7 Stylish New Entryways With Mudroom Storage
See the details and features designers used to bring organization and aesthetics to these home entries
A storage-packed entry can help corral clutter before it enters the home. Making it pretty can set the stage for what’s to come. Consider a mix of open and closed cabinetry, hooks and benches, as well as welcoming wood details, durable flooring materials, and bold patterns and paint colors. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for creative setups in these seven functional and stylish mudrooms new on Houzz.
2. Creamy and Classic
Designer: Katelyn Gilmour of KBG Design
General contractor: Silva Custom Construction
Location: San Jose, California
Size: 117 square feet (11 square meters); 9½ feet by 12 feet, 4 inches
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients, in general, wanted a warm ‘Studio McGee’ look for their home interior,” designer Katelyn Gilmour says. “They agreed that their previous storage was lacking and nonfunctional for their family — it was a tighter space with a single coat closet with small bypass doors. With two school-age boys in sports, our clients wanted enough storage to put away all their bags and backpacks without having to see it. Also, they wanted a place for their items like coats, bags and packages coming or going. Previously, this space was more of a drop zone/trip hazard for their family that left much to be desired, but they didn’t know what solutions were available to them.”
Mudroom storage features. “We proposed several different layout options, but the client felt this arrangement best fit their family,” Gilmour says. “The left-side tall cabinet is currently laid out to have interior adjustable shelves for all the boys’ sport bags and backpacks. We also have interior outlets should the kids need to charge a device when out of sight. This side could convert into more hanging coat storage in the future. The far-right tall cabinet is for the adults of the house. There’s an interior rod for coat hanging and adjustable shelving above that. This side, too, has outlets inside for charging devices or, say, plugging in a vacuum. Between these two tall cabinets is a functional rift white oak bench with open storage above and below, perfect for putting shoes on or off. Hooks above are for those items that you might not want to put away.”
Other special features. “We ran the stained top across the entire width of the area for added warmth and interest,” Gilmour says. “The vertical V-groove paneling added texture and durability from items being thrown on the bench. We echoed this same detail elsewhere in the home as well. This entire built-in is painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Natural Choice in a satin sheen, and the stain-grade rift white oak’s stain was custom to coordinate with our wood flooring. The wall, ceiling and entry door is painted Cool December by Dunn-Edwards, but with varying sheens — velvet for walls and satin for door and trim.”
Designer tip. “Instead of a standard crown molding, try inverting a base molding profile,” Gilmour says. “In my opinion, this makes the built-in feel more edited and clean instead of fussy. I also feel like this is a nod to how custom built-ins were done in the early 1930s, but it doesn’t feel old.”
Cabinetmaker: Woodenbridge; project photos: Agnieszka Jakubowicz
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Entry
Designer: Katelyn Gilmour of KBG Design
General contractor: Silva Custom Construction
Location: San Jose, California
Size: 117 square feet (11 square meters); 9½ feet by 12 feet, 4 inches
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients, in general, wanted a warm ‘Studio McGee’ look for their home interior,” designer Katelyn Gilmour says. “They agreed that their previous storage was lacking and nonfunctional for their family — it was a tighter space with a single coat closet with small bypass doors. With two school-age boys in sports, our clients wanted enough storage to put away all their bags and backpacks without having to see it. Also, they wanted a place for their items like coats, bags and packages coming or going. Previously, this space was more of a drop zone/trip hazard for their family that left much to be desired, but they didn’t know what solutions were available to them.”
Mudroom storage features. “We proposed several different layout options, but the client felt this arrangement best fit their family,” Gilmour says. “The left-side tall cabinet is currently laid out to have interior adjustable shelves for all the boys’ sport bags and backpacks. We also have interior outlets should the kids need to charge a device when out of sight. This side could convert into more hanging coat storage in the future. The far-right tall cabinet is for the adults of the house. There’s an interior rod for coat hanging and adjustable shelving above that. This side, too, has outlets inside for charging devices or, say, plugging in a vacuum. Between these two tall cabinets is a functional rift white oak bench with open storage above and below, perfect for putting shoes on or off. Hooks above are for those items that you might not want to put away.”
Other special features. “We ran the stained top across the entire width of the area for added warmth and interest,” Gilmour says. “The vertical V-groove paneling added texture and durability from items being thrown on the bench. We echoed this same detail elsewhere in the home as well. This entire built-in is painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Natural Choice in a satin sheen, and the stain-grade rift white oak’s stain was custom to coordinate with our wood flooring. The wall, ceiling and entry door is painted Cool December by Dunn-Edwards, but with varying sheens — velvet for walls and satin for door and trim.”
Designer tip. “Instead of a standard crown molding, try inverting a base molding profile,” Gilmour says. “In my opinion, this makes the built-in feel more edited and clean instead of fussy. I also feel like this is a nod to how custom built-ins were done in the early 1930s, but it doesn’t feel old.”
Cabinetmaker: Woodenbridge; project photos: Agnieszka Jakubowicz
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Entry
3. Layered Look
Designer: Jeremy Lanier at ReVision Design/Remodeling
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Size: 75 square feet (7 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted a functional, welcoming room where there was plenty of space for them to drop bags, shoes and provide long-term storage for outdoor-related items like sunscreen,” designer Jeremy Lanier says. “This is the primary entry the family uses into the home, so we wanted to create an impactful design that had some bold elements while not being chaotic or overwhelming.”
Mudroom storage features. “A combination of open cubbies and closed doors provides a functional mix of flexible options where everyday-use items are easily accessible and longer-term items can be tucked away until needed,” Lanier says. “Open shoe cubbies make it hassle-free for the family to keep them neatly out of the way, and a bench with coat hooks offers an area for jackets, books, bags and umbrellas. Inset cabinetry stays true to the age of the home, painted in Sherwin-Williams Redend Point, which blends well with the gold-and-cream metallic wallpaper and original hardwood flooring.”
Designer tip. “Layer,” Lanier says. “We added tons of visual interest in this small room by layering warm-tone colors and textures through the flooring, wallpaper, paint color and accessories. Soothing color palettes don’t have to be boring neutrals. This earthy pink-brown-red color gives a visual punch while not visually cluttering the homeowners’ stored items.”
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Designer: Jeremy Lanier at ReVision Design/Remodeling
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Size: 75 square feet (7 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted a functional, welcoming room where there was plenty of space for them to drop bags, shoes and provide long-term storage for outdoor-related items like sunscreen,” designer Jeremy Lanier says. “This is the primary entry the family uses into the home, so we wanted to create an impactful design that had some bold elements while not being chaotic or overwhelming.”
Mudroom storage features. “A combination of open cubbies and closed doors provides a functional mix of flexible options where everyday-use items are easily accessible and longer-term items can be tucked away until needed,” Lanier says. “Open shoe cubbies make it hassle-free for the family to keep them neatly out of the way, and a bench with coat hooks offers an area for jackets, books, bags and umbrellas. Inset cabinetry stays true to the age of the home, painted in Sherwin-Williams Redend Point, which blends well with the gold-and-cream metallic wallpaper and original hardwood flooring.”
Designer tip. “Layer,” Lanier says. “We added tons of visual interest in this small room by layering warm-tone colors and textures through the flooring, wallpaper, paint color and accessories. Soothing color palettes don’t have to be boring neutrals. This earthy pink-brown-red color gives a visual punch while not visually cluttering the homeowners’ stored items.”
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4. Have a Seat
Designer: Gabrielle Bove of Opaline Interiors Studio
Location: Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Size: 105 square feet (9.8 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients are a young, fun-loving family who were looking for a functional, durable space laced with color, warmth and functionality,” designer Gabrielle Bove says. “With two young children, they needed enclosed storage and easily accessible open storage space for items like their stroller and car seat. We layered hardy materials like nickel-gap paneling, a solid walnut bench seat, easy-clean fabric and a textured indoor-outdoor area rug that would stand the test of time and stand up to muddy feet.”
Mudroom storage features. “It was important to our clients that the mudroom be functional but not lack style and beauty,” Bove says. “We chose to design a custom bench with functional drawers for items like shoes and winter accessories. We topped this with a solid walnut bench seat for contrast and additional durability. We selected Benjamin Moore’s Sea Star paint for the millwork, a soothing but rich pop of color and a nod to our clients’ love of the Mediterranean.”
Other special features. “We layered classic patterns in youthful colors with a neutral backdrop and warm textures, all curated to merge our clients’ love of Mediterranean motifs with the New England landscape,” Bove says.
Designer tip. “Knowing this young family would eventually grow, it was important to think of the space’s flow and capacity in two to five years,” Bove says. “Making sure they had enough storage for additional shoes, winter gear and eventually backpacks was important.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Due to the placement of existing doors and windows, there wasn’t originally an opportunity for closed, tall storage, which we felt this family needed,” Bove says. “We were able to locate a cavity in the floor plan adjacent to the mudroom, which was perfect for a functional closet. This space allowed us to keep circulation open between all doorways but gave our clients a place to hide coats and diaper bags when not in use.”
Contractor: Brenshaw; paint colors: Simply White (paneling), Classic Gray (walls), Sea Star (bench), Benjamin Moore
4 Designer Tips for a Fashionable Entry
Designer: Gabrielle Bove of Opaline Interiors Studio
Location: Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Size: 105 square feet (9.8 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients are a young, fun-loving family who were looking for a functional, durable space laced with color, warmth and functionality,” designer Gabrielle Bove says. “With two young children, they needed enclosed storage and easily accessible open storage space for items like their stroller and car seat. We layered hardy materials like nickel-gap paneling, a solid walnut bench seat, easy-clean fabric and a textured indoor-outdoor area rug that would stand the test of time and stand up to muddy feet.”
Mudroom storage features. “It was important to our clients that the mudroom be functional but not lack style and beauty,” Bove says. “We chose to design a custom bench with functional drawers for items like shoes and winter accessories. We topped this with a solid walnut bench seat for contrast and additional durability. We selected Benjamin Moore’s Sea Star paint for the millwork, a soothing but rich pop of color and a nod to our clients’ love of the Mediterranean.”
Other special features. “We layered classic patterns in youthful colors with a neutral backdrop and warm textures, all curated to merge our clients’ love of Mediterranean motifs with the New England landscape,” Bove says.
Designer tip. “Knowing this young family would eventually grow, it was important to think of the space’s flow and capacity in two to five years,” Bove says. “Making sure they had enough storage for additional shoes, winter gear and eventually backpacks was important.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Due to the placement of existing doors and windows, there wasn’t originally an opportunity for closed, tall storage, which we felt this family needed,” Bove says. “We were able to locate a cavity in the floor plan adjacent to the mudroom, which was perfect for a functional closet. This space allowed us to keep circulation open between all doorways but gave our clients a place to hide coats and diaper bags when not in use.”
Contractor: Brenshaw; paint colors: Simply White (paneling), Classic Gray (walls), Sea Star (bench), Benjamin Moore
4 Designer Tips for a Fashionable Entry
5. Clean Catchall
Designers: Tracy Schlegel and Kelcey Huff of Waterlily Interiors
Location: McLean, Virginia
Size: 112 square feet (10 square meters); 8 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The mudroom is really the hub of the house,” designer Tracy Schlegel says. “It’s the access point to the garage and backyard, so it must be both functional but good-looking. This room was part of a home addition.”
Mudroom storage features. “Functional storage was at the heart of this layout,” Schlegel says. “We needed storage for everything a family of four needs — sports equipment, kids’ shoes, boots, backpacks, dog supplies and a plug-in charging station for a vacuum cleaner. Closed-door cabinetry was a key to flexible storage and a clean look. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry allows easy access to storage for everything from boots to backpacks, all hidden behind beautiful wooden doors.”
Other special features. “The black slate tile was run in a herringbone pattern to make the mudroom appear wider,” Schlegel says. “Across from the closed storage are open cubbies with hooks and a built-in seat for changing shoes and hanging up the dog leash. We added even more hooks on the wall to make sure there was easy access to everything a busy family needs.”
Designer tip. “Make life easy to organize by creating spaces that work for your lifestyle,” Schlegel says. “Closed storage cabinetry and cubbies help us keep shoes, jackets and equipment right where we need it.”
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Designers: Tracy Schlegel and Kelcey Huff of Waterlily Interiors
Location: McLean, Virginia
Size: 112 square feet (10 square meters); 8 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The mudroom is really the hub of the house,” designer Tracy Schlegel says. “It’s the access point to the garage and backyard, so it must be both functional but good-looking. This room was part of a home addition.”
Mudroom storage features. “Functional storage was at the heart of this layout,” Schlegel says. “We needed storage for everything a family of four needs — sports equipment, kids’ shoes, boots, backpacks, dog supplies and a plug-in charging station for a vacuum cleaner. Closed-door cabinetry was a key to flexible storage and a clean look. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry allows easy access to storage for everything from boots to backpacks, all hidden behind beautiful wooden doors.”
Other special features. “The black slate tile was run in a herringbone pattern to make the mudroom appear wider,” Schlegel says. “Across from the closed storage are open cubbies with hooks and a built-in seat for changing shoes and hanging up the dog leash. We added even more hooks on the wall to make sure there was easy access to everything a busy family needs.”
Designer tip. “Make life easy to organize by creating spaces that work for your lifestyle,” Schlegel says. “Closed storage cabinetry and cubbies help us keep shoes, jackets and equipment right where we need it.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
6. Light and Lively
Designer: Rachel Brooks of Feinmann
Location: Lexington, Massachusetts
Size: 137 square feet (13 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “As part of a major home renovation and the addition of a new first-floor entertainment area, the homeowners requested a new mudroom,” designer Rachel Brooks says. “Located just off the driveway, the mudroom serves as a welcoming entryway for family members. Given that the homeowners entertain frequently, the mudroom was designed to be an essential space for greeting guests.”
Mudroom storage features. “The homeowners prioritized keeping weather-related accessories out of sight,” Brooks says. “Custom cabinetry with shelving and rollout trays for shoes offer plenty of storage space. Convenient hooks on the tiled wall are perfect for coats and bags, while a custom bench provides a comfortable spot for slipping shoes on and off.”
Other special features. “Red oak hardwood flooring adds warmth to the room, enhanced by a weather-resistant rug for added protection,” Brooks says. “The sleek white custom millwork brightens the space, while a blue tiled accent wall in a herringbone pattern creates a striking focal point that’s also practical. The alcove features a custom beechwood-topped bench for seating, keeping the path from the door unobstructed.”
Designer tip. “With a constant flow of people coming and going, it was essential for the space to offer easy access to belongings,” Brooks says. “The cabinetry keeps items neatly tucked away yet remains highly accessible. The tiled wall serves as a grounding design element, and its hooks provide a convenient spot for quickly grabbing coats and bags.”
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Designer: Rachel Brooks of Feinmann
Location: Lexington, Massachusetts
Size: 137 square feet (13 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “As part of a major home renovation and the addition of a new first-floor entertainment area, the homeowners requested a new mudroom,” designer Rachel Brooks says. “Located just off the driveway, the mudroom serves as a welcoming entryway for family members. Given that the homeowners entertain frequently, the mudroom was designed to be an essential space for greeting guests.”
Mudroom storage features. “The homeowners prioritized keeping weather-related accessories out of sight,” Brooks says. “Custom cabinetry with shelving and rollout trays for shoes offer plenty of storage space. Convenient hooks on the tiled wall are perfect for coats and bags, while a custom bench provides a comfortable spot for slipping shoes on and off.”
Other special features. “Red oak hardwood flooring adds warmth to the room, enhanced by a weather-resistant rug for added protection,” Brooks says. “The sleek white custom millwork brightens the space, while a blue tiled accent wall in a herringbone pattern creates a striking focal point that’s also practical. The alcove features a custom beechwood-topped bench for seating, keeping the path from the door unobstructed.”
Designer tip. “With a constant flow of people coming and going, it was essential for the space to offer easy access to belongings,” Brooks says. “The cabinetry keeps items neatly tucked away yet remains highly accessible. The tiled wall serves as a grounding design element, and its hooks provide a convenient spot for quickly grabbing coats and bags.”
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7. Rosy Greeting
Designer: Lou Balodemas of Balodemas Architects
Location: Rockville, Maryland
Size: 80 square feet (7.4 square meters); 8 by 10 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The main foyer of the house was basically serving as the mud-coat-shoe room, and our clients were frustrated with the clutter,” architect Lou Balodemas says. “Also, the existing entrance from the garage to the house entered through the family room, which made furnishing that space difficult. We were able to remove that door from the family room by creating the new mudroom between the garage and the foyer. We also switched the door to the existing remodeled powder room to be off the mudroom instead of the kitchen.”
Mudroom storage features. Bench with hooks and cubbies. A new reach-in closet (not shown). “Wainscoting adds durability,” Balodemas says. Everything is painted in Dusty Mauve by Benjamin Moore.
Other special features. Charcoal-colored hexagonal floor tiles.
Designer tip. “Unify the paint color to gloss over a visually busy small space,” Balodemas says.
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Designer: Lou Balodemas of Balodemas Architects
Location: Rockville, Maryland
Size: 80 square feet (7.4 square meters); 8 by 10 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The main foyer of the house was basically serving as the mud-coat-shoe room, and our clients were frustrated with the clutter,” architect Lou Balodemas says. “Also, the existing entrance from the garage to the house entered through the family room, which made furnishing that space difficult. We were able to remove that door from the family room by creating the new mudroom between the garage and the foyer. We also switched the door to the existing remodeled powder room to be off the mudroom instead of the kitchen.”
Mudroom storage features. Bench with hooks and cubbies. A new reach-in closet (not shown). “Wainscoting adds durability,” Balodemas says. Everything is painted in Dusty Mauve by Benjamin Moore.
Other special features. Charcoal-colored hexagonal floor tiles.
Designer tip. “Unify the paint color to gloss over a visually busy small space,” Balodemas says.
More on Houzz
Read more entryway stories
Browse more entryway photos
Find a home professional
Shop for entryway products
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Designer: Angie Boettner of Distinctive Design Studio
Location: Port Washington, Wisconsin
Size: 72 square feet (6.7 square meters); 7 feet, 10 inches by 9 feet, 3 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a designated drop zone that would serve as a functional yet stylish space for everyday essentials,” designer Angie Boettner says. “They needed a mudroom that could manage the natural flow of clutter — coats, shoes, bags and miscellaneous items — without feeling chaotic. The goal was to create an area that was both practical and visually appealing.”
Boettner uses Houzz Pro software to manage large design-build projects. “We love how easy it is to communicate and share information, project updates and contracts to our clients,” she says.
Mudroom storage features. “Custom cabinetry provides ample storage for seasonal items, shoes and accessories while maintaining a clean, organized look,” Boettner says. “Open shelving and hooks give easy access to everyday essentials like jackets, backpacks and handbags. The built-in bench is a practical seating area for putting on and taking off shoes, with additional storage below. A durable quartz countertop offers a scratch-resistant surface ideal for setting down keys, bags and mail without worry. Overhead storage maximizes vertical space for less frequently used items.”
Other special features. “We combined walnut wood elements, whitewashed brick flooring in a herringbone pattern, matte black hardware and a warm white paint color to craft a mudroom that feels both refined and unexpectedly cozy,” Boettner says.
Designer tip. “A well-designed mudroom should blend storage with aesthetics,” Boettner says. “One trick we used in this space was integrating closed cabinetry with open storage. This allows the space to feel organized without looking overly utilitarian. We also designed the cabinetry to extend to the ceiling, eliminating wasted space and creating a more cohesive, built-in look.”
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