The 3 S's of a Perfect Mudroom (Plus 1 Extra!)

If you have pets, children, a garden (or really just a home at all!) then you can appreciate the importance of a mudroom. Even if you don’t have a separate room, just having an area that houses coats, shoes, bags, pet supplies, etc., can be such a relief when you walk in or out the door. While there are so many features you could add to a mudroom, there are a few key factors in keeping your mudroom organized and effective.

 

Stations

Having some sort of division in your mudroom is imperative in keeping it organized. If you have multiple children, a logical way to divide the mudroom is to have a station for each person in the family. A shelf, hook, and drawer is a great place to start so your children can store their coats, backpacks, shoes, or whatever else you can think of! For your very own station, you now have a specific, organized area to keep your outerwear, bags, and miscellaneous items such as an umbrella. If you have a smaller family where this kind of separation is not necessary, you could switch it up and organize based on type of item.

 

Seating

Having a seat in your mudroom can be an amazing thing: Lacing up your winter boots, getting your kids ready for school, or simply taking a well deserved break after working hard in the garden or yard. Often times, seating is built in with the cabinets and shelves in a mudroom, with additional storage underneath. If you do not already have a built-in system and want to with something simpler, all you really need is a bench with added cushions or padding for comfort.

 

Sink

The mudroom is often the first point of entry into a home. This usually results in the dirty shoes and messy equipment being shed and left in this room. That is precisely why a sink can be so beneficial in a mudroom. If you have pets, you may even want to consider a small shower area (this could work for kids too!). Take advantage of having that extra mudroom, and use it as a way to keep the rest of your home clean.

Extra: Style

While the main point of a mudroom is to be functional, there is still plenty of room to decorate! Since mudrooms are typically located near a door or window, they usually have a lot of natural light. Work with that, and incorporate bright, bold colors into the room. Painting the walls, or the stations/shelves themselves is an easy way to keep your mudroom looking great. You can also add decorative pieces such as area rugs, floor lamps, and wall art. There are also so many creative options when it comes to staying organized. Utilizing bins, baskets, chalk boards, crates, and shelves gives you the storage you need while creating a unique and personalized space for you and your family. 

Having a deliberate and well organized mudroom can be a savior for any busy worker, parent, or homeowner. The nuts and bolts of mudroom organization should be tailored to suit the needs of you and your family, but hopefully these tips are a helpful starting point! Check our our Pinterest for even more mudroom ideas!