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We Solved Our Entryway Shoe Pile with a Simple Storage Swap
This article details a DIY home renovation project undertaken by photographer Erin Kestenbaum and her husband, Cory, to address a persistent shoe clutter problem in their entryway. The project involved transforming a shallow kitchen pantry cabinet into a functional mini-mudroom, complete with a built-in bench and shoe storage. Their primary goal was to create a smarter storage solution rather than simply adding more space.
The renovation began with the decision to replace the existing kitchen pantry cabinet, which was deemed too shallow for a proper seat. Upon removal of the cabinet, they discovered five inches of unused space behind it, providing ample depth for their planned bench. A significant aspect of the renovation was the decision to add a new window to the formerly blank exterior wall. Despite never having added a window before, they aimed to vertically align it with existing windows, leading to the purchase of a custom-sized casement window for $675. This addition was crucial for bringing natural light into the new nook and enhancing both the interior and exterior aesthetics.
Installing the new window unit involved cutting a hole in the wooden shingle exterior, a task Kestenbaum humorously described as surprisingly easy due to the material. The process of cutting, shimming the frame, and nailing it in place took only a few hours. Following the window installation, the couple focused on the interior details. They chose to add tongue-and-groove paneling to the wall, which served two purposes: adding visual interest to the small corner and referencing the beadboard in an adjacent bathroom. The paneling was then finished with white trim paint, selected for its higher sheen and scuff-resistant properties, ideal for a high-traffic area where shoes are often removed and put on.
The custom-built bench was designed with functionality in mind, incorporating a drawer specifically sized to fit an existing boot tray. The height and depth of the bench were standardized to approximately 18 inches. Sturdy drawer rails, costing $10, were installed to support heavier boots. The finishing touches included a coat of paint, new hardware for $60, and a cushion upholstered with Schumacher’s Moncorvo fabric, an eBay find that cost $280 to have professionally covered. The entire project, including the new window, was completed for an estimated cost of $1,600.
The new shoe drawer has had a positive impact on the couple's daily routine, encouraging them to consider what footwear should be kept readily accessible versus what belongs in a closet. This strategic storage solution effectively eliminated the entryway shoe pile and the associated tripping hazard, creating a bright, functional, and aesthetically pleasing mudroom nook.
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