Designer: Gabrielle Bove of Opaline Interiors Studio
Location: Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Size: 105 square feet (9.8 square meters)

Homeowners’ request. “Our clients are a young, fun-loving family who were looking for a functional, durable space laced with color, warmth and functionality,” designer Gabrielle Bove says. “With two young children, they needed enclosed storage and easily accessible open storage space for items like their stroller and car seat. We layered hardy materials like nickel-gap paneling, a solid walnut bench seat, easy-clean fabric and a textured indoor-outdoor area rug that would stand the test of time and stand up to muddy feet.”

Mudroom storage features. “It was important to our clients that the mudroom be functional but not lack style and beauty,” Bove says. “We chose to design a custom bench with functional drawers for items like shoes and winter accessories. We topped this with a solid walnut bench seat for contrast and additional durability. We selected Benjamin Moore’s Sea Star paint for the millwork, a soothing but rich pop of color and a nod to our clients’ love of the Mediterranean.”

Other special features. “We layered classic patterns in youthful colors with a neutral backdrop and warm textures, all curated to merge our clients’ love of Mediterranean motifs with the New England landscape,” Bove says.

Designer tip. “Knowing this young family would eventually grow, it was important to think of the space’s flow and capacity in two to five years,” Bove says. “Making sure they had enough storage for additional shoes, winter gear and eventually backpacks was important.”

“Uh-oh” moment. “Due to the placement of existing doors and windows, there wasn’t originally an opportunity for closed, tall storage, which we felt this family needed,” Bove says. “We were able to locate a cavity in the floor plan adjacent to the mudroom, which was perfect for a functional closet. This space allowed us to keep circulation open between all doorways but gave our clients a place to hide coats and diaper bags when not in use.”

Contractor: Brenshaw; paint colors: Simply White (paneling), Classic Gray (walls), Sea Star (bench), Benjamin Moore

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