5 Spectacular New Entries and Mudrooms
Get ideas for elevating the look and feel of an entrance with storage and style details from design and remodeling pros
A lot of activity can happen in an entrance to a home. Shoes and boots come on and off, appearances get checked in the mirror, mail and keys are stored, coats and bags are hung up. Plus, an entrance is often the first and last impression of a home and can set the tone for the rest of the interiors. Here, design and remodeling pros share the storage and style details they used to elevate entries and mudrooms.
2. Multipurpose Mudroom
Designers: Gregg Stadwick (design consultant) and Rachel Broadstone (interior designer) of Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Size: 114 square feet (11 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The client wanted to update the look of the room while maintaining the feel of the historic home,” design consultant Gregg Stadwick says.
Special features. “We used a slate-style porcelain floor tile that gave the look of natural stone and would help hide dirt while walking into the house but is low-maintenance and easy to clean,” designer Rachel Broadstone says. “We paired this with a dark grout to help it blend seamlessly and, of course, also help hide dirt. We also added a hanging rod above the sink in a natural maple stain, matching it to the floating shelves and bench.”
Designer tip. “To keep the design cost-effective, instead of adding paneling or wall detailing behind the bench, we painted it a contrasting color to give the space definition and personality,” Broadstone says.
Cabinets: Magnolia color, Omega Cabinetry; paint colors: Pure White (walls), Worldy Gray (trim) and Link Gray (accent wall behind bench), Sherwin-Williams
How to Organize Your Entryway on Nearly Any Budget
Designers: Gregg Stadwick (design consultant) and Rachel Broadstone (interior designer) of Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Size: 114 square feet (11 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The client wanted to update the look of the room while maintaining the feel of the historic home,” design consultant Gregg Stadwick says.
Special features. “We used a slate-style porcelain floor tile that gave the look of natural stone and would help hide dirt while walking into the house but is low-maintenance and easy to clean,” designer Rachel Broadstone says. “We paired this with a dark grout to help it blend seamlessly and, of course, also help hide dirt. We also added a hanging rod above the sink in a natural maple stain, matching it to the floating shelves and bench.”
Designer tip. “To keep the design cost-effective, instead of adding paneling or wall detailing behind the bench, we painted it a contrasting color to give the space definition and personality,” Broadstone says.
Cabinets: Magnolia color, Omega Cabinetry; paint colors: Pure White (walls), Worldy Gray (trim) and Link Gray (accent wall behind bench), Sherwin-Williams
How to Organize Your Entryway on Nearly Any Budget
3. Gorgeous Greeting
Designers: Laura Britt, Shaunn Quayle and Hayley Straughan of Britt Design Group
Location: Telluride, Colorado
Size: 116 square feet (11 square meters); 8 by 14½ feet
Homeowners’ request. “A warm, modern rustic day-to-day entry space that still had characteristics of a family-friendly mountain home,” designer Shaunn Quayle says. “These clients have a no-shoes policy inside their home, so this space functions as a drop zone and storage space for an assortment of local activities all year round, whether it’s hiking, skiing, the current festival or shopping in town. Their family often gathers here for holidays, so the space provides interest and usability to all ages and keeps the outdoors out and the inside clean.”
Special features. Gray built-ins (Tin Lizzie by Sherwin-Williams). Overhead cubby storage for seasonal items that are easy to access but remain hidden. Robe hooks hung high enough to accommodate ski gear and big coats. Open storage below the bench for tall boots. Walnut travertine flooring.
Designer tip. “We measured the winter coats and seasonal gear of the tallest and smallest family member to ensure everyone’s items had a space, whether that be in the boot cubbies or on a hook,” designer Hayley Straughan says.
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Designers: Laura Britt, Shaunn Quayle and Hayley Straughan of Britt Design Group
Location: Telluride, Colorado
Size: 116 square feet (11 square meters); 8 by 14½ feet
Homeowners’ request. “A warm, modern rustic day-to-day entry space that still had characteristics of a family-friendly mountain home,” designer Shaunn Quayle says. “These clients have a no-shoes policy inside their home, so this space functions as a drop zone and storage space for an assortment of local activities all year round, whether it’s hiking, skiing, the current festival or shopping in town. Their family often gathers here for holidays, so the space provides interest and usability to all ages and keeps the outdoors out and the inside clean.”
Special features. Gray built-ins (Tin Lizzie by Sherwin-Williams). Overhead cubby storage for seasonal items that are easy to access but remain hidden. Robe hooks hung high enough to accommodate ski gear and big coats. Open storage below the bench for tall boots. Walnut travertine flooring.
Designer tip. “We measured the winter coats and seasonal gear of the tallest and smallest family member to ensure everyone’s items had a space, whether that be in the boot cubbies or on a hook,” designer Hayley Straughan says.
Shop for storage furniture
4. Stylish Salutation
Designer: Adella Design
Contractor: Skelly Build
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 72 square feet (6.7 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients found themselves with a new-construction home that, while well-designed, lacked the vibrancy and liveliness they desired,” Skelly Build project manager Lily Harpham says. “With their energetic and enthusiastic personalities, they craved a home that would reflect their zest for life. Their vision was clear: They wanted the entry of their home to exude an immediate burst of colorful, playful energy.”
Special features. Octopus wallpaper on the walls and ceiling. “This whimsical masterpiece, with its vivid colors and intricate details, served as the heart and soul of the space, evoking a sense of wonder and joy for anyone who entered,” Harpham says.
A handblown glass chandelier hangs over the entry. A wall-mounted shelf offers a spot for keys or mail. Nearby, white oak slats back a custom white oak floating bench with concealed storage, creating a spot to put on and take off shoes.
Designer tip. “When it comes to incorporating wallpaper into your home design, careful preparation is key,” Harpham says. “Before applying wallpaper, ensure that the surface is clean, smooth and properly primed. Repair any imperfections and make sure the wall is free from dust and debris. When selecting wallpaper, consider the overall style and atmosphere you want to achieve in the space. Choose a pattern, texture or color that complements the room’s existing elements, such as furniture or decor. Additionally, consider the scale of the pattern and how it will interact with the room’s dimensions. Such as with this entryway, the wallpaper was sized to perfectly fit this space.”
Wallpaper: Underwater Dream VI, Wallsauce; project photography: Sophie Epton
Designer: Adella Design
Contractor: Skelly Build
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 72 square feet (6.7 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients found themselves with a new-construction home that, while well-designed, lacked the vibrancy and liveliness they desired,” Skelly Build project manager Lily Harpham says. “With their energetic and enthusiastic personalities, they craved a home that would reflect their zest for life. Their vision was clear: They wanted the entry of their home to exude an immediate burst of colorful, playful energy.”
Special features. Octopus wallpaper on the walls and ceiling. “This whimsical masterpiece, with its vivid colors and intricate details, served as the heart and soul of the space, evoking a sense of wonder and joy for anyone who entered,” Harpham says.
A handblown glass chandelier hangs over the entry. A wall-mounted shelf offers a spot for keys or mail. Nearby, white oak slats back a custom white oak floating bench with concealed storage, creating a spot to put on and take off shoes.
Designer tip. “When it comes to incorporating wallpaper into your home design, careful preparation is key,” Harpham says. “Before applying wallpaper, ensure that the surface is clean, smooth and properly primed. Repair any imperfections and make sure the wall is free from dust and debris. When selecting wallpaper, consider the overall style and atmosphere you want to achieve in the space. Choose a pattern, texture or color that complements the room’s existing elements, such as furniture or decor. Additionally, consider the scale of the pattern and how it will interact with the room’s dimensions. Such as with this entryway, the wallpaper was sized to perfectly fit this space.”
Wallpaper: Underwater Dream VI, Wallsauce; project photography: Sophie Epton
5. Hardworking Hello
Designers: Katie Geresy and Jill Akers of KTG Design
Location: Martis Camp, Truckee, California
Size: 55 square feet (5 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Function!” designer Katie Geresy says. “A place to sit and put snow boots on and some hooks to hang winter coats.”
Special features. Floating cast concrete bench. White oak V-groove door and cabinets in custom stain. Cote d’Azur stone tile flooring.
Designer tip. “Being located in the mountains, we always make sure to specify durable entryway materials that are easy to clean and withstand the conditions,” Geresy says.
Custom bench: Clastic Designs; wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
More on Houzz
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Designers: Katie Geresy and Jill Akers of KTG Design
Location: Martis Camp, Truckee, California
Size: 55 square feet (5 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Function!” designer Katie Geresy says. “A place to sit and put snow boots on and some hooks to hang winter coats.”
Special features. Floating cast concrete bench. White oak V-groove door and cabinets in custom stain. Cote d’Azur stone tile flooring.
Designer tip. “Being located in the mountains, we always make sure to specify durable entryway materials that are easy to clean and withstand the conditions,” Geresy says.
Custom bench: Clastic Designs; wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
More on Houzz
Read more entryway stories
Browse more entryway photos
Find a local remodeling or decorating professional
Shop for entryway products
Designers: Erin Judge and Kelle Contine of Kelle Contine Interior Design
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 100 square feet (9.3 square meters); 9½ by 10½ feet
Homeowners’ request. A calming, welcoming space.
Special features. “An expansive glass-paneled front door allows for ample natural light and is surrounded by custom steelwork to bring in a bit of modernity,” designer Erin Judge says. “A custom-made rug greets you upon arrival — a mix of rustic patterns and materials with a modern twist, a design combination that continues to interplay throughout the entirety of the home. A mounted mirror hangs gracefully over a warm wood bench.”
Designer tip. “Since this space was so rectangular and had a lot of edges in both the footprint as well as the built-in elements like the steel-glass door and windows, rectangular stone wall and wood plank flooring, we wanted to offset that with a mix of curves and other geometries,” Judge says. “Combining different shapes helps to both soften a space and add interest. The round rug also features a pattern that swirls into the space, acting as a way-finding element to pull people in and direct them around the corner to the open entertaining area.”
Bench: Keane in natural elm, Four Hands
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