This post is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams®. All opinions are my own.
Hello, fellow home enthusiasts! After a truly invigorating summer filled with travel, exploration, and reconnecting with loved ones, I’m back with renewed energy to tackle some exciting projects around #thecottagebungalow. Like many of you, I cherished every moment of making up for lost time over the past two years, enjoying a much-needed respite from the demanding interior renovations, like our extensive kitchen overhaul and the ambitious pool build. But as the golden days of summer gracefully give way to the routines of school and cooler weather, my focus is now shifting back to our home’s ongoing evolution. Our never-ending checklist of home goals beckons, and I’m ready to dive into the next phase of creating spaces that truly enhance our daily lives.
With the major renovations and larger-scale projects largely complete, my attention has naturally gravitated towards the smaller, yet equally impactful, elements of our home. These are the spaces that might often be overlooked but play a crucial role in our day-to-day comfort and functionality. One such area that has been high on my priority list is our home’s storage solutions, particularly the closets. When we first discovered our charming little bungalow, I was immediately drawn to its surprisingly generous closet space, a rare find considering the house’s modest size and historic age. We’re fortunate to have numerous hidden storage opportunities throughout the home that, with a bit of thoughtful organization and design, could be significantly more efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Among these, our entryway closet stood out as a prime candidate for a much-needed transformation.
Typical of many small bungalows, our home lacks a formal foyer or a “proper” grand entry. Instead, we have a cozy transition area that seamlessly connects the front door to our living room. Tucked within this essential but often neglected space is our entry closet. For years, this closet has served as a catch-all, a convenient spot to stow away everything from bulky winter coats and travel luggage to hiking backpacks, muddy boots, workout weights, yoga mats, and a variety of other miscellaneous items that needed to be kept out of sight. While it undeniably fulfilled its basic function of providing unobtrusive storage, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was a significant missed opportunity. This small, unassuming space held immense potential to be transformed into a highly functional, beautifully organized, and incredibly welcoming area that would set the tone for our entire home.
My inspiration for this entryway closet makeover struck me immediately when I thought of a particular space in our friends’ home. Their entryway closet, surprisingly, is one of my absolute favorite spots in their magnificent Oakland Hills residence. While their home boasts breathtaking, sweeping views and incredible spaces perfect for entertaining, it’s this small, thoughtful nook that truly captures my heart. The moment you step into their home, you are greeted with an undeniable sense of care and consideration, a feeling that, for me, largely emanates from the intentionally designed entry area they’ve created. It offers a soft landing, a place of immediate comfort and convenience. I firmly believed that our own small entry closet, despite its humble beginnings, could serve a similar, powerful purpose. This conviction fueled my decision to create our unique version of a welcoming entry space right here in #thecottagebungalow.
The transformation journey began with a thorough decluttering and clearing out of the closet. I meticulously went through every item, donating coats and apparel that no longer fit or were no longer needed, and diligently finding new, permanent homes elsewhere for those essentials that we intended to keep. Once the closet was completely empty, the raw potential of the space became abundantly clear, and I gained a precise vision for its restructuring. Here’s the detailed plan I laid out to revitalize this forgotten corner:
- **Remove the door and existing hanging bar:** This bold step was crucial for opening up the space, making it feel less like a hidden closet and more like an integrated part of the entry area.
- **Raise the top shelf:** By elevating the existing shelf, I aimed to maximize vertical space, taking full advantage of the closet’s height to create more efficient storage opportunities.
- **Build a sturdy bench for sitting:** Adding a built-in bench would introduce both functionality and comfort, providing a convenient spot for removing shoes or placing bags upon arrival.
- **Incorporate dimension and visual texture with a 1×2 wood slat detail:** This design element would add architectural interest and a touch of modern sophistication, elevating the aesthetic beyond simple painted walls.
- **Install an abundance of hooks for hanging storage:** Practical and accessible, hooks are indispensable for keeping coats, hats, and bags organized and within easy reach.
- **Paint it in a warm, inviting color:** The right paint color would be key to infusing the space with the desired sense of welcome and coziness.
With this comprehensive plan firmly in place, the exciting phase of demolition commenced, marking the first physical step towards bringing my vision to life.
Even with the space in its raw, demo’d state, the transformation already felt like an absolute triumph. The decision to remove the confining door instantly opened up the entryway, creating a sense of expansiveness that was previously lacking. I was thrilled to be able to repurpose the existing shelf and its supports, giving them a new, elevated position that maximized vertical storage. For the new, custom-built bench, I utilized sturdy 2x4s for the frame, ensuring durability and stability, and then finished it with smooth pine planks for a clean, polished look. This DIY approach not only allowed for perfect customization to fit the bungalow’s specific dimensions but also added a layer of personal satisfaction to the project, demonstrating how simple materials can create significant impact.
Once the bench was meticulously constructed and securely installed, the next crucial step was preparation for painting. I gave the entire structure, along with the interior walls of the closet, a thorough sanding to ensure a smooth, flawless finish. This attention to detail in prep work is paramount for achieving professional-looking results. For this pivotal project, I chose to paint the entire entryway closet with Sherwin-Williams’ highly anticipated 2023 Color of the Year, Redend Point SW9081. This particular shade was not just a paint choice; it was a deliberate design decision to evoke a specific mood and feeling within our home’s first impression point.
Redend Point is an exquisite soft neutral, a delicate balance between warm beige and blush pink, that instantly imparts a profound sense of warmth and earthiness to any space it graces. It’s more than just a color; it’s an invitation to pause, to feel grounded, and to connect. This unique hue inspires compassion and fosters connection, enveloping you in a feeling of being cared for and truly at home. For me, Redend Point serves as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging deeper connections as we continue to open our homes and lives back up to the world. It’s precisely the color you’d envision if the prettiest, most inviting beige decided to blush ever so subtly, creating an understated yet profoundly welcoming atmosphere. This shade perfectly aligned with my intention for transforming our entryway into a gentle, inviting space. After priming the newly built bench to ensure optimal paint adhesion and durability, and meticulously adding the stylish 1×2 wood slats to the back wall for that desirable dimension and visual texture, I applied two luxurious coats of Emerald® Interior Acrylic Latex paint. The Emerald line is renowned for its exceptional durability, washability, and smooth finish, making it an ideal choice for a high-traffic area like an entryway.
At this stage, the transformation was already breathtaking. The warm, inviting glow of Redend Point, combined with the elegant wood slat detailing, had utterly revitalized the space. It felt intentional, sophisticated, and undeniably welcoming. To complete this functional and beautiful design, I then added a series of simple yet classic shaker pegs. These pegs provide ample hanging storage for coats, bags, and scarves, keeping the entryway organized and clutter-free. By painting these hooks the exact same shade of Redend Point, they seamlessly integrated into the design, becoming an intrinsic part of the overall aesthetic rather than an afterthought. With the hooks in place, the small entry closet had officially completed its metamorphosis into a stylish and highly functional entryway nook!
I am absolutely beyond thrilled with how this space has turned out. What was once a cluttered, underutilized closet has been reborn as a harmonious blend of function and beauty, a truly wonderful and impactful addition to our home. My constant goal is to make the most of every single corner within our beloved little bungalow, and turning this small, overlooked entry closet into something so much more intentional, useful, and aesthetically pleasing brings me immense joy and satisfaction. It’s a testament to the power of thoughtful design, even in the most compact of areas.
It’s often said that the smallest spaces can yield the biggest impact, and this project perfectly exemplifies that sentiment. The core intention behind this entryway makeover was to cultivate an immediate sense of care, warmth, and connection for anyone stepping through our front door. It’s now a soft, inviting landing spot where guests and family alike can comfortably remove their shoes, place their bags, and take a moment to transition from the outside world into the comfort of our home. This newly designed entryway instantly envelops you, setting a welcoming tone and quietly communicating that you are not just a visitor, but a cherished guest. I truly hope that every person who enters our home feels that profound sense of welcome and belonging from this thoughtfully crafted space.
One closet beautifully transformed, and just three more to go on our home organization checklist! It’s incredibly rewarding to see these smaller projects come to fruition and make such a significant difference in our daily living. What are your thoughts on the stunning 2023 Color of the Year, Redend Point? Its ability to bring warmth, serenity, and a touch of modern earthiness is truly captivating. Would you consider incorporating this beautiful hue into your own home, perhaps in an entryway, a cozy reading nook, or even a bedroom? If so, I’d absolutely love to hear where you envision using it and how you think it would transform your space. Share your ideas in the comments below!
Until next time, my friends, keep creating spaces you love!