4 New Entryways With Built-In Mudroom Storage
See how pros create organized drop zones with benches, hooks and cabinetry that keep shoes, coats and bags in check
A well-designed entryway with built-in mudroom-style storage can help keep the entire home more organized. By creating a dedicated spot for coats, shoes, bags and pet gear right at the door, these spaces corral everyday clutter before it spreads through the house. Benches, hooks and a mix of open and closed storage add convenience while maintaining a clean, welcoming look. Here, pros share details from four new entryways that use smart mudroom features to create organized, hardworking drop zones.
2. Smart Family Hub
Designer: Karina Melo of Sam Kachmar Architects
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Size: 88 square feet (8.2 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Like most older homes in the New England area, this gambrel suffered from a lack of storage, particularly for a young family with three children,” says designer Karina Melo. “In this gut renovation, we sought to create extra space and storage throughout the home. In that spirit, an old, ill-functioning three-season room was converted to a spacious mudroom with various storage options for parents and young children.”
Storage features. “Our goal was to introduce multiple storage options at this space that would grow with the family as their needs changed and to maximize efficiency within the space,” Melo says. “We used every corner for storage. At the ceiling we designed cubbies for baskets to store bulk and seasonal items. A bench seat wraps the corner, with half dedicated to two large drawers and the other side with open cubbies for everyday shoe storage. Along one wall we designed full-height cabinets with storage for shoes at the lower levels, coatracks and shelves and open areas for other items. Also, open coat hooks are available on the opposite wall for quick stowing of guests coats and everyday jackets.”
Other special features. “The cabinetry was designed by Metropolitan with a mix of stained walnut and white tones,” Melo says. “The walls, ceiling and trim were all painted Chantilly Lace (by Benjamin Moore) for a clean finish. On the floor we chose a gray porcelain hexagonal tile that would be durable and easy to clean.”
Designer tip. “As families and children grow, their storage needs change,” Melo says. “The blend of cubbies, drawers, cabinetry, coat hooks, etc. will function for this family for a lifetime. To maintain a clean, clutter-free look, open storage was intentionally placed out of direct sightlines, while beautifully finished wood cabinetry was used to create a focal point as you enter the room, resulting in a space that feels both practical and polished.”
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Designer: Karina Melo of Sam Kachmar Architects
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Size: 88 square feet (8.2 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Like most older homes in the New England area, this gambrel suffered from a lack of storage, particularly for a young family with three children,” says designer Karina Melo. “In this gut renovation, we sought to create extra space and storage throughout the home. In that spirit, an old, ill-functioning three-season room was converted to a spacious mudroom with various storage options for parents and young children.”
Storage features. “Our goal was to introduce multiple storage options at this space that would grow with the family as their needs changed and to maximize efficiency within the space,” Melo says. “We used every corner for storage. At the ceiling we designed cubbies for baskets to store bulk and seasonal items. A bench seat wraps the corner, with half dedicated to two large drawers and the other side with open cubbies for everyday shoe storage. Along one wall we designed full-height cabinets with storage for shoes at the lower levels, coatracks and shelves and open areas for other items. Also, open coat hooks are available on the opposite wall for quick stowing of guests coats and everyday jackets.”
Other special features. “The cabinetry was designed by Metropolitan with a mix of stained walnut and white tones,” Melo says. “The walls, ceiling and trim were all painted Chantilly Lace (by Benjamin Moore) for a clean finish. On the floor we chose a gray porcelain hexagonal tile that would be durable and easy to clean.”
Designer tip. “As families and children grow, their storage needs change,” Melo says. “The blend of cubbies, drawers, cabinetry, coat hooks, etc. will function for this family for a lifetime. To maintain a clean, clutter-free look, open storage was intentionally placed out of direct sightlines, while beautifully finished wood cabinetry was used to create a focal point as you enter the room, resulting in a space that feels both practical and polished.”
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3. Colorful Drop Zone
Designers: Kelly Summers and Lindsay Brungardt of Schloegel Design Remodel
Location: Prairie Village, Kansas
Size: 42 square feet (4 square meters); 6 by 7 feet
Homeowner’s request. “This 1933 home had an awkward vestibule with narrow built-in storage, two conflicting door swings and dated vinyl flooring,” says designer Kelly Summers, who uses Houzz Pro software, especially for leads. “It simply wasn’t functioning for this busy family of five. They needed a true mudroom with purposeful storage. Their must-haves included closed storage for shoes, hooks for coats and backpacks and a bench for putting on shoes.”
Storage features. “To make it work, we reoriented the layout and widened the room to create more usable space,” Summers says. “We removed the traditional swing door and replaced it with a pocket door, eliminating the door conflict and gaining valuable square footage.
“With both an exterior door and an entry into the kitchen to consider, we maximized the remaining two walls for storage. We designed a built-in bench with drawers below to make every inch count. Hooks were installed higher above the bench so they wouldn’t interfere when sitting. Across the top, we incorporated open cubbies, which the homeowner preferred over closed cabinets. The open storage keeps the room feeling lighter and larger while still offering plenty of function.
“We selected white oak cabinetry with a stained finish for both durability and warmth. It stands up to everyday wear while complementing the existing hardwood floors, creating a cohesive look throughout the home.”
Other special features. “The homeowner’s love for turquoise inspired the hexagonal tile flooring, bringing a vibrant pop of personality to the space,” Summers says. “Multicolored hooks add a playful touch while giving the kids an easy place to hang coats and backpacks.”
Designer tip. “The finishes are beautiful, but what truly elevates this room is the architectural detail,” Summers says. “The built-in cabinetry, crown detail, wall paneling that ties into the cabinets and the white oak wainscoting behind the hooks all work together to create a high-end look.”
10 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Front Entry
Designers: Kelly Summers and Lindsay Brungardt of Schloegel Design Remodel
Location: Prairie Village, Kansas
Size: 42 square feet (4 square meters); 6 by 7 feet
Homeowner’s request. “This 1933 home had an awkward vestibule with narrow built-in storage, two conflicting door swings and dated vinyl flooring,” says designer Kelly Summers, who uses Houzz Pro software, especially for leads. “It simply wasn’t functioning for this busy family of five. They needed a true mudroom with purposeful storage. Their must-haves included closed storage for shoes, hooks for coats and backpacks and a bench for putting on shoes.”
Storage features. “To make it work, we reoriented the layout and widened the room to create more usable space,” Summers says. “We removed the traditional swing door and replaced it with a pocket door, eliminating the door conflict and gaining valuable square footage.
“With both an exterior door and an entry into the kitchen to consider, we maximized the remaining two walls for storage. We designed a built-in bench with drawers below to make every inch count. Hooks were installed higher above the bench so they wouldn’t interfere when sitting. Across the top, we incorporated open cubbies, which the homeowner preferred over closed cabinets. The open storage keeps the room feeling lighter and larger while still offering plenty of function.
“We selected white oak cabinetry with a stained finish for both durability and warmth. It stands up to everyday wear while complementing the existing hardwood floors, creating a cohesive look throughout the home.”
Other special features. “The homeowner’s love for turquoise inspired the hexagonal tile flooring, bringing a vibrant pop of personality to the space,” Summers says. “Multicolored hooks add a playful touch while giving the kids an easy place to hang coats and backpacks.”
Designer tip. “The finishes are beautiful, but what truly elevates this room is the architectural detail,” Summers says. “The built-in cabinetry, crown detail, wall paneling that ties into the cabinets and the white oak wainscoting behind the hooks all work together to create a high-end look.”
10 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Front Entry
4. Beach-Ready Mudroom
Builder: Eric Thorson of Thorson Restoration & Construction
Location: Plymouth, Massachusetts
Size: 115 square feet (11 square meters); 10 feet, 4 inches by 11 feet, 2 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner had previously lived in several homes dating back to the 1800s and appreciated the character, craftsmanship and thoughtful detail in their historic homes,” says builder Eric Thorson. “Although this was a newly built home, their goal was to incorporate the same sense of charm and authenticity.”
Storage features. Custom built-in cabinetry painted Quiet Moments by Benjamin Moore and featuring fir details and a hidden laundry chute. “The home is right on the beach, so they wanted a space where they could come in and throw beach towels and bathing suits into the laundry,” Thorson says. “Function was important to them for this space.” The flooring is porcelain brick.
Builder tip. “Closed storage helps a room feel less busy,” Thorson says.
Project photography: Katherine Jackson Photo
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Builder: Eric Thorson of Thorson Restoration & Construction
Location: Plymouth, Massachusetts
Size: 115 square feet (11 square meters); 10 feet, 4 inches by 11 feet, 2 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner had previously lived in several homes dating back to the 1800s and appreciated the character, craftsmanship and thoughtful detail in their historic homes,” says builder Eric Thorson. “Although this was a newly built home, their goal was to incorporate the same sense of charm and authenticity.”
Storage features. Custom built-in cabinetry painted Quiet Moments by Benjamin Moore and featuring fir details and a hidden laundry chute. “The home is right on the beach, so they wanted a space where they could come in and throw beach towels and bathing suits into the laundry,” Thorson says. “Function was important to them for this space.” The flooring is porcelain brick.
Builder tip. “Closed storage helps a room feel less busy,” Thorson says.
Project photography: Katherine Jackson Photo
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Read more stories
Browse photos for ideas
Find home professionals
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Designer: Kate Gaston of Perspective Design Build
Location: Lakewood, Colorado
Size: 60 square feet (5.6 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “We wanted a mudroom adjacent to the front entry of the home that was convenient but delineated as its own space,” says designer Kate Gaston, whose client found her on Houzz. “Ample closed storage for coats, hats, gloves, shoes, dog treats, leashes, etc. We also wanted to have a bench and natural lighting, and we wanted it to have a traditional style to match the age of the home.”
Gaston uses Houzz Pro software to manage her projects. “I use the Proposals feature to send my design and selections proposals and the Mood Boards to communicate my designs with clients,” she says.
Storage features. “A 9-foot-wide wall was used for floor-to-ceiling closed storage — three 3-foot-wide units with drawers below for shoes and adaptable storage above that can either be used as adjustable shelves or for hanging coats,” Gaston says. “We used a dark green finish for the cabinets with long nickel cabinet pulls.”
Other special features. Sandblasted marble tile flooring in a Versailles pattern. Board-and-batten wainscoting painted the same green as the storage cabinets. “A subtle striped, textured wallpaper selected by the client gives the room a polished but comfortable feel,” Gaston says. “A long bench provides a comfy place to sit while you get your outdoor gear on and off.”
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to go bold or dark in a smaller room like a bathroom or mudroom,” Gaston says. “Sometimes it’s great to have these smaller spaces feel more enclosed, intimate and private.”
Construction: RLK Custom Builders
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