7 New Entryways With Mudroom Storage Ideas
Designers show how to blend beauty and function in entry spaces that stay organized and welcoming
A well-designed mudroom entry can make all the difference between calm comings and goings and a daily scramble for shoes and keys. These seven newly remodeled spaces show how smart storage — from cubbies and cabinets to benches and bins — can keep clutter at bay while adding warmth, color and style to a home’s first impression.
2. Warm and Welcoming
Designer: Harmony Young Design
Location: Heber City, Utah
Size: 80 square feet (7.4 square meters); 8 by 10 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This space is located right off the front door and the garage door, so it gets used multiple times a day,” designer Harmony Young says. “The homeowner wanted a place for storage, along with somewhere to sit and put on shoes. Because it’s near the entry, they also wanted it to feel warm and inviting. Our goal was to make the space welcoming and cozy right as you walk in, while keeping it functional and organized so everything can be neatly tucked away.”
Mudroom storage features. “We created a bench with cubbies underneath for shoe storage, along with a shelf above for grab-and-go items,” Young says. “This also provided a place to accessorize and make the space feel warm, inviting and pulled together. Since there’s already a coat closet in the space, the homeowners didn’t feel they needed much enclosed storage. Instead, we focused on creating more of a furniture piece rather than a storage cabinet.”
Other special features. “We wanted to bring in some color, and green felt like the perfect complement to this mountain home,” Young says. “The color we chose is Sherwin-Williams Pewter Green. To add warmth, depth and dimension, we incorporated a beautiful white oak wood tone. We finished the look with brushed brass coat hooks and black rattan baskets for shoe storage. We love the harlequin black-and-tan rug. It’s the perfect complement to the space and is durable enough to withstand the Utah climate.”
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to mix materials,” Young says. “We incorporated both wood and paint, which I feel added an extra layer of detail and warmth. Even though the space is highly functional, we included decor pieces and artwork to add interest and make it feel more like an entryway than a mudroom.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When the wood paneling first went in, I was a little unsure about the color we had chosen,” Young says. “But once we pulled everything together, I knew it was the perfect complement to the green paint.”
Project photography: Cristina Zolotaia
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Designer: Harmony Young Design
Location: Heber City, Utah
Size: 80 square feet (7.4 square meters); 8 by 10 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This space is located right off the front door and the garage door, so it gets used multiple times a day,” designer Harmony Young says. “The homeowner wanted a place for storage, along with somewhere to sit and put on shoes. Because it’s near the entry, they also wanted it to feel warm and inviting. Our goal was to make the space welcoming and cozy right as you walk in, while keeping it functional and organized so everything can be neatly tucked away.”
Mudroom storage features. “We created a bench with cubbies underneath for shoe storage, along with a shelf above for grab-and-go items,” Young says. “This also provided a place to accessorize and make the space feel warm, inviting and pulled together. Since there’s already a coat closet in the space, the homeowners didn’t feel they needed much enclosed storage. Instead, we focused on creating more of a furniture piece rather than a storage cabinet.”
Other special features. “We wanted to bring in some color, and green felt like the perfect complement to this mountain home,” Young says. “The color we chose is Sherwin-Williams Pewter Green. To add warmth, depth and dimension, we incorporated a beautiful white oak wood tone. We finished the look with brushed brass coat hooks and black rattan baskets for shoe storage. We love the harlequin black-and-tan rug. It’s the perfect complement to the space and is durable enough to withstand the Utah climate.”
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to mix materials,” Young says. “We incorporated both wood and paint, which I feel added an extra layer of detail and warmth. Even though the space is highly functional, we included decor pieces and artwork to add interest and make it feel more like an entryway than a mudroom.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When the wood paneling first went in, I was a little unsure about the color we had chosen,” Young says. “But once we pulled everything together, I knew it was the perfect complement to the green paint.”
Project photography: Cristina Zolotaia
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3. Small but Mighty
Designer: Nicole Forina Home
Location: Cresskill, New Jersey
Size: 42 square feet (3.9 square meters); 6 by 7 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The major issue was that this small mudroom space was all open storage, so it always looked like a cluttered mess,” designer Nicole Forina says. “We changed that by creating cabinetry to hide away coats and paper towels, while also creating cubbies for easy access to shoes or leather bins with winter accessories. Although it’s a very small mudroom considering the expanse of the house, we took the storage all the way up to the 10-foot-high ceiling to use every inch of the space.”
Mudroom storage features. “We used Benjamin Moore’s 2025 Color of the Year, Cinnamon Slate, for the custom cabinetry, while keeping the bench in a black stain on oak for more durability,” Forina says. “The floor was an extension from the expansive foyer of Carrara and Bardiglio Dark checkered marble.”
Other special features. Brass hardware. Leather bins.
Designer tip. “If you have tall ceilings, utilize them,” Forina says. “Bring the storage all the way up. And when your only option is a ceiling light fixture on tall ceilings, do a pendant instead of a flush mount to bring the light down.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “It was challenging to position the pendant in the right spot originally, but we had the foresight to add a chain to the upper cabinet doors so they wouldn’t open all the way and hit the pendant,” Forina says. “However, when all the cabinets were installed, we realized that the pendant wasn’t positioned correctly in the space. Luckily, it wasn’t too difficult to move it over, and in the end the cabinet doors didn’t even need those safety chains.”
How to Design Entries and Hallways for Aging in Place
Designer: Nicole Forina Home
Location: Cresskill, New Jersey
Size: 42 square feet (3.9 square meters); 6 by 7 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The major issue was that this small mudroom space was all open storage, so it always looked like a cluttered mess,” designer Nicole Forina says. “We changed that by creating cabinetry to hide away coats and paper towels, while also creating cubbies for easy access to shoes or leather bins with winter accessories. Although it’s a very small mudroom considering the expanse of the house, we took the storage all the way up to the 10-foot-high ceiling to use every inch of the space.”
Mudroom storage features. “We used Benjamin Moore’s 2025 Color of the Year, Cinnamon Slate, for the custom cabinetry, while keeping the bench in a black stain on oak for more durability,” Forina says. “The floor was an extension from the expansive foyer of Carrara and Bardiglio Dark checkered marble.”
Other special features. Brass hardware. Leather bins.
Designer tip. “If you have tall ceilings, utilize them,” Forina says. “Bring the storage all the way up. And when your only option is a ceiling light fixture on tall ceilings, do a pendant instead of a flush mount to bring the light down.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “It was challenging to position the pendant in the right spot originally, but we had the foresight to add a chain to the upper cabinet doors so they wouldn’t open all the way and hit the pendant,” Forina says. “However, when all the cabinets were installed, we realized that the pendant wasn’t positioned correctly in the space. Luckily, it wasn’t too difficult to move it over, and in the end the cabinet doors didn’t even need those safety chains.”
How to Design Entries and Hallways for Aging in Place
4. Thoughtful and Multifunctional
Designer: Claire Zinnecker Design
Construction: Skelly Build
Location: Austin, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “The clients are young, active and athletic,” designer Claire Zinnecker says. “They wanted a space that felt fresh, colorful and fun. They also needed the space to function for their lifestyle — storage for shoes, athletic equipment, etc. — while also serving as both a pantry and a laundry room. We needed to squeeze as much usage and storage out of a small space as possible, and all behind closed cabinet doors. With well-made cabinets designed for specific needs, I knew we could give them what they wanted.”
Mudroom storage features. Coat closet and shoe drawer. Bench. Washer and dryer behind a cabinet opposite the bench. Brick flooring. The paint color is String by Farrow & Ball.
Designer tip. “Be very thoughtful about what items you want to store so that you can design and plan for those items,” Zinnecker says. “Don’t just design cabinets or drawers to have cabinets or drawers.”
Project photos: Michelle Nash
10 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Front Entry
Designer: Claire Zinnecker Design
Construction: Skelly Build
Location: Austin, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “The clients are young, active and athletic,” designer Claire Zinnecker says. “They wanted a space that felt fresh, colorful and fun. They also needed the space to function for their lifestyle — storage for shoes, athletic equipment, etc. — while also serving as both a pantry and a laundry room. We needed to squeeze as much usage and storage out of a small space as possible, and all behind closed cabinet doors. With well-made cabinets designed for specific needs, I knew we could give them what they wanted.”
Mudroom storage features. Coat closet and shoe drawer. Bench. Washer and dryer behind a cabinet opposite the bench. Brick flooring. The paint color is String by Farrow & Ball.
Designer tip. “Be very thoughtful about what items you want to store so that you can design and plan for those items,” Zinnecker says. “Don’t just design cabinets or drawers to have cabinets or drawers.”
Project photos: Michelle Nash
10 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Front Entry
5. Tailored and Elegant
Designer: Catherine and VW Fowlkes of Fowlkes Studio
Location: Washington, D.C.
Size: 109 square feet (10 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The room was leftover space from moving the dining room across the hall and expanding the kitchen into the old dining room footprint,” designer VW Fowlkes says. “High-echelon real estate but too small to be a sitting room.”
Mudroom storage features. Custom cabinets painted De Nimes by Farrow & Ball. Walnut bench. Black-and-white checkerboard stone flooring.
Designer tip. “Vent closet doors to help them breathe,” Fowlkes says.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Designer: Catherine and VW Fowlkes of Fowlkes Studio
Location: Washington, D.C.
Size: 109 square feet (10 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The room was leftover space from moving the dining room across the hall and expanding the kitchen into the old dining room footprint,” designer VW Fowlkes says. “High-echelon real estate but too small to be a sitting room.”
Mudroom storage features. Custom cabinets painted De Nimes by Farrow & Ball. Walnut bench. Black-and-white checkerboard stone flooring.
Designer tip. “Vent closet doors to help them breathe,” Fowlkes says.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
6. Bold and Efficient
Designer: Stacey Dobrovolny of Two Navy Lane
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Size: 37 square feet (3.4 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients did not have an overall theme, but they tended to go toward midcentury style but wanted some bold pops of color,” designer Stacey Dobrovolny says. “The clients needed to maximize space because every inch counts in this three-story row home. The home is not very wide but rather long. They needed a drop zone by the front door where they could keep things looking neat and orderly but also functional and with as much storage as possible.”
Mudroom storage features. “The cubbies with baskets on the side are to keep things handy, such as gloves and hats for winter, extra diapers and wipes, sunscreen, hairbrush, keys, wallet, etc.,” Dobrovolny says. “The bench is a place to put on and take off shoes, especially for their toddler so that she can sit up there and get help with putting her shoes on. The cushion color is matched to the wall behind it (Newburg Green by Benjamin Moore) and the custom fireplace and built-in TV area we did across in the family room. It’s a faux leather so it cleans easily.
“The two drawers below the bench are for things like the dog’s leash, plastic bags for the dog walks. These drawers are touch-latch, so you don’t have hardware in the way when you sit down and so your clothes don’t get caught on them. The two doors at the top are just for extra storage. The pulls on those doors are brass and wrapped in leather for some gorgeous color and texture. Below the bench is a motion-sensor light, so when you come in the door at night and walk past or take off your shoes, that light comes on so that you can see.”
Designer tip. “Even if you don’t have a ton of space, make the best of what you have,” Dobrovolny says.
White cabinet paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
Key Entryway Dimensions for Homes Large and Small
Designer: Stacey Dobrovolny of Two Navy Lane
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Size: 37 square feet (3.4 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients did not have an overall theme, but they tended to go toward midcentury style but wanted some bold pops of color,” designer Stacey Dobrovolny says. “The clients needed to maximize space because every inch counts in this three-story row home. The home is not very wide but rather long. They needed a drop zone by the front door where they could keep things looking neat and orderly but also functional and with as much storage as possible.”
Mudroom storage features. “The cubbies with baskets on the side are to keep things handy, such as gloves and hats for winter, extra diapers and wipes, sunscreen, hairbrush, keys, wallet, etc.,” Dobrovolny says. “The bench is a place to put on and take off shoes, especially for their toddler so that she can sit up there and get help with putting her shoes on. The cushion color is matched to the wall behind it (Newburg Green by Benjamin Moore) and the custom fireplace and built-in TV area we did across in the family room. It’s a faux leather so it cleans easily.
“The two drawers below the bench are for things like the dog’s leash, plastic bags for the dog walks. These drawers are touch-latch, so you don’t have hardware in the way when you sit down and so your clothes don’t get caught on them. The two doors at the top are just for extra storage. The pulls on those doors are brass and wrapped in leather for some gorgeous color and texture. Below the bench is a motion-sensor light, so when you come in the door at night and walk past or take off your shoes, that light comes on so that you can see.”
Designer tip. “Even if you don’t have a ton of space, make the best of what you have,” Dobrovolny says.
White cabinet paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
Key Entryway Dimensions for Homes Large and Small
7. Colorful Character
Designer: Susie Marion and Lana Hewitt of Marion Interior Design
Location: Austin, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners desired truly functional spaces throughout the home, with an emphasis on maximizing storage without compromising style,” designer Susie Marion says. “For this room, they wanted a space that not only served its practical purpose but also reflected their vibrant personalities. By introducing well-planned built-ins, thoughtful storage solutions and a confident use of color, we were able to transform the space into one that is both highly functional and full of character — perfectly aligned with the homeowners’ vision.”
Mudroom storage features. “The mudroom was designed for maximum function and everyday ease,” Marion says. “Tall cabinetry extends to the ceiling to store seasonal items, while open cubbies and labeled bins keep daily essentials organized. A custom upholstered bench cushion adds comfort and a touch of softness. Finished in Sherwin-Williams Blustery Sky with brushed nickel hardware, the space combines practicality with a polished, tailored look.”
Other special features. “The Empire chest by Caracole, finished with silver leaf doors and a dark green marble top, lends an elevated, collected feel to the space,” Marion says. “The artwork above — Harvest by Parima Studio — adds a soft, floral touch that complements the homeowner’s existing collection of delicate depression glass. Custom bench cushions in Lee Jofa Baja fabric provide a neutral yet textured accent that’s both durable and refined.”
Designer tip. “Don’t shy away from bold color or refined furnishings in functional spaces,” Marion says. “By incorporating sophisticated details like rich paint tones, artwork and elevated materials into everyday areas such as a mudroom, you transform a purely practical zone into something memorable. Since this is a space you pass through daily, make it one that inspires you every time you walk in or out.”
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Designer: Susie Marion and Lana Hewitt of Marion Interior Design
Location: Austin, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners desired truly functional spaces throughout the home, with an emphasis on maximizing storage without compromising style,” designer Susie Marion says. “For this room, they wanted a space that not only served its practical purpose but also reflected their vibrant personalities. By introducing well-planned built-ins, thoughtful storage solutions and a confident use of color, we were able to transform the space into one that is both highly functional and full of character — perfectly aligned with the homeowners’ vision.”
Mudroom storage features. “The mudroom was designed for maximum function and everyday ease,” Marion says. “Tall cabinetry extends to the ceiling to store seasonal items, while open cubbies and labeled bins keep daily essentials organized. A custom upholstered bench cushion adds comfort and a touch of softness. Finished in Sherwin-Williams Blustery Sky with brushed nickel hardware, the space combines practicality with a polished, tailored look.”
Other special features. “The Empire chest by Caracole, finished with silver leaf doors and a dark green marble top, lends an elevated, collected feel to the space,” Marion says. “The artwork above — Harvest by Parima Studio — adds a soft, floral touch that complements the homeowner’s existing collection of delicate depression glass. Custom bench cushions in Lee Jofa Baja fabric provide a neutral yet textured accent that’s both durable and refined.”
Designer tip. “Don’t shy away from bold color or refined furnishings in functional spaces,” Marion says. “By incorporating sophisticated details like rich paint tones, artwork and elevated materials into everyday areas such as a mudroom, you transform a purely practical zone into something memorable. Since this is a space you pass through daily, make it one that inspires you every time you walk in or out.”
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Sponsored
Designer: Betsy Bassett Interiors
Location: Rye, New Hampshire
Size: 110 square feet (10 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This client’s household includes two active children involved in different sports, creating a need for a centralized organization system to manage their equipment and daily family essentials,” designer Betsy Bassett says. “As dog owners, they also needed space for pet-related items like leashes and accessories.”
Mudroom storage features. “We designed a comprehensive solution featuring a bench with integrated hooks to organize coats, jackets, leashes and backpacks, complemented by accessible shoe storage suited for children’s independent use,” Bassett says. “The opposite wall provides closed storage cabinets dedicated to off-season outerwear for all family members, maximizing the mudroom’s functionality while maintaining a clean aesthetic.” The built-ins are painted Ebony King by Benjamin Moore. The bench is oak. The flooring is porcelain tile.
Bassett’s firm uses Houzz Pro software “to create detailed proposals and tear sheets that provide clear visual documentation and itemized descriptions, enabling clients to make informed approval decisions with confidence,” she says. “Additionally, we use Houzz’s Mood Board functionality to help clients visualize the completed space while serving as an implementation guide during installation.”
Other special features. “The custom cabinetry was designed as an extension of the home’s overall design aesthetic,” Bassett says. “Material selections and color palette choices echo key design elements present in other areas of the home, creating visual continuity.”
Designer tip. “New England winters demand robust mudroom solutions,” Bassett says. “This design incorporates durable materials selected specifically for their resistance to salt, snow and moisture exposure, ensuring long-lasting performance and aesthetic appeal despite harsh seasonal weather conditions.”
Wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
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