Buffalo Road

I teamed with the wonderful team at Contento Co. for this special space which transformed a heavily damaged porch—once plagued by water and rot—into a welcoming, all-season entryway that seamlessly connects the kitchen, garage, and backyard. The design prioritizes both function and charm.

Half-light doors off the driveway and kitchen fill the interior with natural light, keeping the compact space bright and open. For garage access, a solid panel door was selected to conceal visual clutter and provide a clean backdrop for one of the room’s standout features: a custom floor-to-ceiling wood slat wall for open coat storage, which also protects the walls from scuffs.

Additional custom touches include a minimalist L-shaped storage bench beneath the sliding windows. This bench doubles as seating for a round pedestal table—an ideal shape for high-traffic zones—and creates a cozy nook equipped with built-in outlets and an overhead plug-in pendant, all operable from the main switch for future layout flexibility.

The color scheme draws inspiration from the family’s heritage plaque, featuring deep reds, blues, and an emphasis on green—their favorite hue. Playful porcelain tile brings whimsy to the traditional layout, perfectly resonating with the family’s cheerful disposition. Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog was chosen for the storage bench, vertical shiplap backrest, and the exterior swing door. The patterns of the shiplap and tongue-and-groove ceiling add depth and texture without competing with the patterned floor. Pine, finished in Minwax Amber Pine, was selected for the ceiling and slat wall to introduce warmth and contrast against the light walls and trim.

The result is a colorful, Scandinavian-inspired space with the timeless warmth of a traditional home. This bright, all-season room now extends the kitchen and living areas while providing practical mudroom functionality, delivering both flexibility and comfort to daily life.

Photography by Erin Kristine