Many homes have a breezeway, or pass-through area between the garage and the rest of the home. Because this is a convenient place to drop coats, shoes and outdoor gear, a breezeway can easily become a cluttered mess that distracts from the rest of the home. However, there are more stylish solutions than ever to contain the clutter and bring the décor of the breezeway up to the standards of the rest of the house.

Stylish Solutions that Contain the Clutter

• If you have enough room in the breezeway, consider a modular unit that you may customize to your needs. Components include lockers, benches, open shelf storage, drawers and organizational features like key ring holders, cell phone holders and bulletin or chalk boards. You can use them to totally organize your family so that everything they need is one convenient location. You can find beautifully built wooden units that can be combined to provide storage for shoes, coats, hats, school and tote bags, sports gear, pet supplies, built-in pet beds, sports gear, etc. They are available in any variety of paint or stained finishes.
• A handsome wooden bench with underneath storage is a practical way to neatly contain the mountain of shoes threatening to take over the breezeway entry. Not only is it a good way to organize and diffuse shoe clutter, it gives you a convenient place to sit when pulling shoes on or off. Some benches include a hinged lid that gives even more storage space for hats, gloves, scarves or sports gear.
• Freestanding wardrobe closets can be purchased at any home improvement store to add a closet wherever you need one. If you are limited on space and your breezeway does not have a closet, a freestanding closet plus a storage bench may be the perfect combo to organize all the stuff of everyday living.
• A hall tree is classic choice for an entry area and is another smaller space option. Most hall trees include hooks for hanging coats, scarves and hats and a hinged bench seat that will provide additional storage opportunities. Many also have a convenient mirror mounted above the seat.

For the Laundry Room/Breezeway Combo

Many breezeways do double duty by also housing the washer and dryer. Make this area efficient and stylish instead of disorganized and dreary by adding open shelving over the appliances. Store soaps and supplies in attractive canisters and decanters. If the area includes a laundry sink, hang a pretty fabric skirt around the base to add color and provide a place to store bulky items out of view. Ceramic wall hooks and a fold-up drying rack add extra space when drying or ironing clothes. Hang an old-fashioned wash board on the wall for fun. Craft stores and home goods stores have all kinds of decorative items for the walls or shelves in a laundry theme that will add color and lighten the mood.

Other Decorative Options

• Wall decor in any theme can brighten your breezeway. Wood wall hangings or wall accessories in wrought iron, ceramic or metal can help make this room seem less like an afterthought and more like actual living space.

• Brighten with light paint colors in pretty pastels like sea foam green, aqua or seashell pink. Improve lighting with new fixtures on dimmers that let you control the illumination depending on the task at hand.
• Add a mirror or two which will help reflect light and make the area seem bigger. A mirror by the door also gives you a convenient spot to check your appearance or tie on a neck scarf before heading out the door.

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flikr - "P1000201" courtesy of lomoa.