Designing a Functional and Stylish Mudroom
Becca Interiors created this functional mudroom by offering ample storage solutions behind closeable doors to store coats and beach towels.
Add a bench seat so everyone has somewhere comfortable to sit while they put on or remove their shoes, then add additional wall storage like baskets, bins or hooks for convenient accessing frequently used items.
Paint
Mudrooms can be high traffic areas, and must withstand constant use. Paint adds visual interest while also being durable enough for daily scrubbing, according to Kristiann Colasacco of K-Ann Kreations and Design. In this mudroom she chose one rich hue all the way up the molding for maximum impact.
She suggests choosing a shade that harmonizes with the rest of the home, like this soft blue that leans casual. Mudrooms decorated to fit with their overall design create an inviting first impression for visitors.
Shelving units and cubby spaces are popular mudroom additions. These accessories allow easy access to items like hats and mitts while keeping shoes off of the floor. If space allows, consider installing a bench seat so each family member has somewhere they can sit while putting on their shoes; this helps avoid piles of footwear becoming an eyesore inside your doorway.
Flooring
As in any high-traffic room, durability is of utmost importance in a mudroom. Selecting durable yet easily cleanable flooring like natural jute, ceramic tile, or hardwood is ideal. Jute rugs absorb moisture from shoes and boots while being easy to vacuum or shake clean – additional benefits!
Seating is also essential to creating a functional mudroom. From freestanding benches and built-in bench seats, to chairs that provide ample seating for taking off or putting on shoes, adequate seating should be present to set down items and relax while taking care of business in this space.
A mudroom should provide multiple forms of storage to handle the wide variety of items that come into and out of it, including cabinet storage, drawers, open cubbies and hooks. If space allows, adding a laundry tub could also prove invaluable – keeping dirty clothing away from primary living spaces.
Lighting
Lighting is essential in mudrooms, which serve as an intermediary space between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Sconces or overhead fixtures such as pendant lights can help demarcate this transitional area visually; don’t ignore additional sources like pendants or chandeliers that could add visual distinction as well.
Mudrooms provide homeowners with the perfect opportunity to express their personal style through artwork (safely framed) and decorative accents, like bold colors or patterns on flooring or artwork – Leifer suggests using FLOR carpet squares with fun patterns or Bolon’s woven vinyl for this.
Storage is another essential feature. A mudroom designed as a daily drop zone must accommodate everything from sports equipment and backpacks, shoes and coats – not forgetting its own essential needs like sports balls! Yip recommends including closed storage options like cubbies and open shelves along with hooks as well as hooks on hooks for easier shoe taking-on/off. She suggests including shallow benches to provide plenty of surface area when taking on and off shoes.
Storage
In a climate with both rain and snow, or with children or roommates who bring in plenty of sports equipment, smart storage is key to keeping an entryway organized. Whether your entryway can accommodate an elaborate mudroom with built-in cabinetry or simply needs space to hold a bench and some wall hooks, there are various organizing solutions that allow your style to shine through.
Yip suggests selecting “a truly high-quality cabinet that will withstand wear and tear and remain dent- and scrape-resistant”. She stresses the importance of investing in overhead fixtures with high lumen counts to help quickly locate skinned knees or lost homework.
Design your mudroom to meet the needs of each member of your household in order to keep the area organized and clutter-free. Consider dividing built-in storage into cubbies so everyone can have their own spot to drop off shoes and hang coats.
