If your home doesn’t have a dedicated mudroom or a grand foyer, don’t despair. You can still create an entryway that’s welcoming and functional. It just takes a little planning, some ingenuity and the right solutions.

Take a look at your space. What is the shape and size of it? That will help determine your options for storage. For example, if you have a long open wall by the door, shelving with a hang rod could work. If your wall space is limited, hooks might be a better option. No wall space to speak of? Try a bench hall tree.

A hall tree can fit almost anywhere and it serves multiple roles, from hanging jackets and leashes to stowing shoes and even displaying plants.

You’ll also want to consider how you and your family use the entryway or what you wish it could become. Ask yourself the following questions.

Does everyone drop their outerwear and shoes by the front door?

If your answer is “yes,” hang up a few simple hooks – one for each family member – to accommodate coats, jackets and scarves. Place cube storage on the floor to contain the shoes.

Designate an entryway and make it useful with a shoe rack and wall hooks.

Do you need a place to put the mail and your keys?

For those of you who frequently forget one or both of these items regularly, try putting a small table near the exterior door you use most. Not only will a table be a helpful spot to lay your keys and the outgoing mail, but you can also decorate it with a vase, plant or other favorite object.

A narrow table, especially one with drawers, adds beauty and storage by the front door.

Do you like to check how you look right before you head out?

Don’t rely on your vehicle’s rear-view mirror. A mirror, whether it’s a small one or a large decorative one, in the entryway will help you ensure you’re leaving home with your best self.

What is your climate?

If it’s often rainy, add an umbrella stand for convenience and to store wet umbrellas. Place a rug or mat inside the door for people to wipe their feet. The rug can also help to differentiate the entrance from the rest of the room.

Don’t forget the furry members of your household when planning your entryway. Nail up another hook for a leash, and use a fabric drawer for treats, baggies and other pet necessities.

With a couple of easy DIY projects, you can give your entry a makeover.