Small spaces can often present a design conundrum, but when they have a clearly defined purpose, they offer a great opportunity to create a big impact. When Sara Weller was tapped to design the interiors of a neighbor’s house, one of the rooms she worked on was adjacent to the mudroom. Her first order of business? Designing a built-in unit with elegant Shaker-style cabinetry, seamlessly tailored to fulfill three essential requirements for the homeowners: First, a cozy haven for the family’s beloved pup, Ginger, cleverly nestled behind brushed-gold bars on the far left. Second, ample storage solutions for organizational ease. And finally, supplementary refrigeration options to cater to the needs of the three lively kids in the household.

“They didn’t want the kids always digging around looking for things in the kitchen, so the True Residential Refrigerator Drawers were the obvious choice—they can have snacks in one drawer, and drinks in the other—it offers the kids the opportunity to grab and go before rushing out the door,” explains Weller. “I am from St. Louis, so I was already very familiar with the product. I love that the brand is local, I enjoy using the products, and I really love the flexibility of being able to specify color. When we first started working together, the clients originally wanted another well-known luxury refrigeration manufacturer, but once they saw the price points, lead times, and color options—it was a no-brainer which luxury market brand to tap.”

To keep the design of the space cohesive with the rest of the home, Weller topped the built-in with a butcher block—which ties into the kitchen’s butcher block countertop. A Kravet textile offers a pop of color, serving as a fun window treatment while gorgeous black-framed windows offer a dramatic contrast. Subtle or not, this small space offers a big dose of charm.