Make Your Mudroom a Focal Point in Your Home
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Mudrooms are a functional addition to any home. They’re a workhorse that contains clutter and keeps shoes and coats from spilling into the main living area. However, these rooms are no longer the dark, undecorated holes they used to be.
In years past, the mudroom was something you shut the door on and kept hidden away from company. Since then, interior decorators have rejuvenated the space, reclaiming it as a beautiful, cohesive part of your home. Whether your mudroom is in the garage, an entry, or connected to your kitchen, this list will help you maximize the space and enhance it with charm.
Consider Why You Need a Mudroom
Are you making over an existing mudroom or planning a complete renovation to add one? Either way, you must consider what needs you have for it. Do you have a small space that just requires a bench to put shoes on and a few coat hooks, or do you want this room to perform even more duties?
With proper planning, a mudroom can serve a variety of functions:
Storage for outdoor clothes and shoes
A command center for family schedules and papers
A drop station for keys, bags, and mail
A holding area for sports equipment, instruments, or dance gear
Overflow for kitchen items
Pet space
Laundry
A gardening station
Knowing your priorities ahead of time will help you create a mudroom that serves all your needs rather than just looking pretty but functioning poorly.
Cover All Your Bases
Continue creating your vision by nailing down all the mudroom basics. The look may differ based on your intentions for the space, but most basic elements should stay the same. You can also alter the design based on the location you use — mudrooms off the kitchen may look or function quite differently than in your garage or by an entryway.
1. Storage
Your biggest priority when designing a mudroom is storage solutions. The point is to have a space to keep coats, shoes, and other accessories away from the rest of your home — everything else is a bonus. Aim for a mix of open and closed shelves, cubbies, or cabinets.
2. Hardy Flooring
Your mudroom floors will take a beating from soccer cleats and muddy rain boots, so ensure they’re up to the task. Lay down durable floors that are made to last, like tile or stone. If you like the look of wood, go with a luxury vinyl plank over hardwood since this space will see a fair amount of water.
3. Light
Light is an essential addition to any space. Stick to overhead options in your mudroom to leave your walls and floors entirely open for more important things.
4. Hanging Space
You’ll need a bar or hooks to catch all your hanging items like purses, hats, coats, and backpacks. Hooks are more aesthetically pleasing and perfectly suited for small families. However, larger families or those who like to entertain may want to opt for a hanging bar.
5. Seating
As long as you have enough space, you should prioritize some form of seating. Traditionally, mudrooms feature a bench to help users get shoes on and off. However, you could swap the bench out for a chair to save space.
6. Function-Specific Touches
Aside from the basics every mudroom needs, you’ll also have essentials for the functions you need to cover. For example, a laundry room combo will require hooks and space for your machines. Mudrooms doubling as a command center will need a form of a message board or paper collection.
Add Personal Flair
Now that you have your mudroom's basic structure and needs covered, it’s time to add your personal flair. This room should be as gorgeous as the rest of your home, so give it the same attention to detail. It should have the same design style as your other rooms to incorporate it with the surrounding spaces fully.
7. Custom Storage and Cabinetry
While you need plenty of functional storage, nothing says it has to be plain. Add custom cabinetry for better organization and a luxurious feel. Keep everything behind closed cabinet doors or open and on display. Bring your personality through with the perfect tones and finish, like muted, matte earth tones for mid-century modern tastes.
8. Mirror
A mirror can serve many purposes in your mudroom. First, it will reflect any artificial or natural light, making your space feel brighter and airier. You can also use it to check your outfit over before leaving the house. Finally, since mirrors come in various styles, adding one will put your stamp on the room.
9. Color
Unless you prefer a sleek white aesthetic in your home, you should steer into the world of color. Coordinate your cabinets and wall color to create a stunning focal point. You could add wallpaper for even more flair.
10. Artwork
If you have any wall space left, you could add pictures of your family, nature photography, or art prints. Shelves could hold small mementos or plants. However, it’s easy to go overboard with these decorative touches. Leave room to store all your necessary clutter and for visual rest.
11. Washable Rug
Rugs add warmth to any room, as well as plenty of personality. However, you’ll want a model designed to withstand wear and tear. Try one made from natural jute fibers or a washable option to keep the area looking nice and clean.
Splurge for Extra Impact
Your design is almost complete. However, it’s time to customize just a little further. Decide on a few spendy extras to emphasize your personal touch and make the mudroom even more practical for your needs.
12. Sink
A sink is a non-negotiable upgrade for many people. It can be helpful if your mudroom serves double duty as a laundry room. Sinks are also ideal for gardeners who may need to rinse tools or their hands before coming in.
13. Mini Shower
Depending on your needs, you could add a mini shower in addition to or as an alternative to a sink. It’s the perfect spot to wash your pets or rinse off muddy boots. You could think of a million and one ways to incorporate this luxurious upgrade into your daily life.
14. Extra Kitchen Storage
Since mudrooms are often close to the kitchen or directly off of it, some use the storage as extra space for small appliances or dry goods. You could build in a potato bin or closet with pull-out drawers to access your toaster, blender, and mixer.
15. Custom Pet Area
If you have a beloved pet, the mudroom is an excellent place to store all their supplies. You could even add a small tap in the wall above the food and water dishes for easy filling. Another possibility is to construct a built-in crate for when you have to leave them home alone during the day.
16. Charging Station
Make your mudroom a focal point in your home by incorporating a charging station for all your gadgets. A couple of USB outlets above a countertop make an ideal location to store and replenish your phone, tablet, and any other chargeable devices. These are especially handy for mudrooms attached to the kitchen.
17. More Natural Light
Mudrooms are generally small spaces and can feel dark and dank easily, so brighten up the room by adding a window if you lack one. This can be costly, but your room will be more functional and beautiful.
Create an Adaptable Design
One final note before you get underway — while it’s tempting to personalize every detail of your mudroom, it’s possible to go overboard. Your needs will shift as you change and your family grows. Create a design that feels personal to your needs now but is adaptable so you change storage and other functions as time passes.
Mudrooms Can Be Stunning and Functional
Your mudroom is capable of being so much more than a storage area. When executed properly, it can be a visual focal point for your home and a daily command center for your family. By covering all the necessities and supercharging it with splurge items and decorative accents, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that serves its function and dazzles your guests.
