Even if it's small, a well-organized entry gives you a place to wipe your feet and store your outdoor gear. Durable floors of textured tile or stone stand up to all sorts of foot traffic. Because it will be taking a beating on a daily basis, the floor should be a durable material and, for safety's sake, it should also be slip-resistant. Concrete, laminates and vinyl withstand wear and tear but tend to be slick when wet.
Wood requires a lot of upkeep, especially in damp conditions.
Choosing a dark color for the floor will help camouflage dirt. In a new-construction home where heavy use is anticipated, consider installing a central drain, which allows you to hose down the floor. When it comes to wallcoverings, the pros have different opinions. It's easy to sponge clean, provides some protection for the wallboard and can add color or a pattern to a room. Others opt for a high-gloss paint, accepting the fact that walls will get dinged up and will need regular repainting.