Recreating Functional Mudroom Spaces

Recreating Functional Mudroom Spaces

How to Design a Mudroom for Different Types of Spaces

Mudroom Makeovers

The term “mudroom” doesn’t in and of itself sound very glamorous but make no mistake about it, the mudroom is one of the hardest working rooms in any home, and it can also be one of the most beautiful. Today, I am going to share with you some creative ways to make the most of your mudroom. Even if you don’t have one today, I will show you how to add a fully functioning mudroom to your home just by redesigning space you already have.

First, let’s talk about small spaces and how to create a functional mudroom:

SMALL SPACES:

Many older homes, such as the one I just recently moved in to, do not have functional, designated mudrooms. In fact, they may not have functional laundry rooms either. So how does one create a mudroom where none exists? Creative spacing is the key.

If you have a hall closet near your garage or rear entrance, you most likely have the potential to create a mudroom. If you have an existing laundry room, you can re-purpose the space and create a mudroom.

For backdoor closets, try removing the closet completely and then rebuilding the space using the mudroom ideas below:

  • In the closet's original space, add cubbies with shelving and hanging hooks as space allows
  • On adjacent walls, add a hanging key/mail organizer that will function as a drop zone for wallets, keys, sunglasses and other small items
  • On the wall across from the cubbies, add a built-in or free-standing entryway bench with additional mudroom storage below that can be used for winter hats, gloves and scarves
  • Then, for additional coat and bag storage, add two or three anchor boards with hooks for bookbags and purses. The board on top can also be used for sweaters and light jackets

Another great use of space to create additional storage are corners. Corners are seldom considered useful areas but for mudrooms, they work perfectly. If you have an unused corner in the same area, try building a corner cubby like this one.

These corner cubbies are great for hanging hats, coats, backpacks, umbrellas, lunch boxes, etc. They don’t take up much room and they can increase your functional storage space tremendously.

EXISTING MUDROOM/LAUNDRY SPACES:

When it comes to creating spaces, I consider myself a minimalist. I subscribe to the theory that less is more. When visualizing working spaces, it is important to see yourself in the environment so that you can determine its use.

Ask yourself::

  • What do you do there?
  • What do you need there?
  • What is not used and should be removed from the space?

If you have an existing mudroom that just isn’t functioning the way you like for your family, or maybe you just want a new look, consider the options below:

Like small spaces, every fully functional mudroom needs cubbies. If you have more space available, or if you have a bigger family, adding more cubbies will significantly decrease clutter. Again, sometimes less is more, so if you don’t have a gaggle of kids in toe, then keep to only a few cubbies at your back entrance.

Mudrooms should act as drop zones for all necessary items that come and go with you throughout the day. Also, many people prefer their laundry room to be included within the mudroom, which is a great idea if you have the space.

Something else to consider, is to create a pet spa for your furry friends. Designing a specific area to clean your pets is a fantastic bonus! Now that our kids are out of the house, our mudroom needs have changed. Our pets have currently been elevated to most important “people” in our home. To help alleviate a sprained back, we built a smaller version of this pet spa. It is a great addition to our home, increasing functional space that our little Maltipoo loves!

If you are designing mudroom spaces in conjunction with your laundry room, you will need to work around the washer and dryer. Once they are in place, create your mudroom space around them by determining how much space you have available and what walls you can use for the conversion.

Front-load washer and dryers work best for this space because you can cover them with a counter, which increases the functionality of the room.

  • Above the washer and dryer add open shelving for easy access to laundry detergents
  • Utilize plenty of baskets to hide unattractive laundry supplies like clothespins and dryer sheets
  • Install a utility sink to keep messes at bay
  • Lastly, make sure you put in flooring that is not only attractive but can withstand wet environments

Shop the Look: Add style and functionality with a coat rack and other mudroom organizers.

Joyce Colovas is a content writer at mDesign
and an avid lover of all things fun and fabulous!

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Posted: Sep 10, 2019