Making My House a Home— Part 2: Creating a Defined Entryway in My Studio Apartment

There’s something special about stepping into a home and feeling an immediate sense of welcome. For me, that begins with a well-defined entryway—an intentional space that not only sets the tone for the rest of my apartment but also serves a practical purpose. I love having a dedicated place to remove or put on shoes and store essentials. Even in a smaller space, carving out a dedicated spot for transitioning from the outside world into a personal sanctuary makes all the difference.
For me, that meant a few key elements: a rug to set the foundation, a place to sit, and storage that keeps things functional yet stylish. And, of course, each piece had to seamlessly blend into the Eclectic Japandi aesthetic I’ve been cultivating. Japandi—where the warmth and organic textures of Japanese design meet the minimalism and functionality of Scandinavian style—is all about balance. I wanted my entryway to feel cohesive with the rest of my home while standing as its own defined space.

The Entryway Rug: The Foundation of the Space
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The first step in defining my entryway was finding the perfect rug to anchor the space. I wanted something flat-woven, durable, and visually appealing—something that would act as both a dirt catcher and a design element. After much searching, I landed on the KLASSRUM rug 🚶‍♂️ from IKEA. This 4x6.5-foot flat woven rug features a muted green and ivory checkered pattern, making it the first of many checkered motifs I’m incorporating into my apartment. The color palette blends seamlessly into my Eclectic Japandi aesthetic, adding soft, organic hues—tones that feel grounded and natural without overwhelm the space. It’s simple, structured, and does the job of creating a clear boundary between my entryway and the rest of my apartment.
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Entryway Shoe Storage: Form Meets Function

An entryway without shoe storage? That’s a no-go for me. I needed something that was compact yet spacious enough to hold my footwear while keeping things looking clean and uncluttered. Enter the MACKAPÄR shoe cabinets 🗄️. Aligned side by side, two of these cabinets create a natural partition in the space.
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These cabinets not only provide enough room to store up to 18 pairs of shoes, but they also serve as a sleek counter space for decor. Their sliding doors (instead of swinging doors) allow this entryway to take up minimal space while still providing three feet of walking space—a crucial detail to maintain my safety and meet California fire safety compliance. Another plus? They double as storage for my bags, keeping everything I need for the outside world in one convenient place.

Bringing It to Life: Decor & Final Touches
The decor on the entryway counter is what really brings this space to life. Each item has a purpose, whether practical or simply joyful. Here’s what I’ve added:

• A Bonsai Tree in a Grey Ceramic Pot – A touch of nature for grounding energy.
• Cat in a Coin Bank 😻 – A little whimsy never hurts, and it’s oddly satisfying to feed the cat a coin after a long day.
• Charles & Ray Eames: 1907-1978, 1912-1988: Pioneers of Mid-century Modernism 📖 – A book that not only inspires me but also adds to the Japandi-meets-modern aesthetic.
• Natural Limestone Incense Holder on an Oval Bamboo Tray 🧘‍♂️ – Both from Amazon, these pieces create a calm, sensory welcome home.
• VARMBLIXT Lamp (aka ‘The Donut Lamp’) 💡 – This lamp is special. I spent two months trying to get my hands on it, as it was constantly out of stock online and unavailable for delivery in my area. I finally got a restock notification that it was available in-store in San Francisco, CA. The next morning, I drove two hours to pick it up. Now, every time I turn it on, I’m reminded that some things are worth the wait.

The Bench & Full-Length Mirror: Practical Must-Haves
A proper entryway isn’t complete without a place to sit and a mirror for that last outfit check before heading out the door. Right now, I have the PERJOHAN stool 🪑 filling in as a bench. It’s a piece I already owned, and while I’ll eventually upgrade to a more fitting bench, for now, it serves its purpose.
The NeuType Full-Length Mirror 🪞 sits right on top of the stool. With my limited three feet of width, placing the mirror directly on the stool was the best solution—it not only gives me a full-length view but also covers the electrical panel on the wall. This setup allows for easier access to the panel compared to if the mirror were mounted directly to the wall. Sometimes, function dictates form, and I love how this arrangement balances both.

Conclusion: A Defined Space, A Clear Mind

With these pieces in place, my entryway is more than just a threshold—it’s a transition. It’s a space that welcomes me home, helps me reset, and sets the tone for the rest of my apartment.
Designing a home, even a small one, is about crafting spaces that support how we live. And in a world that often feels rushed and cluttered, having a clearly defined entryway helps me step into my space with intention.
Next up: Making My House a Home— Part 3: Living Room Setup