Location: Denver
Size: 90 square feet (8.4 square meters); 7½ by 12 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted their entry built-in to function seamlessly for everyday life while remaining visually cohesive with the kitchen just steps away,” says designer Nikki Romero-Holt. “Because the space is fully visible from the main living area, it needed to feel intentional and refined, not purely utilitarian. They were struggling with how to balance accessibility and aesthetics. Shoes, jackets and daily essentials required open grab-and-go storage, but clutter was not an option in such a prominent location.”
Storage features. “The built-in was designed around three primary storage components: open cubbies below the bench for everyday shoe storage, recessed alcoves with hooks for frequently used jackets and an adjacent closed closet for overflow storage and seasonal items,” Romero-Holt says. “This layered approach allows the homeowners to keep daily essentials accessible while maintaining a clean, organized appearance.
“To ensure continuity with the home’s contemporary, high-contrast aesthetic, we carried the walnut wood seen throughout the house into this space. A two-tone cushion combination, including a green vinyl channel-tufted back and a green-blue patterned seat cushion adds warmth and dimension while complementing the surrounding artwork. The result feels like a distinct moment within the home yet completely aligned with the overall design language.”
Designer tip. “When designing open storage built-ins, take cues from hospitality spaces,” Romero-Holt says. “Many boutique hotels utilize open storage solutions that are both functional and visually appealing. By treating the storage wall as a fully integrated architectural feature rather than a purely practical insert, you can create something that feels custom and intentional.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “One challenge arose when we installed the first iteration of the full-height channel-tufted back panel,” Romero-Holt says. “The channels initially terminated directly into the window jamb, leaving exposed edges that felt abrupt and unfinished. To resolve this we introduced an extended walnut window jamb, creating a clean and intentional stopping point for the upholstery. That subtle architectural adjustment elevated the overall execution and delivered the tailored finish we had envisioned from the start.”
Channel-tufted vinyl fabric: Drifter in Pine, Arc|Com; cushion fabric: Che Fico in Fabiana Notte, Architex
This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .
While keeping plumbing in the same spots is often cited as a way to keep costs down, Nightingale cautions that function and layout should always be the top priorities. “If you need to save, save on the finishes, because those are easy to fix or replace later. Not having a good layout is not something you can surmount cost-effectively,” he says.
Plus, moving all the plumbing versus leaving it as is might not be as expensive as you think, Nightingale says. For his company, $1,000 to $1,500 is typical. “On top of that, now you also have brand-new shutoff valves and you have new drains,” he says. “And you can get a lot of extra benefits besides just increasing function and making it more aesthetically pleasing. You also now have the peace of mind that you just put all this money and finishes into a bathroom and it’s going to last.”