A pair of clutter-concealing closets bookend this custom bench made of vertical-grain fir stair treads that sit atop painted wood legs, creating a functional entryway that feels sublime. Project: Overall House, Concord, Mass.; Architect: Estes/Twombly Architects, Newport, Rhode Island; Builder: Richard Warren, Hand’s On Construction, Concord, Mass.
This partition incorporates a bench made of the same material for a streamlined look that keeps in step with the home’s modern design. It also sections off the space with loads of storage for shoes and other items. Project: Palo Alto Residence, Palo Alto, Calif.; Architect: CCS Architecture, San Francisco; Builder: K Welton Inc., Palo Alto
This entry hall is transformed into a space both serene and serviceable thanks to a wall of cabinetry for plenty of coats, backpacks, and bags. The storage area is accompanied by small benches, hooks, and simple shelving (next slide) that pack utility into minimal space. Project: Arcadia, South Haven, Mich.; Architect: Visbeen Architects, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Builder: David C. Bos Homes, Spring Lake, Mich.
Project: Arcadia, South Haven, Mich.; Architect: Visbeen Architects, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Builder: David C. Bos Homes, Spring Lake, Mich.
Craftsman cabinetry with space for shoes below creates a crisp entryway that maintains the warmth of this 1900s home’s original design. Project: Private Residence, Minneapolis; Architect: Rehkamp Larson Architects, Minneapolis; Builder: Full Circle Construction, Minneapolis
A flood of natural light and a deep, low-slung bench that accommodates shoe changes and artwork give this entryway a comfortable feel, while separated from main living space. Project: Barker House, Block Island, Rhode Island; Architect: Estes/Twombly Architects, Newport, Rhode Island; Builder: Highland Builders, Tiverton, Rhode Island
A bench of rough-hewn wood helps preserve this 100-year-old farmhouse’s original charm. Project: Idea Garden, Healdsburg, Calif.; Architect: Arkin Tilt Architects, Berkeley, Calif.; Builder: Earthtone Construction, Sebastopol, Calif.
When square footage is in short supply, a bench stacked with hooks and a few baskets offers buyers a lot of utility in a small space. Project: Traverse House, South Haven, Mich.; Architect: Visbeen Architects, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Builder: David C. Bos Homes, Spring Lake, Mich.
Wall treatment crafted out of shingles adds lots of visual interest without disrupting this drop zone’s clean design. Project: Arlington House, Ada, Mich.; Architect: Visbeen Architects, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Builder: LaCati Custom Homes, Grand Rapids
Floor-to-ceiling storage cubbies crafted in dark wood make this mudroom both handsome and helpful, with plenty of space to stow the trappings of everyday life as well as a spot to sit. Project: Wisconsin Farmhouse, Boyceville, Wis.; Architect: Rehkamp Larson Architects, Minneapolis; Builder: Red Cedar Construction, Menomonie, Wis.
