Mudrooms are the catch-all's of all catch-all's. Are you tired of tripping on shoes and bags, and dropping everything in an unorganized heap? Here are a few tips to make sure your mudroom works hard so you don't have to.
Mudrooms come in all shapes and sizes. Every household is different and what works for your neighbor, may not work for you. Consider your family's lifestyle and the capacity of your space to make sure your mudroom accommodates all of your needs.
ANALYZE YOUR STORAGE
Think through and itemize what you need to store (not only shoes & outdoor wear, but miscellaneous items such as sports equipment, flash lights, dog leashes, umbrellas…etc.)
BE CREATIVE
Mudrooms can be multi-functional, they can also serve as a utility room, potting station, craft area, and even office space.
CONSIDER DURABLE SURFACE FINISHES
For counter surfaces, stone or quartz are the most durable and easy to clean options. But, if you want to add warmth to the space, a stained high-gloss wood will perform just as well. Flooring should disguise dirt and debris, be water-resistant and easy to clean.
SMART PLANNING
Shelves should be deep enough to fit baskets and tall enough to store boots and umbrellas. Use every little inch and go vertical with seasonal storage such as gloves, hats and scarves.
POWER TO THE HOOKS
Wall hooks should be heavy-duty and easy to reach for kids. While hooks are the perfect solution for hanging coats and backpacks, make sure to provide extra reinforcement – the added stress of heavy coats and backpacks can cause the hooks to tear right off the wall.
MAKE IT EASY
Keep a catch-all tray near the entry for keys and mail to maintain an organized look. Also, provide comfortable bench seating for ease of taking off or lacing up shoes/boots.
KEEP IT CLEAN
Lay out boot trays or floor mats to keep mud and dirt from tracking into the rest of the house.
Need help mastering your mudroom? Give us a call, we are happy to help you with your project, big or small.