A room that was once overlooked or considered an extension of the garage, a mudroom actually plays a crucial role in the functionality of your home. Think of a mudroom like the transition into and out of your house. It’s often the first place you see, therefore it should make an impression just like any other room. Just because it’s a functional room doesn’t mean it can’t be pretty. You can add in playful details that you might not use in other parts of the house, like an unexpected paint color or bold wallpaper. When it comes to styling, incorporate items like a piece of art or oversized throw pillows — decorate it like you would other areas of your home.

Click here to see us featured in Better Homes & Gardens “8 Fresh Ways to Update Your Mudroom in 2023”.

Click here to see us featured in Forbes Home “20 Stunning Mudroom Before And Afters”.

Think About Your Lifestyle

We love to do our research — do you prefer to sit or stand when you put on your shoes? What door do you primarily use to enter and exit your home? Do you like to have a lot of accessories on hand or are you more of a minimalist? Ask yourself about how you use the space and what you wish you had before you start thinking about how to outfit the space.

Make Smart Material Choices

When deciding on materials, your lifestyle should influence your decision. For example, an older couple with no pets might want to put down a vintage rug in their entryway, while a large family with kids and pets might opt for a gorgeous slate floor. Mudrooms are hardworking rooms so make sure your finishes reflect that. The paint you use should be easy to clean and your cushions can be made with durable, indoor/outdoor fabric for extra protection against stains and spills.

Think Outside the Basket

How many pretty baskets have you seen for entryway spaces? Go beyond the average basket and opt for showstoppers like these leather bins. Instead of baskets, build in large drawers at the bottom for smaller items like hats, mittens, and scarves. Hooks don’t have to be metal either, they can be wood pegs or made from another material.

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What You See, What You Don’t

If you hate to see visual clutter, we recommend putting doors on cubbies and cabinets, we prefer not to see the pegs. But if you’re trying to teach kids to hang up their backpacks and coats, it’s smart to keep the pegs visible and easy for them to access, so think about height and placement.

Pretty, Functional Décor

Be thoughtful when designing a mudroom. Incorporate a mix of open and closed storage to display your everyday items and hide away more seasonal pieces. Finish the space with practical, pretty storage solutions like decorative bins and baskets. Add fun, unique hooks to give the space interest. Style it like any other space with pillows, art, a vintage rug, etc.

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