An easy entryway makeover, just in time for spring

When it comes to designing any space, there are two important factors that come into play: form and function. My entryway... had neither of these. When I moved into my apartment there were two hooks in this entry area which I quickly swapped out for cute crystal knobs — I was thinking a bit too much about aesthetics and not so much about the function of actually hanging heavy coats. Not long after installing my new hooks, they broke off and did nothing to help with the clutter by the doorway. I decided I wanted to give my entire entry a do-over that would not only look great, but would function with my lifestyle, the key variable to design success!

Not every makeover has to be super complicated. This was something I was able to achieve in one weekend. I added a shelf here to draw the eye upwards and utilize some of the vertical space in the room. This shelf is now a great place for me to switch out seasonal decor, add flowers, and just create a bit of a cute moment. If you are getting your shelf cut to size, be sure to sand the cut edge and have it facing out when installing.

In this post I'll show you the steps I took to take my entryway from dysfunctional, to hardworking and good looking. (If you ask me!) If you like the look, you can do the same.

Here's what you'll need:

*Any paint will really do the trick. I had a small amount of white wall paint left over and that's what I used.

**I had a tough time finding brass shelf brackets, so I actually ended up spray painting some gunmetal ones I found, which was much more cost effective too.

• 1 piece of 1 x 6 wood (I used pine board, cut to my custom size at the hardware store) for a shelf
• Some paint*
• Paint roller or brush
• 2 fancy brackets to hold the shelf
• 1 can spray paint (I love using Gold Sabotaz or Montana Gold, available at Deserres or Curries)**
• 3 hooks, plus the anchors and screws
• A small rug for shoes
• Decor elements for your shelf

Here's how to do it:

1. Paint your brackets and let them dry. Then level and install the brackets and shelf.

2. I painted my hooks as well. A little trick I have for spraying the tiny screws to match: stick your screws in a piece of foam and just spray the top. The screws are secured in place until they are dry and then you can easily remove them and they're ready to install. Install your hooks when they are ready.

3. Swap out your shoe mat for a cute rug. Mine is the perfect size for the space, and brightens up this little nook.

4. Lastly — add your decor touches! Your shelf is perfect for artwork, flowers, sculptural items, you name it.

Autumn is an interior decorator & stylist, and the owner of Make Moves Vintage, a badass vintage shop based in Toronto, Canada. Follow along on Instagram and say hey!