Solution No. 3: Kitchen Caboodle
Don't be afraid to steal ideas from other rooms -- a sleek stainless pot rack (above) relocated to the foyer proves adept at corralling clutter. The matching magnetic strip holds receipts and pretty postcards. Stacking bins can be labeled by family member or category (e.g., bills, catalogs).

Magnetic strip bulletin board and magnets by Three by Three Seattle, $20, plasticashop.com.
Utility shelf, $79, potterybarn.com
Aberdeen desk, $595, Wonk, 718-596-8026
Letter-tray baskets, $5 each, and basket spacers, $3 each, both containerstore.com for stores.
Patent bag by Maxx New York, $178, maxxnewyork.com

Another idea: Ceramic tagines (below) are great for couscous, but they're also an artful way to keep sundries contained and out of sight. "This area is the first thing you see when you walk in the door," Rebecca says, "so make it beautiful."

Moroccan tagines, $70 and $140, Global Table, 212-431-5839
Chunky console table, $299, westelm.com.
"Cherries on Pink" and "Bruised Peach" artwork by Raina Bajpai, $200 each, etsy.com

Try This
More tips and tricks for outsmarting your stuff:

1. Place a pretty trash can near the door so you can toss junk mail as soon as you enter. (We like trash cans by Magis, $42, hivemodern.com.)

2. If space permits, use a desk in lieu of a console. The added surface area will come in handy for paying bills, and drawers can hide pens, maps, etc.

3. Convert shoe cubbies into mail cubbies like those found in old hotels. (Try the six-cube modular storage system, $30, bedbathandbeyond.com.)