With school kicking off for another year tomorrow, we think about the routines we may have fallen out of, the adventurous holidays which feel like a distant past and all the school books, lunches and schedules that need organizing!
It’s always a crazy time of year, but despite the 6am school rush around it can feel motivating to get life back into regular routine with fresh starts on the horizon. So it has got us thinking about ways we can reorganize our spaces at home to improve the functionality through this busy period! The perfect mudroom was the first thing to come to our minds, and just how essential they can be in so many homes. We don’t often get the chance to design many mudrooms but definitely something we would love to start incorporating into our projects more.
A mudroom in definition is “a small room or entryway where footwear and outer clothes can be removed before entering a house”, but we know it has the potential of being so much more if designed well. So we want to share our mudroom essentials with you on how to create the perfect space!
1. Selecting the most efficient location –
The location of the mudroom is the most important factor of all, to ensure the space is convenient and efficient for your homes individual needs. With layouts and uses of entryways different from house to house, it is crucial that you locate your mudroom at the first point of entry. Whether that’s through the main front door, the garage or through the laundry into the home, that first room you enter / exit should house the mudroom. This maximizes the use of the space as well as the organisation of the rest of the home, as shoes, bags, keys and school equipment can be stored here rather then scattering its way through the rest of the house.
2. In-built joinery –
Whether it’s a thin narrow nook, or wide hallway space that you are wanting to convert into your mudroom, in-built joinery is the perfect way to utilize the space effectively. Adding over head storage, wall fixed bench seats or floor to ceiling cup boards is a great way to not only maximize storage but give the mudroom personality and identity within the entry way. Even the tiniest of mudrooms can be effective in keeping the household organised, plus a nice spot for beautiful finishes and fun joinery details!
3. Bench seats –
Another must for your mudroom area is definitely bench seating! As you come back home, the first priority is most likely to take a seat and remove your shoes after a long day. Incorporating a bench seat can be done in a number of ways whether it’s a floating timber feature, a built in storage unit or long bench furniture piece. Adding storage beneath and a few soft furnishings like seat cushions will ensure the space is both practical and inviting.
4. Hooks & Rails –
The last but not least key feature of any mudroom is hanging fixings. Hooks, hanging rails or racks can be added to the wall of any mudroom and serve as a great place to hang all those loose belongings like coats, hats, bags or umbrellas. Not only are they incredibly practical but can also be a great design detail to add style and interest to the space. Even if you don’t have the space to house an entire mudroom, adding a row or 2 of hooks to the wall at your entry is a sure way to introduce the qualities of a successful mudroom to your home.
All images via our Pinterest
