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Ideabook 911: SVMOM Needs Some Entryway Honesty!
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
I noticed svmom's very astute question in The Buzz the other day and wanted to have everyone pitch in and help answer it! I think it's one we all have asked when we see a space like the one in the first image below.
Alright... for those of you with "nooks"... do they normally look this organized? (Please, be honest!). We are considering putting in something similar, and I am afraid it will "really" look like a dumping zone.
Svmom, while I don't have kids, I have definitely seen these work well and I've seen them look a mess. I can say I have NEVER seen Crocs lined up in a row like that! My nephews are lucky if they can find a pair of Crocs in the same color. The key is for those bottom cubbies to be closed (perhaps the bench lifts up or it has cabinet doors), and for each family member to have their own section. This lets everyone be realistically messy and keeps things looking neat from the outside. Just make sure that the bench has a child-proof latch so that it won't slam on little fingers. Also, make it a rule that there is one jacket per child on the hooks, and try to keep the ones they are not using in a closet.
I thought I'd throw this one out to everyone - what does your entryway look like and how do you keep it organized? What are some different ways you keep your entryway or mudroom organized? What has worked for you and what has failed? Please share photos if you have them!
Alright... for those of you with "nooks"... do they normally look this organized? (Please, be honest!). We are considering putting in something similar, and I am afraid it will "really" look like a dumping zone.
Svmom, while I don't have kids, I have definitely seen these work well and I've seen them look a mess. I can say I have NEVER seen Crocs lined up in a row like that! My nephews are lucky if they can find a pair of Crocs in the same color. The key is for those bottom cubbies to be closed (perhaps the bench lifts up or it has cabinet doors), and for each family member to have their own section. This lets everyone be realistically messy and keeps things looking neat from the outside. Just make sure that the bench has a child-proof latch so that it won't slam on little fingers. Also, make it a rule that there is one jacket per child on the hooks, and try to keep the ones they are not using in a closet.
I thought I'd throw this one out to everyone - what does your entryway look like and how do you keep it organized? What are some different ways you keep your entryway or mudroom organized? What has worked for you and what has failed? Please share photos if you have them!
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This is the original photo that inspired svmom's question. It is looking suspiciously neat.
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This one has drawers for hiding a multitude of sins, and note how each cubby has two hooks - great to have one for a bag, the other for a coat.
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Here's how Kim does it without cabinetry. I think if your kids are a little older you can make the shoe rack work, but otherwise, forget it!
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I think with more than one person this might become a big huge hodge-podge, but it is really really pretty, and I love the bench!
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Baskets are another option for the cubbies if you'd like to keep the open cubby idea.
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These people have dedicated some serious space to the stuff that gets put on and taken off by the back door.
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Again, not so sure how kids would have these racks looking, but it could be an interesting experiment...
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| Everyone has their own. Of course, they seemed to also have a huge hallway to contain this! |
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A great example of using baskets. And how good interior photography stylists can compose stuff and try to make it look casual.
Ideabook updated on March 11, 2010.
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In our mudroom we have a large bench to sit and do your shoes. Above that are hooks for everyone's coats (which are usually a bit loaded ;), and a tall freestanding bookshelf for shoes. It is not necessary beautiful, and the shelves do get dirty and need to be cleaned off. It works for us though. Everyone has an open shelf. When that shelf gets full of the respective persons' shoes, they must be taken to their bedroom closet.
We also have hooks for backpacks, as they will end up in a heap on the floor without the hooks.
I love the idea of built in nooks like that, but what we have works great for us. I can see the open spaces at the bottom of the built ins just being an area to cram if the kids were left to their own devices. They sure are pretty when they're neat though. ;)
http://con-tain-it.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/02/typical-tuesday-love-shack-foyer-1.html
The mirror is for good feng shui so I can see people behind me, and I made the pot rack from scrap wood.
No coats! Well, I live in California.
The most important thing to remember when setting up your mudroom is make it work for you. If your household is centered around sports, then big bins will be more functional than wooden shelves. If you have curious children and pets, then open storage may not be the way to go. If your needs are less utilitarian, then don’t be afraid to create a mudroom that is decorated for style. Consider your household and make your mudroom work for your family and home.
http://ciaointeriors.com/blog/2009/10/making-the-most-of-your-mudroom/
Hey, maybe when the kids get older!
Thanks for creating this ideabook, based on my question.
Jill
(svmom)
i too am particular about organization and even though these nooks are a great way to categorize backpacks, coats, shoes etc...entry nooks do literally catch all. So how do we avoid a mess. Deep drawers to conceal shoes or coordinating baskets. If it's in the budget and you have the space---put cabinet doors on it. Have a criteria for what can belong in this space and nothing else. I think concealing this space with cabinetry is the best opt if your worried about clutter. also conserve a niche in your nook for "paper catchall ie mail, a little place to sign homework and school folders.
Even one little drawer can hold all the mommy necessaries a pen, sharpie, stapler scissors and postits. include a shelf above coats for library books or folders -- each person has their own cubby. I have eve seen some nooks with media outlets in the shelves. Any way the bottom line ------ conceal it with beautiful cabinets. It's a small price to pay when the reward is chaos free mornings and it will always conceal perpetual messes that come with busy family lives.