serene. If your hallway runs alongside stairs, that dead space can become under-stair shoe storage with shallow drawers or doors. I’ve seen this totally transform a shoe-chaos entry into a sleek “nothing-to-see-here” moment. Might be a…

If you’ve ever done the frantic pre-walk search for a dog leash, you already know how fast “pet stuff” can take over a small entryway. These storage ideas keep leashes easy to grab (and easy to put back) without turning your front door into a clutter zone. Shelf-and-Hooks Mini Command Center A tiny shelf-and-hooks command center that keeps leashes, bags, and treats beautifully tidy. I swear by a small shelf with hooks underneath because it…