The following article was published in the
Vermont Home Style Magazine in October 2004
and written by Annette Besaw

Keeping the Dirt out of Your Living Room
Mudrooms Have Become a Must-Have Addition to the Family

The mudroom is probably the least celebrated place in the house. In today’s lives the front door is used very little, it is the mud room that is the hub. It works as a buffer zone to collect the dirt and grime from the outdoors and keep it separated from the rest of the house. Today’s mudrooms are growing larger and larger to incorporate upscale amenities like laundry facilities, pantry storage, upholstered benches, recycling areas, and utility sinks. But its main goal is a place for people to kick off their shoes, boots and wet clothes as well as a place to unload groceries and drop backpacks. A door mat is essential, the bigger the better and lots of closet storage is a must. Utilizing closet organizing products can make life easier and more convenient.

Deep sinks are being installed to handle gardening and craft clean up. It is a good idea to have specific storage for each person in the home. For instance a preschooler needs low storage and a place for their backpack while an adult may need a place for keys, mail, and a surface to drop their purse or briefcase on. And don’t forget the dog; this could be a place for the leash and maybe even their kennel. If you meet the storage needs for each individual person they are more apt to use it and stay organized. Be sure everything has a home; this keeps the clutter out of the kitchen. The mudroom is the first room you see when you come home at night so make the décor pleasant and fun, but make it work hard for you.

A mirror hung by the door can help you get a last glimpse of yourself before going out into the world. A message board is a good idea to keep track of your family’s schedules and for those forgotten reminders before you leave. Try using an old cabinet door to make one. Use Chalkboard paint to paint inside the raised panel. Add hooks to the bottom and trim around the outside.

Metal grids can be installed flush in the floor for a shoe cleaner and a dirt collector. An ironing board can be installed in the wall for a quick touch up. Ample storage behind cabinet doors can be used for all the miscellaneous items that have no other appropriate place. Even a second refrigerator or water fountain saves trips to the kitchen when kids are playing outdoors. A bench seat with storage underneath is a great place to sit while taking off your footwear. An old vanity can be used as well. Remove the old drawers and replace them with baskets. Make a cushion and place it on the lower middle part for a seat.

Sports equipment is better stored in the garage but if needed a vertical locker could be located in the mudroom. Shoe racks and hooks are easy items that you can install yourself. Use wall hung letter bins or baskets to drop and sort the mail for each family member. Using wooden dowels or racks for drying hats and mittens can make the winters more tolerable. An armoire can be equipped with shelves, hooks, baskets or plastic storage bins to keep things tidy. Large items like back packs could be put on the bottom.

Flooring must be easily cleanable to withstand water and grime so use vinyl, ceramic or porcelain tile, slate, or even stained concrete. Wall covering or treatments also need to repel stains and grime so use semi gloss or washable paint or if the budget allows use ceramic tile. Lighting is essential for any room so a combination of natural and artificial light should be used. “Can” lighting in the ceiling works best, or a ceiling fixture with at least a 100 watt bulb for a fairly small space.

The term “mudroom” is as old as the horse and buggy. Today they are a must for the fast-paced lives families lead today and are a crucial part of the floor plan in new homes. New home builders and old-home renovators are dedicating more money and space to create mud rooms that are well planned, high functioning, and low maintenance. Every home needs one, but unfortunately not all homes have them. The people that live without them truly understand the need and the real benefit of having one.

A. B. Transformations – Annette Besaw
Interior Designer and Professional Organizer
802-879-8353