Make the Most of Your Mudroom
A mudroom is an often neglected, but very useful room in your home, so here are some tips on how to design yours and use that space to the fullest! Whether you have a mudroom that’s small and compact or large and spacious, there are a number of ways to organize the room and make it work for your home’s needs. A mudroom can sometimes be the first impression that someone has of your home, so it’s important that it reflects your style. These rooms often take a lot of wear and tear, so it’s imperative that you choose durable materials that work with the design of your home. Here are four ways that you can make your mudroom work for you!
Small & Sweet
When you only have a small amount of space to work with for your mudroom, you want to ensure that every surface plays a roll in keeping the room tidy and organized. One of our favourite ways to blend organization with functionality is to create a bench with storage above AND underneath. In the photo on the left, the warm wood of this mudroom is welcoming and inviting. The storage hooks above the bench are great for storing coats, while the baskets underneath are perfect for winter accessories or shoes. The photo on the right takes the simple mudroom a step further and uses pull out drawers instead of baskets for a very sleek look. A mirror is also a great idea in a mudroom as it’s often where you’ll leave your home from and is a great place for one last outfit check before you leave for your day.
An Elevated Take
The two mudrooms below are more open concept, so the design of them has been very intentional. If your mudroom is also very open concept, you may want to include more accessories or art in your design. In the photo on the left, the warm beiges, brown and gold-framed mirror combine to create an elevated entryway. A plush rug, patterned pillows and a plant for some greenery have been added to the space to round out the design. In the photo on the right, this bright entryway uses art to really make the space feel well put together. The darker tones of the art also add some much needed contrast to the space. This entryway also has sleek baskets for added storage and organization and a runner that invites you into the home to enjoy the rest of the space.
Say “Yes” to Storage
In order to really make sure that your mudroom is functional - especially for a larger home or larger family - you’re going to want to make sure that you have a lot of storage. Mixing and matching different types of storage will also be very helpful for you and will create more interest in the design. In the photo on the left, this mudroom is bright and airy, with the perfect amount of contrast from the black window casings, light fixture, handles and door. A mix of wardrobes, open shelving, coat hooks and baskets ensure that there is ample storage in this hard-working room. In the photo on the right, the wood gives this mudroom a calming, nature-inspired feeling, while providing maximum storage. This mudroom features some pull out drawers in addition to cupboards and baskets, plus some lower hanging hooks perfect for kids!
Keep it Clean
When choosing a palette for your mudroom - especially if you have smaller children - it’s very helpful to choose patterns or darker colours to try to help camouflage some of the dirt that these rooms often encounter. In both the photos below, you’ll notice that the rooms are done in darker or earthier tones which will help with the large amount of wear and tear. In the photo on the left, the floor of this mudroom is done in a warm beige pattern, as is the custom cushion on the bench seat. If you’re choosing to upholster a bench in your mudroom, we’d recommend choosing a durable fabric that can either withstand stains or be removed and washed. In the photo on the right, the darker colour of the room feels very elegant and is a fun contrast to the pool floats that also use this room for storage.
Photo Credit: Shellard Photography
