4 Must Haves for Small Mudroom Design Plans
Are y’all ready to talk about mudroom design?! Last spring I revamped our small mudroom and have lived with it for about 9 months to see how my design worked out. I’ve come to the conclusion that there are 4 must haves for successful small mudroom design plans. I’m excited to share them with you today!
Small Mudroom Design
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Before we jump into the design must haves I wanted to share a little before and after. We tackled this space right after moving in so that I could keep my sanity in the winter time when the winter gear is on overload.
Before
Before we moved in the mudroom was closed off by bi-fold doors, directly off the kitchen. After living with it for about a day I quickly concluded that I’d rather have the space over the privacy. The bi-fold doors constantly served as a challenge because they either smashed into the entry door to the garage or prevented someone from walking through the narrow hallway to get downstairs. So off they came!
As you can see, we’ve done a lot of work to this space! You can read all about my budget DIY kitchen update {here}.
My first step in making this space presentable (since we removed the doors that hid it) was to paint it. I used the same green and white paint that I updated my master bedroom with.
I chose to paint the shelves a dark contrasting color to create definition. I think it also helps mask the dings and dents that inevitably come with a utilitarian space like a mudroom.
After
Once the bones of the space were updated by removing the doors and painting the entire space, I added my 4 must haves to good mudroom design.
1. Shelf Functionality
Before the update, we had junk scattered all across the shelves. There was absolutely no organization or ways to corral similar items. By adding bins I was able to designate a space for items as well as conceal them. This was important to me since the mudroom was no longer hidden behind doors.
I designated one bin per family member for hats, gloves, sunglasses and other winter gear. I also added another larger bin for less frequently used items like the dust buster and entertaining items, like a drink dispenser.
2. Hooks
The second item I added were lots and lots of hooks! The mudroom already had a coat rack, however I know my family and things rarely get hung properly. Instead I opted to add hooks to each locker cubby, as well as along the back and side walls.
In the winter these hooks serve a practical purpose for all of the multitudes of winter gear that comes with living in Michigan. However, in the spring and summer they are also a fun way to add decor to the space.
3. Baskets & Wall Storage
Similarly to using bins to organize the shelving, I like to use baskets for lower storage. A large basket serves to hold bulkier things like snow pants and scarves, while smaller baskets in each cubby help organize shoes and odds and ends.
Also, don’t neglect using shallow wall bins! I use these envelope wall bins to hold mail, coupons, and bills. They are tucked on the inside of the wall so they aren’t visible from the rest of the house. Make sure to utilize all your wall space!
4. Hidden Storage Bench
Even though this is a small mudroom design, I was thankful there was space for hidden storage. This built in bench serves to hold our winter boots, dog food, and other bulky items.
If you don’t have space to build in a bench, there are many options that can be tucked into a small mudroom. Besides the practicality of hidden storage, it’s also just a great space to have when you want to sit to remove or put on shoes…etc.
5. Bonus: Practice + Patience
And as much as I would love to say that these 4 must haves to good small mudroom design will solve all your problems, let’s be real; it’s still a small space. 😉 With a family of four, which is by no means a large family, we still bump into each other and get frustrated with the small space.
It is a constant lesson to teach our kids the simple tasks of organization to help with this problem.
- Put your shoes inside the cubby instead of on the floor in front of it.
- Hang your coat on the hook instead of throwing it on the bench.
- Hats and gloves go on your cubby shelf or in your bin instead of sopping wet on the floor.
- School papers go in the wall organizer instead of under your wet boots.
Friends! This is just life with kids. 🙂 The intentional training and teaching will never end and should be an expected part of designing any space in your home. I talk about this a lot in my book, Designing a Life: From House to Haven.
No amount of organization, planning or good design will make a space 100% functional without the intentional practice of good habits from the people who live in your home. So practice good habits and patience as your family gets on board. 😉
Mudroom Design in a Nutshell
I hope that these tips have been helpful to you! As you create your own small mudroom design plans, make sure to keep these items in mind:
- Shelf Functionality + Organization
- Hooks over coat racks
- Baskets + Wall Bins
- Storage Bench
- Consistent practice and teaching of good organizational habits
Shop Mudroom Decor
If you’re interested in some of the items I’ve used in this space you can shop my mudroom decor using the affiliate links below. Simply click the image.
