Let’s Talk About Mudrooms!
Whenever I sit with a client to discuss their kitchen projects, one question comes up more than others: Where can we put the mudroom? With active lifestyles and an ever increasing need for storage, requests for practical and pretty mudrooms are on the rise. The dictionary defines mudroom as “a room in a house designed especially for the shedding of dirty or wet footwear and clothing and located typically off the kitchen or in the basement.” Families with children or pets find this transition space from outside to inside a must have so let’s talk about design essentials for creating a well functioning mudroom.
Every home is unique but there are certain elements you should consider in designing your mudroom.
Even a very tiny space can help the household become more organized and tidy. A well designed mudroom is generally the main entrance for the family and should work with the look and feel of the home. There are 3 main components to consider when designing your mudroom. Materials, seating and storage. Let’s begin with materials.
Flooring and wall finishes should be durable and easy to maintain.
Since most mudrooms open to the outside, porcelain tile is my flooring material of choice. It is easy to clean, does not need to be sealed and handles changes in temperature better than wood or stone. Bead board is a classic mill-work detail we install 2/3’s of the way up the wall. Ship-lap boards have also increased in popularity. Pro Tip: Always use a good quality paint to finish the mill-work.
Seating: Benches and built-ins.
Although many mudrooms feature a built in bench to sit on when taking off your shoes or toweling off your pet, a simple free standing bench or chair works just as well if space is tight. Any additional storage you can create with the seating is a plus. A bench with a lift up top or cubbies designed into a built in seat will help contain clutter. Seats are for more than just sitting, they are a spot to unload groceries or the kid’s school bags.
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Last but most importantly is storage.
Coat hooks and shelves should be first on your list. Decorative boxes placed on the shelf can hold hats, gloves and scarves. Double rows of hooks expand your hanging space. The ultimate luxury in a mudroom is custom built cubbies or locker storage. Each person has their own personal storage spot. Don’t underestimate the value of a closet. With the proper interior organization you can store out of season items, sports equipment and back yards supplies all out of sight.
Since mudrooms must serve many purposes, smart design choices can make them stylish as well as functional. If you don’t have enough space for a dedicated mudroom all you need is a little extra room by the door for a coat rack. If space it tight how about in the garage? A little creativity goes a long way to make the most of your mudroom.
