Charli Hantman of August Black Interiors agreed that ottomans are key. “In the foyer, one, two, or three can be placed under an open console to add visual interest—and serve as a home to your purse or shopping bag,” she said. Whether you opt for solid color ottomans or select a funky pattern, the choice is yours! If an ottoman also opens up to boast storage, even better, Kelsi Lamberth added in an email. In this case they’re “a great place to hide those blankets, seasonal pillows, or let’s be honest—kids’ toys,” she said. The structure of such pieces makes it easy for little ones to put away their items on their own, too. Benches can function well in a variety of rooms throughout the home. Julia Newman considers them to be “a great solution to wasted space in an entryway.” She noted in an email, “They serve as a landing spot when you come home, a place to take on and off shoes, and can provide excellent storage that can be hidden away with doors or baskets.” Not sure what to place inside a dresser located in the front hallway? Go for the basics, as Cami Weinstein said in an email. “The drawers cannot only hold clothes, but in an entry can neatly hold gloves, hats, and pets’ leashes or toys.” And in the dining room? Use a dresser to store linens, such as placemats and tablecloths, Weinstein added. Talk about a place for everything and everything in its place!
