MARVELOUS MUDROOMS

The rain sets in, Flowers bloom, and the mud comes in!

The majority of homes today have a transition area from the outdoors to the indoors. Some are large and some are not. It is the space where family members, drop their bags, shed coats and deposit dirty shoes and boots. Dripping umbrellas and boot puddles abound and we need to make the most of the floor space available. It certainly is a well named space.

A full room, while it would be nice, isn't essential to making it work for you. It may be a corridor into the kitchen while more often the area incorporates the laundry facilities, basement access or the back door to the yard and pool.

We need to store our stuff. Backpacks, briefcases, hats and mitts. Sports equipment and small toys. Dog leashes and towels for cleaning dirty feet. Does this sound familiar? I'm sure it does.
Regardless of the size or style of the mudroom, a little innovation and practical use items along with a cheerful colour scheme will brighten the introduction to your home.

First step to conquering the mudroom is to envision how the space is needed to function. There are a few basic steps to get going.

1. What is absolutely essential to have there?
2. Access the space available.
3. Measure and plan.
4. Action

What is essential?

Who uses the area?
What do they bring in and need on a daily basis?
How does the space relate to other needs, i.e. Laundry?

Access the space.

First thing – empty the stuff and clutter you have.
Determine available space.
Can furniture be added? storage bench, a small chest of drawers or desk
Is there wall space available for shelves or hooks?
Can built in unit with cubbies make better storage?
Mirrors not only are great for last minute touch ups but add dimension to the space.

Measure and plan.

Measure the area to determine how much room there is.
Can the closet be divided or add another rod and shelf?
Should the closet be removed?
Placement of hooks, baskets and shelves
How does it all fit in?
Draw the room to scale. It gives perspective.

Action

Will you do the work yourself or hire someone?
A fresh approach may provide you ideas never considered.

When making the mudroom into a multiple use area there are things to take into consideration. If the laundry is in the space is it possible to add a cabinet with counter surfaces that can carry over the washer and dryer? Upper cabinets installed for storage of cleaning products and additional general household items. The recycle centre can be great for things like pet food, potting soils, small outdoor toys such as balls, Frisbee and gloves, as well as the cans, bottles and papers. The addition of a pantry cabinet can provide overflow storage for kitchen dry goods or easy snack access for children. Utilize bins inside cabinets to keep the area looking neat. It is an easily cluttered area but using closed units aid dramatically.

Divide and conquer. Removing the closet is often a good solution to making the most of the mudroom. It provides an area where benches with wall hooks and baskets can give each child there own area for coat, backpack, shoes and hats. Hang their picture inside and vary the height of the hooks to allow for personalized space and easy accessibility. Small children can't reach high shelves but they will use the basket or shelf under their bench. Locate the dogs leash and towel close to the door. For adults, keys and phones should have their designated area eliminating the search when ready to go out again.

Often the mudroom closet is stuffed to the point of bursting and we forget there is a closet at the front door. Using that space, not just for guest coats, but it can be fantastic storage for dress coats and items less used but needed. When the seasons change, it is time to clear out and store. Making the transition from winter to spring lessens the bulk too. If children won't fit into the same items next year, clean them and pass them along to those in need. If you haven't worn a coat or boots all season consider doing the same for adult items.