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Neptune design director Fred Horlock explains how to create a boot room (or entrance area) that combines form with function.Ìý

It’s a challenge for all of us: how to manage the churn of coats, hats, boots, pet paraphernalia and outdoor equipment that is constantlyÌý trailed in and out of the house. It’s why a boot room ranks top of many interior wish lists alongside walk-in pantries and all-singing laundry rooms. Once known as the ‘tradesman’s entranceâ€�, the area around a back door, side entrance, or â€� when square footage allows â€� the boot room, can be one of the most hardworking and potentially useful areas of the home. As Neptune’s design director, Fred Horlock, explains, ‘Giving as much space as you can to these areas reduces the clutter in the rest of your home.’Ì�

However, with such a focus on the utilitarian nature of this space, it is easy to overlook its design and aesthetics, all of which can help make it far more efficient and effective in the long run. ‘The main considerations for a boot room or entrance space are threefold,� says Fred. ‘Firstly, storage and functionality: ask yourself what you need to fit in and how many people (and pets) will be using the space regularly. Secondly, consider your budget. It is an investment to install banks of fitted cabinetry but the storage they offer will pay dividends. Equally, there are plenty of budget-conscious solutions to make the space work hard too. And finally, the area is still an entrance into your home, so think about first impressions and how to make it feel welcoming.

With storage being key to the efficiency of the space, Fred suggests building cupboards along one wall and balancing this with bench seating and low storage on the opposite side. If the area is visible from other rooms, then use concealed storage; if it’s not in view, you can opt for a mix of open and closed storage with rows of hooks for quick access to coats, open shelves for shoes that need to be aired, and breathable wicker baskets for scarves and gloves. ‘If space is tight, I’d go for freestanding pieces,� he adds. �The Frome cabinet, the Henley storage box or even the Chichester housekeeper’s cupboard all offer generous storage.� If you are carving a boot room area out of a nook or corner, Fred recommends translating the essential design elements of a fitted boot room � like tongue and groove walls, coat hooks, and a bench seat � into the compact space.

Lighting is an important element of a boot room. Natural light from windows or a glazed door is preferable as this is a dressing area, while spotlights positioned around the perimeter of the room will reduce shadows so you can see what you are doing on a dark winter’s morning. Wall lights will infuse the space with a softer atmosphere and can beÌý
left on to create a glowing, inviting light to return home to. Finally, Fred suggests decorating the space to be robust and functional as well as attractive: ‘Tongue and groove panelling painted in an eggshell finish is a good choice as marks can be wiped away easily. I’d use a mid to dark tone and apply the paint as a colour drench overÌýwalls, woodwork and even the ceiling as it will balance out the busyness of this hardworking space.

Three boot room layoutsÌý

NO. 1 Large spaceÌý

Fill the main, long wall with a combination of open and closed fitted storage, and breakÌý
up the bank of cupboards with inset seating. On the opposite side, introduce a utility area for washing down muddy dogs and boots. Pull the space together with wrap-around tongue and groove panelling in a robust eggshell finish, and wash the same colour across all the walls, cabinetry and woodwork. Finally, add a unifying cornice around the room.Ìý

NO.2. Corridor space

Avoid fitted cabinetry in a narrow room: seeing the room’s corners will give a sense of space. Use freestanding storage pieces like our Henley benches with hooks above, balanced with a console and mirror, and lay floor tiles horizontally � all of which will make the room feel wider. Soften corners with useful pieces like a stool or umbrella stand. If the room has a low ceiling, run tongue and groove panelling to full height; if it is high ceilinged, finish the panelling three-quarters of the way up the wall to give a lofty feel.

NO.3 Awkward space

To create a boot room out of a small or awkward area like the space under the stairs, apply the same principles, materials and finishes of a larger boot room. Bring in similar aesthetic cues like tongue and groove panelling, coat hooks and a fitted bench with storage underneath. AvoidÌýfreestanding furniture as it will create shadowy corners which will make the space feel tight. Finally, keep the colours dark rather than light and bright: you’re aiming for a look that’s smart rather than attention-grabbing.Ìý

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FRED'S DESIGN TIPS

1. Stone floors are best for practicality. A sealed limestone floor will look smart, while a terracotta tiled floor will connect inside with the earthiness of outdoors. However, as this is an area that will get wet and dirty, avoid wooden flooring as it will scuff quickly and be harder to clean.
   
   
2. Because this is a transition area where people don’t linger, it is a good opportunity to use strong colour (a little like the approach to decorating a cloakroom). Use contrasting colours between adjoining rooms � such as a darker boot room leading to a lighter, paler kitchen � to stop them merging into one and help ease the transition into the main home.
   
   
3. While boot rooms are functional spaces, they can still look decorative and welcoming, with stylish hardware and considered colour palettes. Add a mirror, console, table lamp, and artworks to soften the scheme.
   
   
4. If space (and budget) allows, a sink is a great addition â€� as is a dog shower, if required. It is incredibly useful to be able to clean outdoor equipment, from boots and garden pots to freshly dug-up veg, stopping the dirt flowing further into the house.Ìý