Transform Your Mudroom Into an Organized and Functional Space

If you’re lucky enough to have a mudroom in your house, you know how valuable these flexible spaces can be for a family in every season of the busy year. This multi-purpose room combines the efficiency of a bedroom closet, entryway coat closet, kids’ toy chest and guest reception area. While your mudroom might not be your official front door, you probably find yourself using it as your main entrance more often than not.

But there’s a great chance you’re not using your mudroom as efficiently as you could.

Before you give your mudroom an overhaul, make a wish list of everything you’d like to store there and how you’d like it to flow with the rest of your home. The more specific you can be when envisioning how the room will be used in each season of the year, the more innovative and custom-tailored your design will be.

Here are some tips to inspire you on the path to better entryway organization.

1. Have a seat
2. Hang it up
3. Store it away
4. For the athletes
5. For your four-legged friends
6. Special touches

Have a seat

If your goal is for the family to take off their muddy or snowy boots when they enter, add a bench to your mudroom. Balance functionality and efficiency with a design that integrates into your existing home décor. Design the bench with open cubbies or shelves below the seat so everyone can tuck shoes underneath.

Hang it up

Use sturdy hooks for easily hanging outerwear, backpacks, scarves, totes and purses. Create enough hooks for each member of your family, plus a few extra for guests—add two rows to maximize space. Finally, remember to place several low-hanging hooks within easy reach for kids.

Store it away

Give every family member his or her own storage space, whether it’s an enclosed cabinet or an open cubby. Open cubbies with slide-out baskets in polished chrome, satin nickel or oil rubbed bronze give kids handy places to store schoolbooks, gloves, hats and toys. Choose fabric-lined wicker baskets for a softer feel.

Hidden storage cupboards help keep a neater presentation, so if space permits, you might go with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. Allocate one cupboard for use as a utility closet to hold brooms, snow shovels, and rakes.

Even if you’re short on space, an L-shaped floor-to-ceiling storage unit can provide a lot of room for holding necessities. Use a freestanding trunk to store heavy winter overcoats and sweaters out of season, freeing up precious bedroom closet space. The flat top can double as seating.

For the athletes

Designate heavy hooks for helmets, caps, facemasks and goggles. Use freestanding, open receptacles to hold golf clubs, skis, tennis racquets and umbrellas. Floor-to-ceiling locker-style cabinets are great for storing your ski equipment and hockey gear year round.

For the four-leggeds

No more scrambling, trying to find the leash when it’s time to take your dog out for his break. Install a row of hooks right next to the door to hold a variety of pet gear necessities, such as leashes, spare collars and bags.

Special touches

• Add a charging station for iPods or computers to keep them off the kitchen counter.
• Store recycling bins in the mudroom for easy transport.
• Place a full-length mirror next to the door for a once-over before you leave home.
• Accessorize the space with artwork, family photos, and treasured collectibles to bring a warm and personalized touch to your very functional and organized new mudroom.

If you’re ready to transform your mudroom into a completely functional space, reach out to us for a free, in-home consultation.