Even if you don’t have a formal entry or a space big enough to be considered and entry, every home should have a spot by the door that it just big enough to be functional and just small enough to keep it from being a catch all. Bridget and Casey at The DIY Playbook have some excellent styling tips and DIY tutorials in their blog How to Style and Entryway Shelf 2 Ways on how to get a fancy and a fun entry spot that you’ll want to use.

Last week, we showed you guys how to make your own “gold & glamorous” marble shelf using this tutorial. Such an easy project with a high-end result!

Today we’re back with 2 different ways to style this entryway.

Option 1: THE GIRLY GIRL

The first look definitely has that girly-girl feel. We like to think that the lucky lady who would rock a shelf like this is a sophisticated, stylish, single gal ready to take on the world! She certainly has some sass and a hefty dose of “girl boss” in her! The gold & marble show off her love of the finer things in life, while the hydrangeas and elephant planter showcase her softer, whimsical side. 

 Tips To Achieve This Look:

• Start with a Mirror: It’s great to hang something on a shelf like this to add some height to the vignette. This mirror offers more than just wall art though, a mirror is a must when you’re a busy girl on the go. Gotta check out your makeup as you head out the door for date night!
• Add your Favorite Reads: We love decorating with books, especially when they have a cute black & white striped spine like this one. Add some color and personality to your shelf with a couple stacked books. Not too many though…
• Gotta love Fresh Flowers: Fact…everything looks (& smells) better with fresh flowers. Hydrangeas are a personal favorite. But if you want longevity, go with alstroemerias. We get ours from Trader Joe’s for about $4 a bunch and they last 2 weeks!
• Keep it Functional: This adorable mail sorter adds some major function. I mean mail…entryway….ummm yeah they definitely go together. Instead of plopping down your pile of mail, keep it stylish and sorted.
• Inject a bit of Fun: That glass elephant holding succulents is one of our favorite kitschy accessories. It’s pretty darn adorable and keeps things light and quirky. Definitely add something to show off your style and interests right in your entry.
• Minimize Clutter: Because this is the first stop in your home (& the first area viewed by guests), you don’t want random items to pile up. Keep mail, keys, and random accessories to a minimum for a clean and clutter-free look.

Shop The Look:

Marble Shelf: $7.99 IKEA Hack using this tutorial
Mirror: Garage Sale
Gold Letter Organizer: Target by Nate Berkus (Office Supplies Section)
Elements of Style Book
Glass Elephant: Garage Sale (25 cents!)
Succulent: No Maintenance Succulent Garden DIY 
Sun Glasses: LOFT
Vase: Dollar Store
Hooks: Lowe’s
Scarf: Forever21
Purse: Marshall’s Clearance
Blazer: H&M

Option 2: THE FAMILY FRIENDLY LOOK

Now this look is what we like to call the “style compromise.” In fact, this is pretty much what the Matkovich’s entryway looks like on a daily basis. This look adds some masculine elements, without having an over the top “dude feel.” We swapped the marble shelf & gold brackets, to go with a more subdued look of white wood and silver. Newly married or just moved in with your guy? A look like this is bound to get the green light from your +1.

Tips To Achieve This Look:

• Add Something 3-Dimensional: Okay, so faux taxidermy may not be your thing, but we love the idea of adding something 3-dimensional to your wall space. Instead of always relying on frames or art, you can add some texture and interest to the wall with a larger object.
• Frame it up: Whether you lean some framed art, or actually hang pieces on the wall…we think it’s a great idea to add frames to your shelf area. Also, feel free to frame more than just pictures. Your favorite quote or postcard could be great additions. Plus it’s easy to swap things out when you get tired of them.
• More Books: Clearly we can’t get away from decorating with books. They’re just so versatile and add some height to accessories. When in doubt, go with the same color and hardcover for the most cohesive look.
• Throw Tall Objects in the Mix: These Target vases are useful when filled with a flower or small bud, but they look pretty darn good on their own too. They balance the open space under the smaller picture frame, and give this look some color and pizzazz.
• Faux Succulents for the Win: Brown thumb? Then succulents are for you! Afraid you’ll even kill a low maintenance plant like a succulent? Then faux is definitely the way to go. This small fake succulent adds some greenery to the shelf space, and we love the addition of the dome on top.
• Patterned Bowl for Keys: If you’re prone to losing things (or your husband is!) then a drop-zone for keys is a must for your entryway. No more digging through your purse or scavenging through your drawers for your car keys with this method. Bonus points if you find a fun patterned bowl like this one.

Shop The Look:

Shelf: $7.99 at IKEA
Deer Head: HomeGoods
Bow tie: Macy’s <– Fun Fact: Matt wore this tie to Casey’s Wedding
Hanging Wood Frame: IKEA
Brown & White Frame: Target
Ikat Bowl: West Elm
Multi-colored Vases: Target
Books: Garage Sale
Succulent: Michael’s
Succulent Dome: JoAnn Fabric

This is a super simple and inexpensive project to complete and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

I’d love to hear how you styled your entryway shelf. Tell me about it in the comments below.

xo Jennifer