How to Create a Highly Functional Mudroom Design
Backpacks strewn on the floor, coats thrown over chairs, shoes everywhere…these are the symptoms of a home that lacks a functional mudroom design. And I can almost guarantee that the stress it causes will stick with you for the rest of your day…or longer.
Now, imagine entering your home and experiencing organization at its finest. Shoes have a home, accessories are neatly stored away, and your transition from adventure to the everyday comforts of being home is both effortless and beautiful. Sooo much better, right? Thank you, mudroom!
Getting to this happy destination, however, takes careful planning and organization. What needs to be included in your mudroom design? And what should be avoided? Come take a look…
1. Thoughtful Organization & Storage
For most people, the mudroom is not a huge space. To keep it from turning into a messy, catch-all area, it’s important to be realistic and prioritize your family’s lifestyle. Begin by taking a step back and considering every detail of your coming and going routines. For example:
Where will the kids be more likely to hang their coats and backpacks? Practical hooks are the best.
Does your family prefer to sit while taking off and putting on shoes? Add a multipurpose storage bench.
Do you need an area to quickly grab seasonal accessories or pet leashes? Utilize decorative storage baskets.
These questions are only the tip of the iceberg, but I think you can see how being so specific can help you create a mudroom design that will do what it’s supposed to: support your family and keep clutter from congregating.
The mudroom in our Tangletown Tudor Remodel utilizes practical hooks while all other items are neatly organized and tucked away behind doors.
2. Cohesive Style You Love
Do you enter and exit your home through your mudroom? Most families do, which makes it one of the most used rooms in the house. To make an amazing first impression and create a cohesive home experience, pay attention to the color palette and style. My suggestion?
Select something that seamlessly blends with your home
Don’t be afraid to implement fun, bold choices that will bring a smile to your face each day
Add a mirror! It makes the space feel brighter, and who doesn’t love to have one last look on the way out the door? I know I do!
A bold wallpaper brings fun personality to the mudroom in our Harriet Remodel.
3. Durable Walls & Flooring
Your mudroom is going to get A LOT of love. And by love, I mean shoes will be banging into the baseboards, backpacks will be hitting the walls, and mysterious dirt will be tracked in on the bottom of little shoes. It’s no secret that you’ll need durable materials that will hold up long-term. We suggest:
Opt for wood paneling or commercial grade vinyl wall coverings instead of sheetrock walls
Always include a protective wall treatment for a smooth, high-quality, and durable finish
Easy-to-clean tile is a no-brainer for flooring
Pair tile floors with a heated underlayment for a toasty place for your feet in the winter
From the tile flooring to the wall paneling, this mudroom is designed to withstand anything thrown at it.
4. Washer, Dryer & Other Practical Features
Like organization and storage, your mudroom should also cater to your daily or weekly tasks. The big update that families are loving these days?
Moving the washer and dryer from the basement up to the mudroom. Why? It’s on the main level where you spend most of your time, so it’s a practical and functional way to save you from seemingly endless trips carrying bulky laundry baskets up and down stairs.
Another perk? It’s easy to have the kids immediately peel off those dirty baseball uniforms or toss wet towels and swimsuits in for a quick load as soon as you arrive home. An efficient wash system and containing the mess in one room? I’d say that’s a win-win! Other creatively practical mudroom features could include:
Trying to keep your family on the same page? Grab a whiteboard and create a family scheduling center.
Need a designated drop zone for charging your devices and keeping distractions at bay? Install outlets in convenient locations!
5. Nothing You Don’t Need
Lastly, once you’ve assessed your mudroom design and thought about the details of your family’s routines, you’ll also have a good idea of what you don’t need. To avoid this becoming a gathering space for your junk, remove anything that’s not serving your family well.
That’s valuable space you could be using to take advantage of everything above! And it will be sooo worth it. Taking the time to update your mudroom will lead you to experience the joy of a fresh start day after day.
Whew, we made it! Feeling prepared? Need a hand? If a beautiful, thoughtful, and organized home sounds like something you need in your life, I’d love to help. Reach out to me here, and let’s chat about how to create a space that infuses ease into your daily routine while effortlessly supporting your family.