In today’s fast-paced world of work, school, sports and so much more, many families are crying out, “Get me organized!” And what better place to start than your own back door.
Today’s mudroom designs are no longer dark, dingy areas where shoes are pitched and coats strewn on the floor. They are evolving to become the hub of a busy house. Everything from a backpack stop to a place to wash Fido, mudrooms are versatile to say the least. But where do you get started? What will work for your family? It all depends on you.
To really serve as a catchall, mudrooms should be an entrance from both the garage as well as the outside rear of a house. The space can be as small or as large as you want it to be. Even if you only have a small hallway leading into the house from the outside, this can become a mini-mudroom of sorts as well. The key is organization.
A great place to begin is by adding shelving. Consider stretching shelves all the way to the ceiling. Store seasonal items on the higher shelves and more frequently used pieces within your reach.
Create a place for everything, and make it easy to find. Place labels where designated items should be stored. This will help even the youngest family member keep things organized.
“Open locker-style shelving is a great way to organize a mudroom,” says Pat Bigler, president of Camelot Custom Builders in Columbus. “Mudrooms with closets and hangers take too much time, if kids don’t have a place to throw things quickly, they’ll just kick their shoes off by the door.” Plus, he adds, there is an added benefit–with one quick glance, moms and dads can see whose locker is empty and whose things are on the floor.
Ever tried to take off a pair of wet, muddy boots? It’s a tough job and unless you want the handprints that go along with leaning up against a wall to be steadied, a bench is a convenient addition. You can opt for a bench that has hidden storage in the seat or choose a style that will allow you to place a shoe rack underneath to optimize more space.
Closets are always a good option to hide away many items, from coats, extra canned or packaged food to cleaning supplies and paper goods.
Other great extras to the mudroom are a recycling bin, a wastebasket, a vented laundry basket for wet clothing and even an art section to hang up all those budding artists’ masterpieces. A mirror hung on the back of a door is also nice for those last-minute checks before darting out the door.
Mudrooms can serve as a message center with an easy addition of a corkboard and either a chalkboard or whiteboard. Hung near the door, this is a great place to remind family members of a doctor’s appointment, a nearing school deadline or even to leave simple words of encouragement on an upcoming test. This area is also a great spot for a pencil cup, memo pad and a basket for incoming mail.
Because many mudrooms are a primary entrance to the home, you’ll want the space to be inviting, not only for your own family, but for guests who enter there as well. This room can be anything you want it to be, from a cool, fun-themed room bursting with reds, yellows and greens to an understated elegance of navy and burgundy to a crisp off white or earth-toned look.
Keep in mind, this is one room where you’ll want the floor to be dirty. Selecting flooring that is easy to clean is a must. Tile or natural stone is a great choice, as is vinyl flooring. But remember to pick a color that is least likely to show dirt.
Sinks make a great contribution to fighting the dirt and grime that’s sure to go along with a mudroom. They can be as simple as a deep single basin or as elaborate as a floor sink that is perfect for washing off footwear, golf clubs and even the dog. A traditional sink, such as a marble or granite unit that lines up with the decor of the room, can still be just as useful by including a tall faucet to accommodate large buckets and a spray wand that can reach all those hard-to-get-to places.
One thing to keep in mind if you are adding on a new mudroom or redoing an existing space…customization is key. Your family’s lifestyle is the driver. Do what works for you. The possibilities are endless. From plastic egg crates stacked on top of each other to store numerous items to an elaborate armoire, it’s all up to your style, tastes and needs. In the end, a mudroom will be a great addition and hopefully will bring the added benefit of a little less mud tracked throughout your home.