Mudroom Makeover

Here’s a Mudroom/Laundry room makeover that Debra and I worked on a while back.  This room really gets a workout.  It’s the family’s primary entrance into the home since it connects the home with the garage.  This is where the family comes in, takes off their shoes, coats, bags, etc., etc., etc.  before entering the kitchen.  It also functions as the laundry room and pantry.  The room was functioning well.   Our goal, however, was  to help the homeowners make the room beautiful as well as functional.  We’re happy with the results.  Hope you like it too.

Here’s the mudroom before:

and after:

The homeowner chose a bold red for this  small space which we feel works great, particularly with the white appliances and cream-colored bins.

The shelving units were already in place as you can see from the first photo.  The homeowner had these great storage bins, perfect for hiding and storing all of the paraphernalia needed for this room.  Small chalkboard labels describe the contents of each bin.

One of our favorite details of this room is this clear canister filled with laundry detergent.  Our client had a favorite lone tea-cup that was special to her because it had been given to her by her grandmother.  Rather than keeping it hidden away in a cupboard, we brought it out and used it for a laundry scoop.  This way she can use it every day and be reminded of this special person in her life.

We did move things around a little bit in this room.  The chest freezer that you can see in the first photo was relocated to the garage.   The washer and dryer were then moved down closer to the window making room for an armoire that we moved in from the living room.  The homeowners needed more pantry space so this piece was needed  (and pretty!).  It was originally painted a mauve color but we suggested that it be painted black to coordinated with the black and white toile accents.

Here’s the space before:

and after:

Across from the washer and dryer is a closet that the homeowners were utilizing for storage and pantry overflow from the kitchen.  We really felt that this mudroom needed a place for coats, hats, boots, etc.  We suggested that the doors and the two bottom shelves be removed to create space for hooks and a bench. Fortunately, the husband is a carpenter and was able to do the work himself.  He did a great job!

Here’s how it turned out:

So much more functional and all those canned goods are now neatly tucked inside the beautiful armoire.

This is the wall that you face when walking into the mudroom from the garage.  It’s great for hanging purses, extra coats and the wall hanging for matches can hold keys.  We also love the ironstone lid for wall art – not sure where the bottom is but the lid is beautiful!

I think we accomplished our goal of marrying beauty and function.  Hope you can use some of these ideas in your own home.

Elizabeth