Brrrr – It’s Chilly in Here!
As the temperatures start to dip and the days grow shorter, it’s time to shift our focus to winterizing our homes. And there’s no better place to start than the entryway – the first impression guests will have when stepping into your cozy abode.
At ABC Home & Renovation, we understand the importance of creating a welcoming space that can stand up to the elements. That’s why we’ve put together this in-depth guide to help you transform your entryway into a winter wonderland (without the frostbite).
Catching Drips and Stashing Supplies
Now that the weather has turned cold and wet, the team at Yellow Brick Home was determined to give their entryway a facelift. Their goal? A simple, tidy solution to corral drippy shoes and stash extra dog supplies within reach of the front door.
“We wanted things to stay simple and tidy, and most importantly, we wanted to spend as little as possible,” the couple recalled. Enter their trusty IKEA hack – the Skar unit.
Repurposing an old favorite, they beefed up the Skar with some practical upgrades. First, they lined the lower bins with a durable doormat-esque material from Home Depot to handle any wet and muddy shoes. Then, Scott added a plywood ledge to the top bin, creating the perfect spot to stash keys, lip balm, and other essentials.
“We both agreed that the same brassy Schoolhouse pulls from my pink Varde would look great in our entry, but sadly, they were no longer available!” shared the homeowner. “I found a pretty good replacement in these Siro pulls, and although these aren’t actually brass, well, you could’ve fooled us.”
The end result? A stylish and functional entryway organizer that’s ready to wrangle winter’s worst.
Protecting Against the Elements
Of course, winterizing your entryway isn’t just about storage solutions. You also need to consider how to protect the space from the elements. That’s where Home Sweet Bees comes in with some helpful tips.
As a beekeeper, Charlotte knows a thing or two about weatherproofing. When it comes to her hives, she uses a quilted insulated black wrap to help keep the wind out. “I also have a wrestling match of sorts using those red straps,” she admits. “I find them hard to release to elongate them, so I also invested in these bungee cords.”
The bungee cords help hold the wrap in place at the top and bottom of the hives, while the red straps secure the whole setup to concrete blocks. “Another advantage of having concrete blocks is that I can tuck entrance reducers and other equipment into the side cubby holes,” Charlotte explains.
While your entryway may not need the same level of protection as a beehive, the principle is the same. Investing in weatherstripping, insulation, and even a stylish door mat can go a long way in keeping the cold, wind, and snow at bay.
Maximizing Entryway Storage
Of course, no winterized entryway would be complete without ample storage space. The team at Yellow Brick Home knows a thing or two about creating functional yet fashionable entryways.
When it came time to tackle their own space, the couple was determined to make the most of every square inch. “Our entry has remained mostly bare, so we quite literally shopped from a few still-unpacked belongings and set up the same small rug from our condo’s foyer, re-hung our favorite mantra and gave Skar another mini makeover,” they shared.
The end result is a warm and welcoming space that seamlessly blends form and function. By repurposing existing items and investing in a few key upgrades, they were able to create a stylish entryway organizer that’s ready to handle the winter weather.
Thinking Outside the (Shoe) Box
Of course, winterizing your entryway isn’t just about storage and protection. It’s also about creating a cozy, inviting space that makes guests feel right at home.
As Here She Grows discovered, even a simple water feature can make a big difference. The homeowner stumbled upon a beautiful cement fountain at a garage sale and knew it would be the perfect addition to her entryway.
“For years I admired my neighbor’s fountain,” she recalled. “I often imagined how lovely it must sound and wondered what birds sipped from it.” When the opportunity arose to snag the fountain for a fraction of the retail price, she jumped at the chance.
Now, the soothing sound of the fountain greets visitors as they step into the homeowner’s cozy abode. And the best part? With a little elbow grease and a few strategic winterization techniques, the fountain is able to withstand even the harshest winter weather.
Bringing the Outdoors In
Of course, winterizing your entryway isn’t just about practical concerns. It’s also about creating a warm, inviting space that makes guests feel right at home.
One way to achieve this? Incorporating natural elements that evoke the coziness of the great outdoors. Forum members from Northeast Ohio suggest adding touches like pinecones, evergreen sprigs, and even a few peppermint candy canes to your entryway decor.
“Last year, I had a few peppermint candy canes left over so I added those in the shims,” one beekeeper shared. “I read somewhere the peppermint is a natural antibacterial so I placed one in each hive wishing the girls a happy Christmas.”
While you may not be looking to keep your bees happy, those same principles can be applied to your entryway. By bringing in natural elements that evoke the warmth of the holiday season, you can create a welcoming space that puts guests at ease the moment they step through the door.
A Winter Wonderland Awaits
As the temperatures continue to drop and the snow starts to fly, it’s time to turn our attention to winterizing our homes. And there’s no better place to start than the entryway – the first impression guests will have when stepping into your cozy abode.
By incorporating practical storage solutions, weatherproofing techniques, and cozy natural elements, you can transform your entryway into a winter wonderland that’s both functional and inviting. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get started on your own entryway makeover!
