I personally wouldn't put a refrigerator in the mud room, because it would get in the way of the function of the mud room. Let the mud room have it's own identity. My next thought about the door you don't use, could you take it out, sense you don't use it? if it is used at all then the space needs to be designated for walking. My last thought is a long body length mirror by the back door, so everyone can be sure they look great before they leave. good luck.

Thanks for your good advice! Agree we prob don't need to put fridge in there.

Are WALL CABINETS and PANTRY CABINETS changing to bench/cubby space? The pocket door to pantry may limit what you can hang on the wall. I'd change the door to hinged door or lose the door entirely. Can the existing door that is rarely used be closed off?

Most of our mudrooms combine taller storage for coats/bags along with a bench next to it with cubbies underneath for shoes.

I'd suggest a taller cabinet in the door next to the entrance way with a bench extending from the left side, cubbies underneath, and a hook strip above the bench for hanging misc items.