Around 54% of Americans are overwhelmed by the amount of clutter they have, which is why building a mudroom is an effective solution.
Mudrooms are the best spot to store your family’s footwear while adding a dash of your personality. Perhaps you’re planning to build a mudroom but you’re unsure where to start.
Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here’s everything to consider when building a mudroom.
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Before you learn how to build a mudroom, it’s important to understand what it is.
This is a secondary entrance, often at the rear of the property, where you can remove sodden shoes, coats, and umbrellas before entering the main house. It’s also used as a storage area so the rest of your home stays clean and organized.
So when you’re designing a mudroom, consider the placement. Choose an area where there’s the most foot traffic such as by the entryway or in the garage.
If extra storage is your aim then find a spacious, secluded area like a basement so it doesn’t clutter your home’s exterior. Or work with what you’ve got. You could convert your front porch into a mudroom or expand it into your living space.
Homeowners with a large kitchen could convert a section into a mudroom. This is also convenient as most homes have a kitchen with a secondary entryway which works perfectly. But find a way to partition it from the rest of the kitchen, otherwise, it may look busy.
Once you’ve found the placement, divide your mudroom plan into different areas. For instance, allocate a closet for children’s car seats or strollers, and a shoe cubby for your household’s footwear.
Seating
The amount of seating will depend on your household size and how many will use the mudroom at once.
If you’ve got plenty of space, add a wall-length bench aside each family member’s cubby to contain any mess. Or, those with more space could build a single bench in the center so it ties the room together.
At the very least, when you’re decorating a mudroom, add a footstool so there one seating option.
Storage
Most homeowners want a mudroom for storage purposes. You can either add hooks to hang purses, jackets, and scarves along with personalized storage cubbies for shoes. Also, invest in a large wicker basket to slide under the bench so you can store hats or other outwear accessories.
Further, you must remember that these items will change depending on the season. Instead of chucking all your winter and beach gear into your mudroom, make sure you rotate them otherwise it will be cluttered. If you have little storage space in your main home, then install higher cabinets or shelves so you can hide out-of-season gear.
If you’ve got pets, consider where you’ll store their leashes or toys. Many homeowners even install a sink with a shower attachment to wash down Fido and muddy boots.
Lighting
Aside from considering mudroom flooring, determine the style of lights you’re after.
If you want to adorn the walls with your family photos or artwork then choose hanging lights so they don’t clutter the room. Further, if your mudroom has windows and is flooded with natural light, then choose a minimal fixture like a wall sconce.
Also, decide whether you’d rather have ambient lighting or a brighter bulb so everyone can see what they’re doing. Note, a simple way to brighten the mudroom is by choosing a light color scheme as it will make the room appear larger.
Flooring
Flooring is one of the most important aspects of your mudroom as it must withstand high foot traffic and dirty footwear. Because of this, invest in mudroom tiles as they’re slip-resistant and easy to clean.
To extend the lifespan of every mudroom tile, grab a mop, bucket filled with hot water, and mild detergent. You should regularly vacuum and clean your mudroom tiles to prevent grime from getting stuck in the grout.
If you’re not a fan of cleaning agents, then mix a cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water for a non-toxic cleanser. You should also choose patterns or darker colors, so dirt is less obvious, and throw down a rug for good measure.
You could also consider luxury vinyl plank, flooring that’s designed to resemble wood. A major bonus is you can install it yourself by gluing it down or as a click-lock product. But although this is a budget-friendly option, vinyl won’t look as good as tiles and it’s not environmentally friendly.
Regardless of which material you choose, find one that’s moisture-resistant especially if you have harsh winters. Further, factor in your household’s lifestyle so if your children play sports or you have a pet then you’ll need a more durable option.
But as a general rule, avoid carpet as it gets dirty quickly and traps bacteria. If you choose this option, then buy peel-and-stick carpet tiles so you can replace them easily and often.
Those Are Our Building a Mudroom Tips
Hopefully, after reading this article, you’re now confident about building a mudroom.
Make sure you find the most suitable location and use your family’s lifestyle as inspiration. Prioritize storage space, figure out where you’ll store seasonal gear, and choose the best flooring. But most importantly, have fun with the process. Happy building!
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