What once felt dark, segmented, and inefficient is now a bright, connected, and highly functional first floor designed for real family living. Our clients, Terry and Lou, came to us with a home that simply wasn’t keeping up with their growing family. The kitchen was cramped, with tight working lanes and limited light. The laundry room doubled as a powder room—yet functioned poorly as both. Sightlines between spaces were cut off, making it difficult to stay connected to their young children throughout the day. Across the board, the home felt dated and disconnected. Through thoughtful planning and strategic structural changes, we reimagined the entire first floor to better support how this family truly lives. We began by redefining the entry experience—creating a true foyer complete with a dedicated drop zone and custom cubby storage. This space now acts as a natural landing point, bringing order and intention to everyday comings and goings. Adjacent to the new entry, we relocated and redesigned the laundry room. Now positioned exactly where it needs to be, it functions as a hardworking utility space with countertops for folding, a utility sink for immediate stain treatment, and the ability to be closed off—keeping daily life contained when needed. Separating the previous shared function allowed us to carve out a distinct, personality-filled powder room. Wrapped in a bold wave-patterned wallpaper and grounded by a custom reeded oak vanity with warm brass accents, this space delivers a moment of delight and individuality within the home. The kitchen transformation is where the impact is felt most deeply. What was once a dark, restrictive layout has been opened into a spacious, highly efficient U-shaped kitchen with generous clearances and an oversized island for gathering. A thoughtful mix of painted cabinetry and rift white oak introduces warmth and balance, while the custom reeded hood becomes a sculptural focal point. Open shelving, integrated pantry storage, and layered lighting ensure the space is as functional as it is beautiful. Beyond aesthetics, the redesign prioritizes flow—both in movement and in connection. Sightlines between the kitchen, dining, and living areas were intentionally opened, allowing for ease of interaction and visibility throughout the main living spaces. To unify the home, existing hardwood floors were refinished and extended, creating continuity and a seamless visual experience from one space to the next. The result is a home that feels lighter, more open, and deeply aligned with how this family lives day to day—designed not just to look beautiful, but to support everything from busy mornings to slow, shared evenings.

Designed to make a lasting first impression, this modern front entry blends architectural simplicity with elevated craftsmanship. A custom white oak pivot-style entry door is framed by dramatic black slatted walls and illuminated by designer brass sconces, creating warmth and visual depth. Carefully selected outdoor furnishings, oversized planters, and decorative lanterns complete the welcoming composition while enhancing the home's contemporary character. The result is an entrance that perfectly balances modern elegance, timeless materials, and exceptional curb appeal.

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2017 Houzz
Eclectic entryway photo in Boston

Mudrooms are practical entryway spaces that serve as a buffer between the outdoors and the main living areas of a home. Typically located near the front or back door, mudrooms are designed to keep the mess of the outside world at bay. These spaces often feature built-in storage for coats, shoes, and accessories, helping to maintain a tidy and organized home. Durable flooring materials, such as tile or easy-to-clean surfaces, are common in mudrooms to withstand dirt and moisture. Additionally, mudrooms may include benches or cubbies for convenient seating and storage of bags or backpacks. With hooks for hanging outerwear and perhaps a small sink for quick cleanups, mudrooms efficiently balance functionality with the demands of an active household, providing an essential transitional space in the home.

Dimension: 40" L X 16" D X 71" H Outfit your formal entry or mudroom in the alluring industrial design of our Kelso Solid Wood Open Back Industrial Entryway Hall Tree Bench. Instantly tidy up and de-clutter your hallway or entry with this rustic industrial hall tree. It's the perfect companion for hanging your outdoor attire including hats, coats or umbrellas, but it's also great for stashing footwear or decorative baskets filled with winter gear. Six hooks above, open shelving below, and a roomy bench in the middle round out a truly efficient and attractive way to transition from the outdoors to the indoors and vice versa! The high-grade solid wood, along with the robust iron frame, come together to create an inspired industrial design. You'll easily have a place to keep household essentials up and off of the floor with this stylish rustic tree hall. Perfectly practical, the look of this tree hall bench utilizes a mixed media of materials including solid hardwood with rich array grains as well as sturdy iron frame. The handcrafted designation of the piece fits right at home with a rustic or commercial-inspired space, assuring reliable function that is made to last through the long haul. Highly skilled craftsmen who have finely honed their skills in the old world art of woodworking have made this a time-honored piece to stun through the generations. Special Features: • 100% Handcrafted • Solid hardwood construction • Iron frame • Open shelving • Built-in bench • Six hanging hooks Note: Real wood is a product of nature, and as such, no two pieces are alike. Variations in solid wood grain patterns are to be expected and make each furniture uniquely beautiful, just like us humans.

Custom thermally broken steel Entry Double Door with fixed side-lites and transom.
Mid-sized trendy entryway photo in New York with a black front door

The Craftsman-style entry of the Crocket Ridge Craftsman, showcasing exquisite custom architecture by Living Stone Design + Build. High-performance, energy-efficient, and sustainably constructed in Asheville, NC.

Dimension: 49" L X 17"D X 78" H Design a must-needed and organized entry space with our Harrisville Solid Wood 2 Drawer Entryway Hall Tree Bench With Storage. Beloved classic details give this hall tree bench a traditional look, while clean lines and a medium espresso finish lends the piece its modern-day appeal. Generous crown molding tops the case and the three open cubbies tucked beneath, perfect for shoes, baskets, hats, or homework folders. Just under these partitioned compartments is a lovely tongue-and-groove backing with three double hooks for coat, bags, or backpacks, complemented by a comfortable bench seat with cushion. Awaiting your storage needs are two drawers and two cabinet doors that are just perfect for stowing away any items you'd rather tuck out of sight. Abounding in storage, this entry bench hall tree is a must-have companion for any formal entryway, mudroom, laundry room, or finished garage. Efficient function brings this tree hall bench into the modern age, while the trusted old-world handcrafted construction makes it a timeless treasure for the ages. The rich detail of the hardwood's elaborate grains are on full display throughout the entirety of the piece, tempered by the hearty espresso finish that compels a most handsome aesthetic that fits in with any decor scheme. Special Features: • 100% Handcrafted • Solid hardwood construction • Medium espresso finish • Three cubbies • Two drawers • Two cabinets • Three double hanging hooks • Metal hardware Note: Real wood is a product of nature, and as such, no two pieces are alike. Variations in solid wood grain patterns are to be expected and make each furniture uniquely beautiful, just like us humans.

At Royal Windows and Doors, we don't just sell entryways—we bring your exact vision to life. The gorgeous, dark wood-stained custom entry door pictured below was completely crafted right here in our factory.Whether you want a bold modern statement or a timeless classic, our process ensures perfection:?️ YOU Design It – Bring us your ideas, style preferences, and dimensions.?️ WE Make It – Built factory-direct on Long Island with premium craftsmanship.? WE Install It – Our expert team handles the fitting for a flawless, energy-efficient finish.Ready to completely transform your home's curb appeal before the winter chill sets in? ?Visit one of our two convenient Long Island showrooms today to browse our stunning styles, touch the materials, and meet our design experts:? Bay Shore Factory & Showroom: 1769 5th Ave, Bay Shore, NY? Commack Showroom: 5074 Jericho Tpke, Commack, NY? Call our team: 631-435-8888? Browse our selection online: Royal Windows and Doors

Entry Door featuring our OS2 Thermally Broken Series with Black painted finish. All hardware was painted to match the door seamlessly. Here you can the stainless steel multi-point lock and ABS 16-point cylinder for the utmost security!

Our clients requested an energy-efficient escape home on a 16-acre site in rural Elgin that would be maintenance friendly, age-in-place adaptable, and whose sculptural quality could harbor for their expressive family. With its dominant east-west axis, the maximizes control of solar gain control; its placement was carefully adjusted to allow all of the nearby trees to thrive. The standing seam roof’s pitch and azimuth provide optimal solar PV and fills a 20,000-gallon rainwater cistern. The age-in-place, step-less interior provides an expansive view at the south terrace. The cantilever of the board-formed foundation is a structurally expressive solution resolving an otherwise imposing mass. The curved prow of the north-pointing entry is a nod to local Elgin brick. A bowed and formally jubilant thermal chimney faces south for efficient passive ventilation. Photo credit: Chris Diaz General Contractor: Native (buildnative.com)

Custom built Solid wood door with energy efficient double-pane window.
Mid-sized minimalist entryway photo in Portland with blue walls and a medium wood front door

Set on a narrow lakefront parcel defined by tight setbacks and limited hardscape allowance, this modern cabin demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform restriction into possibility. Carefully composed to preserve privacy while opening fully toward the water, the home feels both expansive and intimate—an elevated retreat grounded in its landscape. Though modest in footprint, the residence lives generously. Four bedrooms are tucked efficiently within the plan, including a light-filled quilting studio that reflects the homeowners’ creative life. Each bedroom opens onto its own private balcony, offering moments of pause and perspective with views stretching across lake and countryside. The upper level also includes a family room, providing a quiet gathering space removed from the activity below. From here, the home’s vertical volume becomes apparent, as daylight pours down through a dramatic two-story space framed by glass facing the lake. At the center of the home, a custom steel-and-wood plank stair acts as both circulation and sculpture. Rising through the double-height volume, it leads the eye upward to a tall Nelson cigar lamp suspended above—an intentional moment of drama and delight. The main floor is designed around connection and flow. Kitchen, dining, and living areas exist as one continuous space, unified by light, views, and material warmth. A 12-foot-long island anchors the kitchen, serving as the natural gathering place for morning coffee, family meals, and summertime buffet-style entertaining. When fully opened, large folding accordion glass doors dissolve the boundary between inside and out, allowing the screened porch to become a true extension of the living space. Function is carefully layered throughout the plan. A mudroom entry from the tucked-under two-car garage includes a powder room and utility closet, while a generous entry closet provides essential storage and has been dimensioned to accommodate a future elevator. Designed intentionally for aging in place, the home incorporates zero-threshold access from the garage, wide halls and doorways, reinforced wall blocking for future grab bars, and infrastructure for a future elevator—ensuring long-term comfort without compromising design. Clad in dark painted board-and-batten siding, the exterior minimizes visual scale and allows the home to recede quietly into the landscape. Recessed balconies and façade elements are wrapped in warm wood-look siding, adding depth and contrast while bringing warmth into the interior. At night, light spills softly from within, and the cabin glows along the shoreline—welcoming, calm, and enduring.

Bright welcoming foyer with new sliding window we installed. This attractive space with ceramic tile flooring and vaulted ceiling looks great with a new white window providing style and energy efficiency. Start improving your home today with new windows from Renewal by Andersen of San Francisco and the whole Bay Area. . . . . . . . . . . Get started replacing your home windows and doors -- Contact us today: (844) 245-2799

The floor is a honeycomb carrara marble tile with a custom shoe storage nook created beneath the stairway for efficiency in a small space.
Inspiration for a small transitional marble floor single front door remodel in Other with gray walls and a dark wood front door

Example of a minimalist entryway design in Denver

This picture illustrates a classic, cheerful entry way that has been remodeled from the flooring, to the painted walls, and to the molding.
Example of a trendy entryway design in San Francisco

Mudrooms are practical entryway spaces that serve as a buffer between the outdoors and the main living areas of a home. Typically located near the front or back door, mudrooms are designed to keep the mess of the outside world at bay. These spaces often feature built-in storage for coats, shoes, and accessories, helping to maintain a tidy and organized home. Durable flooring materials, such as tile or easy-to-clean surfaces, are common in mudrooms to withstand dirt and moisture. Additionally, mudrooms may include benches or cubbies for convenient seating and storage of bags or backpacks. With hooks for hanging outerwear and perhaps a small sink for quick cleanups, mudrooms efficiently balance functionality with the demands of an active household, providing an essential transitional space in the home.

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath. Joe Nowak