I gave you the sneak peak of our new entry bench a few weeks ago. And now it’s been stained and painted and I’m in love.
It’s positively killing me to wait to fill it up. I stained the corbels and the bench seat in the same stain as the floor and I painted everything else with white trim paint.
Now, I’m just going to seal the seat with Waterlox (leftover from the countertop project) and add hooks and baskets. Since we don’t have a downstairs closet, this little entry needs to pack a punch. And I think it will.
This whole project started ages ago when I spotted this gorgeous mudroom bench at Beneath my Heart.
Love this. And I knew that our little unused entry space would be perfect for our own version. So, this summer, I emailed the link to my parents and dared Papa Bear to build one for me.
(AND IT TOTALLY WORKED.)
My dad took this challenge to heart and make it perfect for us. He actually just started it one day while we were at work. (You are so jealous, aren’t you?) Papa Bear printed out the image from Beneath my Heart to use as inspiration. I wanted to add more beadboard on the back and also an additional shelf, which I think made it our own. My dad also had the idea to stain the corbels instead of painting, which was brilliant.
And I know I haven’t shown you our fabulous new Ballard Designs light fixture yet. It’s perfect.
And for shoe storage, we added the fabulous IKEA shoe storage to the other side.
I was inspired by Jen at I (heart) organizing to get this cabinet. And I have actually had it in boxes since April. It’s so nice to have an organized area for all our shoes.
(And tonight is the last night for a chance to win 25 free Christmas cards from Shutterfly. Don’t forget to enter!)
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Grace @ Sense and Simplicity says
Your built-in bench looks fantastic. Actually, why stop at the bench – it all looks great.
Lauren says
Love it! So jealous! 🙂
Aimee says
Wonderful Kim!!! Love all the pics and jealous of all the storage space!!! Get’s my creative juices flowing!!! I’m your newest follower and I’d love you to visit and follow me sometime soon!!!
Aimee @ ItsOverflowing
Leigh says
Love it all. The shelves look built in and the shoe thing just looks like a nice console table. I like that you are able to decorate the top.
April G says
It looks fantastic!
*claire* says
so so so jealous of that entry!!! it turned out so well. i think you definitely deserve one since you will have snowy boots and jackets and whatnot to remove pretty soon. the white/stain combo looks so crisp. can papa bear make a trip to GA to make me some stuff??
Melinda says
Fabulous Darlin’, simply fabulous!
jen @ homeinthecountry says
Ohmygosh! Amazing! It looks like it’s always been there… Nicely done, papa bear! (and you too, Kim – I’m loving every bit of your new house!)
Sugarr2518 says
Perfect and such a pretty way to organize your entry way! You guys did such a great job on it:)
Mom says
It looks beautiful all painted and stained. You really used that space wisely. Bravo! BTW, Papa Bear only does these special projects for his favorite daughter!
Midwest Mrs says
Holy organization batman! LOVE this! The stain/white combo looks amazing too. All that shelving space makes a huge difference, nice work lady!
Emily says
These pictures make me wish I had an entry way like that! ha
Comeca Jones says
Looks fabulous!
Mariah Bohannon says
Man, I want one! Such a dramatic change from when you bought it. It looks so inviting. Can I sit?
Martina says
Looks great! Our main entry is a disaster of a dumping ground right now, I can’t wait until we build a boot bench and put up some shelving down there because it makes such a huge difference!
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
Looks great! Yes, I am jealous that your dad was busy building while you were at the office! I also love the stained wood 🙂
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Bravo!!!! It looks fantastic!!!!
yeoldesandwichshoppeva says
Ooooo puuurty! I fully approve! Excellent paint job! I can’t wait to see the finished product!
daisy says
Nothing short of spectacular! Enjoy all that new storage.
Erin @ Domestic Adventure says
Wow! Please ask Papa Bear if he will come to my house (and bring you and Ryan!). Everything about the post is lovely. And I immediately did a search on Ikea for that shoe cabinet…sadly I cannot order it online…
Danielle and Clint says
Who knew organizing could be this beautiful?!?!
Robin says
You and your hubby are the king and queen of home DIY. You rock and so does your enteryway. Love it.
Nikki says
Umm, wow! You created so much function and it’s really pretty! I can’t stop studying the pics.
Cindy @The Flipping Couple says
LOVE IT! And I’m totally jealous since we don’t have a closet on the main level. Or a coat rack. Or a place to put shoes. Which means everything is everywhere. Great organizing strategy, Cindy.
I would like to steal your entryway and take it home with me. I’d give it a good home, promise.
LifeBegins@Thirty says
I love it! It really looks wonderful and those shelves do look like built-ins. Expensive ones at that!
Emily says
That’s it. I’m moving in. This is too pretty. I’m so jealous!!!