A small space hack that is great for families

When I design a home, I design it not just to look good, but also to work for the people I believe are going to buy the home.

Here’s one example. I designed this condo which, given the location and size, was probably going to be bought by a family with kids. When I come home with my kids, I want 1) a place to immediately put all of the stuff I’m carrying, 2) a place to put the kids, and 3) to have it all look clean and organized and not like I live in a pawn shop.

Hello, welcome station.

Especially in small condos where you don’t have the luxury of a mudroom or a vestibule, and where the entry is typically directly into the living space, this is clutch.

First, the floor is tile, NOT hardwood. All those wet and muddy boots can get kicked off right here without damaging the hardwood floor (plus the organic transition floor looks AWESOME). Second, the welcome station has a built in key rack, mail drop, a popup charger for ALL the devices, a cupboard to store bags, a purse, or whatever it is you take on the go. Talk about staying clean and organized! Also, there’s a closet directly across from it to hang up coats, store boots and shoes (once they’re dry!), and backpacks. And of course, a few shelves that you can use to display your kids’ latest pottery project, books that you and the kids are reading, or the retro looking taxi that you just had to buy at HomeGoods because vintage was en vogue (guilty).

How would you use this Welcome Station?