Would want the shoe shelves to be drawers. One set double high for boots. I like the idea of that, along with the shelf that covers them so they look neater. Don't want cubbie walls separating the coat sections. I want them low enough to reach, but I do want the nooks above--to hold mittens, hats, etc
I like the idea of having a counter as a landing zone and drawers for various "things"--another option would be to have the drawers actually be shoe shelves, so that there's plenty of room for shoes in the mud room. Also, I'd put baskets or shoe shelves under the bench--that seems like wasted space to me, although the openness is attractive.
Q