How to Prevent Your Entryway from Being Declared a Disaster Area...

They say first impressions are everything. So what area should a homebuyer make sure is inviting and well kept (after the outside, of course)? The entryway.

The goal of homeowners everywhere should be to have not only functional, but beautiful entryways. The reasoning is simple. For most families, entryways see a lot of traffic. And it can easily become a dumping ground. They house shoes, coats, purses, and keys, as well as often used toys and tools.

And for every home, the entryway is the very spot where guests and buyers will form their first impression. This means disorganized is out and clean is in. Here are a few simple design and organization tips that can take your entryway from disastrous to fabulous.

The key to a clutter-free entry is storage. Option one would be built-in cabinetry. Pick materials and colors that follow the design ascetic of your home. Hang and fold your items and then shut away the clutter.

If you don't have room for built-ins, then consider a free-standing shelving unit with cubbies. Baskets are an attractive way to keep everything from mittens and hats to ball gloves and racquets organized.

Have even less space? Even simple hooks can have a great organizing effect.

The next tip is to have some sort of seating. Make an inviting spot for children to sit while removing winter boots. Bench seating with storage underneath can be a perfect combination of functionality and looks, and you can add a pop of color with a colorful cushion.

Pay careful attention to flooring choices in your entryway. You want something that is durable and hides dirt easily. A popular trend in today's home is slate tile, with its dark hues doing wonders for masking dirt.

If your entryway is more formal and you choose not to have any cabinets, then be sure to hide away coats and clutter in the nearest closet. A simple console table with drawers can be used to hold keys and phones. Consider installing a docking station in the drawers of the table to hide chargers and cables for iPods and phones.

These simple tips can make a big difference in keeping your entry organized.

Back to School Shopping in Your Desk Drawers!

Here is a very important back to school tip... lock your doors after they have left for school.

No! Just kidding... we all love our kids. Here is a bit of advice for back to school shopping... go shopping at home first. Yes, take that all important school supply list and look through the items left over from last year before you head to the local big box store.

Often times, kids have 3 ring binders from the year before that they still have some life left in and can use again. Same thing with spiral notebooks, frequently parents will buy notebooks with a couple hundred pages and maybe 20 pages will be used, especially in the lower grades. So, rip out those used pages, and use them again! Other reusable items: glue, rulers, pens, crayons, paper clips, and calculators. No need to buy yet another 10 pack of brand new notebooks, when you have 14 barely used ones already at home.

If a teacher insists on having brand new items, suggest to them that it's more responsible to "reuse and recycle". Not only does reusing items from past years save the parents money, but it conserves valuable resources too.

Have a safe and successful school year!