What to Do if You Don’t Have a Front Entrance
Don't have a foyer, coat cupboard or mudroom? See how three US designers created clever spots for coats, shoes and bags
There are so many beautiful, inspirational photos on Houzz of grand foyers and expansive mudrooms full of lockers. But what about those of us who don’t have a dedicated entry area? Many entries open directly onto living rooms or kitchens, without so much as a compact coat cupboard nearby. Here are three examples of how US designers cleverly solved the problem by creating a ‘no-entry entry’.
Two rows of hooks tucked between the door and the fireplace now provide a spot for coats, hats, bags and dog leashes. A cute umbrella stand in the shape of gumboots adds a cheerful touch, too.
Find an interior designer on Houzz for storage tricks that can take your home from drab to fab
Find an interior designer on Houzz for storage tricks that can take your home from drab to fab
A long console table on the other side of the door has space for large, attractive storage baskets underneath. Each family member can conceal items including shoes and bags in their own designated bin.
2. Mudroom built-ins in the kitchen
In this addition by Almar Building and Remodeling in Boston, USA, an entry door located off the driveway opens straight into the kitchen. A thoughtfully planned drop zone along the wall next to the door provides space for all the essentials. Matching this cabinetry to the rest of the kitchen cabinets gave the whole room a seamless and cohesive look. The area also provides an unobtrusive spot to place the mini split air-conditioning unit.
In this addition by Almar Building and Remodeling in Boston, USA, an entry door located off the driveway opens straight into the kitchen. A thoughtfully planned drop zone along the wall next to the door provides space for all the essentials. Matching this cabinetry to the rest of the kitchen cabinets gave the whole room a seamless and cohesive look. The area also provides an unobtrusive spot to place the mini split air-conditioning unit.
This view from the living room shows how the surreptitious drop zone is tucked away to the side.
Browse more relaxing living areas
Browse more relaxing living areas
3. Hardworking drop zone
At first, interior designer Evelyn Pierce considered an armoire as a solution for this apartment in Washington, USA, which lacked an entrance area. However, she decided that designing a custom built-in herself would prove less obtrusive. Pierce mounted the built-in to the wall to preserve the skirting boards and give the piece a light, almost floating, look.
“My client likes to take his shoes off as soon as he comes in the house,” says Pierce. To accommodate this, she thought carefully about how to make room for both wet and dry shoes when designing the drop zone. A shoe shelf, a storage trough and hooks provide plenty of room for the homeowner to drop and hang his outerwear when entering, and they make it easy for him to grab everything he needs as he leaves. The trough is lined in metal so he can place wet footwear and damp umbrellas in it to dry.
At first, interior designer Evelyn Pierce considered an armoire as a solution for this apartment in Washington, USA, which lacked an entrance area. However, she decided that designing a custom built-in herself would prove less obtrusive. Pierce mounted the built-in to the wall to preserve the skirting boards and give the piece a light, almost floating, look.
“My client likes to take his shoes off as soon as he comes in the house,” says Pierce. To accommodate this, she thought carefully about how to make room for both wet and dry shoes when designing the drop zone. A shoe shelf, a storage trough and hooks provide plenty of room for the homeowner to drop and hang his outerwear when entering, and they make it easy for him to grab everything he needs as he leaves. The trough is lined in metal so he can place wet footwear and damp umbrellas in it to dry.
To enter the apartment, the homeowner walks in on the ground floor and goes straight up this staircase to his home. The drop zone is at the top of the entry stairs, on the main level of his apartment. Pierce painted the built-in and these staircase walls in the same green accent colour for visual cohesion.
Here’s a look at how the drop zone relates to the adjacent living room.
Your turn
Does your home lack a proper entrance? Share your solutions in the Comments below. And remember to like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Take more inspiration and ideas from this great read: 6 Smart Ways That Maximised Small UK Spaces
Your turn
Does your home lack a proper entrance? Share your solutions in the Comments below. And remember to like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Take more inspiration and ideas from this great read: 6 Smart Ways That Maximised Small UK Spaces
Entrance space was tight in this home in Virginia, USA. In order to address a front door that opened directly into the living room, designer Cindy Eyl of Jefferson Street Designs had to get creative.