Oh my. What is a passionate rose lover like you doing in that glacial hell hole? Reading about your endeavors has exhausted me and I haven't even lifted a shovel. I admire your grit and determination, but would love to see you rewarded with thousands of blooms on your rose bushes for all your hard work. I bet they could use engineers in zones 7 to 10!

Thank you everyone who contributed to this thread, it really has been so helpful. Christy, looking back at your previous comment I see that I had misread when you first suggested the wardrobe in front of the closet idea (for some reason I was picturing closing off the entire end of the hallway, which I didn't think would work). And I have to admit that for about two seconds after neverbedone suggested the same thing, I thought "nah, that would be crazy" before I realized that it would actually be a very clever and efficient use of otherwise wasted space. When I first began this thread, I had assumed that I might get some good ideas for paint color, a window treatment, a hall runner, and a new piece of storage furniture. Now I have a much more exciting project to think through. But, it's going to take more planning, more money, and more time than I had originally thought. So I'm afraid I won't have any "after" pictures to share any time soon, but great things come to those who wait, right? Thanks again, all. You've given me so many great ideas to think about, which I never would have come up with on my own.

Thanks, all! The entry hallway measures about 9’ x 3.5’. I measured the kitchen table and it’s about 3.5’ x 3.5’ so I’d probably need at least 6’ wide in order for the chairs to have enough breathing room. Most of the rug sizes I’ve seen that come close to fitting in this space are either 5’ x 8’ rectangle or 5’ x 5’ or 6’ x 6’ square. What’s the rule about rugs when the room size is rectangular but the table is a square? Do you find a rug to match the room or table? I’m decorating on a (tight) budget and trying to get as much accomplished as possible before we host people at our house for my sons birthday party on October 28. Online shopping seems to be my go-to at this point since it’s difficult to get out of the house with a toddler and a newborn (who is cluster feeding right now lol). We do have a Target and a Home Depot nearby, and I can do ship-to-store at either for the rugs which would allow me to look at them before committing to taking them home. That’s why I’ve been looking at both of those places. Plus Target has a 30% off sale on all rugs that ends tonight! I know the geometric prints I’ve been looking at may not be the most original, but I really love it. If I did use this print somewhere, do you think it would be better for the entry way runner or under the kitchen table? Then I could find something complementary for the other. Could someone help me choose something that complements this print and my house color scheme? (Preferably at Target - or Home Depot) My house has lots of shades of blue - Pottery Barn porcelain blue silk dupioni curtains, peacock blue pillows, blue and white kitchen backsplash. It also has hints of light green. Our sofa is gray, walls are light tan/beige. I’m at a loss with the walls in the entry. I thought the distressed mirror with the sconces looked nice but I guess wall art might be a nicer option. Again, in the essence of time (and money), I don’t know if I’ll be able to find something in time for the party. Any specific suggestions? I like the idea of family portraits there but I want to inject some texture or interest in that space. If someone could link to specific suggestions of items, I would love you forever! I’m driving myself nuts! lol

Oooooh, I like that!! We had window benches in our last home and that was a favorite spot for the kids. This one won't have the lovely window light, but I could see it being a good use of space! The only tricky thing is that I had tentatively planned to put 2 barn doors here... my thinking is if the room happens to be a little messy or we need quiet from the rest of the house we could close it off. (Please ignore the mess that is there at the moment!!) But if we did the built in, obviously we couldn't do barn doors. That might be fine though. I really like that bench you posted! But how would we recess the shelves? I guess you just build out and it creates the recess? I need to show my husband that picture. Do you think there's enough room for it? The wall that you see there to the right of the opening is 42" from the back wall to where the trim begins. And the length of the wall is 76". A chaise was one of my choices... this one that I like is out of stock, and I'm debating how useful it would be for more than one person. Whereas the built-in you showed could easily fit both my younger. Thanks so much for your ideas!! Do you think there's space for the built in nook idea? I really love that!