Steps to Designing the Perfect Mudroom

Let’s face it, mudrooms don’t get a lot of glory. They are often among the most overlooked and underappreciated part of a home. Yet they serve a very important purpose, one that likely helps contribute to the cleanliness and efficiency of the rest of the house. The mudroom may also help promote harmony among the household members, especially for those who tend to like things neat and orderly.

The term “mudroom” may conjure up visions of a dark, cramped space that isn’t very inviting—one that people may want to pass through and get away from as quickly as possible. In reality, though, today’s mudrooms are often far from that old scary stereotype.

Many property owners are creating mudrooms that are light, sunny and open. They are often filled with natural sunlight thanks to large windows, and are further brightened by a design scheme based on white or light colors.

If your home currently lacks a mudroom, or has one that is in desperate need of an overhaul, there are a few tricks that can help you achieve a mudroom that doesn’t need to be feared or avoided.

Defy the stereotype. Shatter the image of the dark mudroom by creating something light and airy. Light-colored hues help enhance the bright feeling—but be sure to use stain-resistant paint and materials that are easy to clean.

Include lots of storage. Mudrooms tend to be a catch-all area where everything from boots to backpacks are dumped and deposited. Cubbyholes and shelves help encourage organization—especially if they have bins and baskets—but hidden storage can also keep clutter out of view. Benches with out-of-sight storage underneath can serve dual purposes. Ideally, you should also have some racks so coats and jackets can be hung up, rather than lying on the floor.

Make it functional. Consider how you will use the space, and implement features that will help support that. If you do a lot of gardening, for example, you will want to have areas where you can gather, store and clean your garden wares. A sink and storage bins will come in handy.

For help designing your perfect mudroom or any other type of home remodeling project, contact RW Remodeling.