My husband and I are in Green Bay Wisconsin. There is snow on the ground. Every time we go in or out of the indoors we don or shed boots, coats, hats, gloves, scarfs, etc. It really got me thinking about mudroom spaces and how useful they are. Whether you live in the snowy north or the balmy south mudroom spaces are equally as important. I try to put some aspect of transition space into each stage. While each space looks uniquely its own, the elements necessary for a mudroom to function are the same.
Let’s start with the obvious.
The first thing a mudroom needs is a place to hang your coats. If a closet already exists near the door that’s great but some extra hooks nearby are helpful for visiting guests. Most coat closets are jammed full with the homeowner’s stuff that there often isn’t extra space.
I have a couple of favorite staging pieces that make an instant drop zone.
A mirrored shelf (always important to check your look comin and goin ) with hooks and cubbies for hats and scarves.
In addition to a place to hang your hat, you need a place to drop the mail, hang the dog’s leash, or set down the groceries. If there is enough space also add a bench to take off your shoes.
In dedicated mudrooms, a wall of cubbies is a popular option. But you can achieve the same concept with baskets, bins, and crates. They are perfect to put hats, gloves, and leashes in. If you have kids, you may want to consider giving each their own to store their book bags, etc.
A horizontal area is pretty critical for a drop zone. If I have to choose between seating or table space I’ll go for the entryway table.
If space allows, you may want to consider adding a shelving unit for shoes. This works especially well for larger families and helps eliminate the pile of shoes right inside the entrance.
Another option for mudroom spaces is to add an indoor/outdoor rug. A rug not only adds a splash of color (You know I’m all about color!) but it also functions to protect your floor from rain and snow.
In my opinion, art isn’t just reserved for a fancy living room. Mudroom spaces are a great place to add a fun piece of art as part of the decor.
You can achieve a mudroom area even when there isn’t a dedicated mudroom space in your home.
- You can add it to your laundry room.
- Make it part of a kitchen.
- Turn a closet or hallway into a mini mudroom.
- Designate a spot in your garage.
Mudrooms are transition zones between the outside world and home. A place to set your keys and mail just means you are home.
