Pinterest Inspired - Entryway Reveal

Well, folks - the good news, classes are OVER!    It's official - I'm done and looking forward to graduation.  This past weekend was my first in ages without homework, writing, or planning my schedule for the week ahead.  So, what's a girl to do?

PINTEREST!  Yes, it is my latest addiction.  If you haven't checked it out, go now!   It's full of decorating ideas, recipes, style, and inspiration.  One area of our house that has always annoyed me - the entryway.  I've never felt like we utilized the space as well as we could.  Basically, you walk in our front door and there is a small alcove - approximately 6 ft wide and 1.5 ft deep.   I had pinned lots of ideas on my "Entryway" board, but this one and this one were by far my favorites.

We've been working on bits and pieces of this project for the past three weeks as time allowed, but we finally brought it all together this weekend.   I really wish I had a before picture, but for a moment close your eyes and envision a wall with a mirror and chair rail and that's it!  :)  And NOW....

 I am so happy with the space!   "Handy" neighbor helped us build the shelf out of 12 inch pine and we used corbels from Home Depot to help give additional support.  The oil-rubbed bronzed hooks are also from Home Depot - they'll catch coats, hats, backpacks, and purses.  The "bench" is actually a coffee table I found at a yard sale for $5.00 - I sanded, primed and painted it a milk chocolate color (borrowed paint from a friend).   The cushion - the foam cushion itself a friend of mine was able to get as a "sample" from her work - FREE;  the fabric is a Waverly print - I scored it for $8.00 a yard.  The pillow was a yard sale find for $1.50.  The distressed red cabinet is a hand-me-down from a friend - FREE!  The lamp was a Goodwill find from a couple of years ago.  The basket on the table was FREE -- someone was discarding it from their office last year and I snatched it.  The rug - Walmart special for only $18.00.  Of course, the dog is priceless.  :)   I'm still looking for baskets to go on top of the shelf.  I am SO happy with how warm and inviting the entryway looks now.

I'd like to give a SHOUT OUT to my friends Angie & Sally who helped me think outside the box into repurposing existing pieces of furniture; my husband for his patience :) ; and my neighbor for his carpentry skills.

What do you think?