We recently added a couple new elements to our entryway.  We longed for an inviting space for guests to put their shoes and coats, but considering we had more of a hallway than an entry nook, we had to improvise.

I’ve been drooling over this Pottery Barn piece for months and have seen many variations other bloggers have come up with to make it their own. I had it on my brain that I would do the same. Maybe commission something similar? Or make it myself? Because I could never stomach the high sticker price of the real thing. Don’t get me wrong, there are items I want for my house that I would totally save my money for, but a bench and hook set wasn’t one of them. I think it totaled around $920.00 with shipping! Ekk.

One night recently, I was browsing Craigslist at items we still need, a dining table, etc.  As luck would have it, there was the exact entryway hook and bench I’ve been drooling over on Craigslist, though I wasn’t sure about the mahogany stain (I wanted black) and the red cushion (would have to be replaced). But I was all about it!  I offered him a couple hundred less then he was asking, and he was firm on his price. I said okay but if he changes his mind, he can contact me and could pick it up that weekend. I thought I had lost this little gem but he contacted me a week later seeing if I was still interested and accepted my original offer!

It came with 6 seagrass baskets and a red cushion, which now resides in Boston’s crate.  It’s the Samantha Collection from Pottery Barn, and I got the whole thing for less than half the original. An interior designer used it for about 8 months and put it on Craigslist! Score of the year? I think so!

I dressed it up with some found items around the house. I think this will be a fun place to rearrange throughout the year! I now store our dog toys in the middle bench, hats and mittens in another, and spare keys in the wooden bowl. I’m sure we’ll find ways to use all the baskets. Now, I just need a great runner (rug) and a new front door (fun paint color?) and this space will be complete. Here’s some progress pictures of our entryway!

Before

After

Before

After

I’m trying to make our entryway as inviting as possible, in hopes to see many great people (and animals) walk through that door.