Eclectic EntryEclectic Entry, Boston

After: Gray vinyl flooring and clean white walls envelop what is now a bright, welcoming entry to the renovated basement mudroom. Stuva wardrobe systems from Ikea integrate with the white walls; Sterling and her husband use one closet for coats, and their children use the other. “People are amazed when they see my kids come in and put that stuff away, but it had been my goal for a long time. I pushed them for a while, and it worked,” Sterling says.Read more about this basement mudroom transformation

9. Entry. The entrance to your home sets the tone for how you and your guests will feel. It’s also your first line of defense in keeping clutter from encroaching deeper into your house. Start by addressing the outside, sweeping and cleaning the porch or stoop, steps, walls and front door. Inside, clear everything out of the entryway and then bring back only the essentials, focusing on things that will help organize coats, shoes, bags, keys and mail. Consider how you’ll handle dirt and mud getting tracked in, then focus on creating good flow into your home and introducing some style. Get the seven-day plan for an organized entry

Seating. We’re often seeing bench space in mudrooms with pretty upholstered cushions, encouraging people to take off their shoes before they tread all over the house in their muddy boots. This light-colored upholstery would get very dirty in my house; decorate your space according to your needs and how your family lives.

Tall cabinets flanking the bench Seating. We’re often seeing bench space in mudrooms with pretty upholstered cushions, encouraging people to take off their shoes before they tread all over the house in their muddy boots. This light-colored upholstery would get very dirty in my house; decorate your space according to your needs and how your family lives.

bench, mirror, and coat rack -- makes sense in many styles!