i think you did a very good job. I like the cubbies!

I think I would replace the rug you have there and get a larger patterned one that incorporates all the colors you have going on in your home.

What is the space immediately to the left when you walk into the house -- in front of the window? Could that space be incorporated into the entry?

@Tootsie - I've considered the floor-to-ceiling idea, unfortunately, it would block that window which is a big source of natural light making the entryway a bit claustrophobic. We live in Seattle, a bit gray 9 months out of the year can be an understatement some years. Thank you!

@njmomma - Yup, larger rug! Thank you

@Joe - Right in front of the window is a staircase. So when you look over those cubbies, you'll be looking down at a flight of stairs.

Darn it, I was afraid of that and looking back you clearly state that, sorry! I'll leave your solution to others except to say that I always say any storage should be closed storage -- doors and drawers hide everything! If you really need that much shoe storage right there, I would have a carpenter build closed storage.

@Joe - No worries. Kids grow up so we'll probably have that closed up - maybe a combo of cabinetry and a bench of sort. Much appreciated Joe. :-D

Is that a closet in front of the stairway and windows? I would remove just the cubbies that encroach on that little wall (below the cross) and ideally extend that closet into that space. If that's not possible, then I'd get a tall cabinet the width of that wall, as deep as the remaining cubbies, and move the coats and bags in there. You could put some of the shoes in the bottom of that cabinet.

Not these exact cabinets, but on the order of this - painted to match your wall:

Why not move the shoes to the bedrooms?

Thanks Olychick, Amanda, and Kathryn P.

@Olychick - the cubbies are new ad-ons but I could see maybe using that closet by the stairs as a coat closet.

@Amanda - It's a two-story with bedrooms both down- and upstairs. With all the rain about 9 out of 12 months of the year, not really liking the idea of kids trekking their muddy shoes to their respective rooms. I appreciate the suggestion though and definitely something to consider as the kids get older and more responsible.

@Kathryn - I like that idea of adding more detail to that wall to make it look permanent. Though with about two kids left at home we might not need as much hooks so it won't be as crowded.

So your front entrance is the only way into this home? I'd be inclined to use the garage or back entry as the mudroom, rather than the home's public entry that should introduce you, your style and hint at what to expect in the adjoining rooms.