6 New Mudrooms With Great Storage Ideas
Designers, including one found on Houzz, share the details of entries with ample storage that keeps everything organized
A mudroom, as the name implies, is a room set up to prevent mud from getting past an entryway. But homeowners today need these spaces to tackle so much more than dirty boots. Shoes, hats, coats, mittens, mail, keys, sports gear, dog leashes — an entry needs to handle it all. Here, design and remodeling professionals share storage details in six hardworking mudrooms.
2. Handsome Hub
Designer: Angela Barnhart of White Birch Design
Location: Hopkins, Minnesota
Size: 236 square feet (22 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This coat storage and desk area was part of a larger kitchen remodel,” says designer Angela Barnhart, whose client found her on Houzz. “Within the original design, three doors, including the door from the garage, opened right into the kitchen with no space whatsoever for jackets, shoes, mail and keys. It was a definite pain point for our clients and one they hoped we could find a way to remedy.
“As no walls were removed in this remodel, we had to think creatively to deliver on their wishes. Within the new design, we reclaimed space previously occupied by cabinetry and a built-in oven to create not only a coat and shoe storage area but the adjoining small desk area as well. The new desk and coat area serve as the perfect catchall space for entry from the garage while helping gracefully meld the doorways and kitchen.”
Special features. “Small but packing an organizational punch is how we like to describe this area,” Barnhart says. “Features include a bench with built-in shoe storage, coat hooks, open cubbies and upper cabinets for storage of daily outerwear. Meanwhile, the small desk area with additional upper cabinetry offers up a designated place for dropping the mail or writing a note as you leave.
“Designed to blend with the adjacent kitchen space, the bench and adjoining desk are finished in Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue, while the upper cabinetry features Sherwin-Williams Snowbound white. Alabaster White quartz countertops and Forge Hardware’s Paris cabinet hardware complete the space.”
Designer tip. “Especially when working with a tight layout, don’t automatically assume you can’t have a feature you desire based on space,” Barnhart says. “We find that with a bit of creativity, we can almost always deliver on a homeowner’s request. And by sticking to the same finishes and hardware, it’s easy to blend the new feature or area effortlessly with the rest of the space.”
Flooring: solid red oak; wall paint: Agreeable Gray, Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Angela Barnhart of White Birch Design
Location: Hopkins, Minnesota
Size: 236 square feet (22 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This coat storage and desk area was part of a larger kitchen remodel,” says designer Angela Barnhart, whose client found her on Houzz. “Within the original design, three doors, including the door from the garage, opened right into the kitchen with no space whatsoever for jackets, shoes, mail and keys. It was a definite pain point for our clients and one they hoped we could find a way to remedy.
“As no walls were removed in this remodel, we had to think creatively to deliver on their wishes. Within the new design, we reclaimed space previously occupied by cabinetry and a built-in oven to create not only a coat and shoe storage area but the adjoining small desk area as well. The new desk and coat area serve as the perfect catchall space for entry from the garage while helping gracefully meld the doorways and kitchen.”
Special features. “Small but packing an organizational punch is how we like to describe this area,” Barnhart says. “Features include a bench with built-in shoe storage, coat hooks, open cubbies and upper cabinets for storage of daily outerwear. Meanwhile, the small desk area with additional upper cabinetry offers up a designated place for dropping the mail or writing a note as you leave.
“Designed to blend with the adjacent kitchen space, the bench and adjoining desk are finished in Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue, while the upper cabinetry features Sherwin-Williams Snowbound white. Alabaster White quartz countertops and Forge Hardware’s Paris cabinet hardware complete the space.”
Designer tip. “Especially when working with a tight layout, don’t automatically assume you can’t have a feature you desire based on space,” Barnhart says. “We find that with a bit of creativity, we can almost always deliver on a homeowner’s request. And by sticking to the same finishes and hardware, it’s easy to blend the new feature or area effortlessly with the rest of the space.”
Flooring: solid red oak; wall paint: Agreeable Gray, Sherwin-Williams
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3. Masterful Mix
Designer: Meadowlark Design+Build
Location: Detroit area
Homeowners’ request. Combine a front entryway and foyer to create one clutter-free space with improved storage for muddy boots, winter coats and sports gear without jeopardizing style.
Special features. Custom wall-to-wall built-ins with cabinets, drawers and open shelves. Walnut bench with drawers for hats and gloves and with a designated shoe area. Walnut countertop for bags or vase of flowers.
The open storage on the right is for dog leashes, coats, grooming items and treats.
Cabinets: Keyline, Crystal Cabinets
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Designer: Meadowlark Design+Build
Location: Detroit area
Homeowners’ request. Combine a front entryway and foyer to create one clutter-free space with improved storage for muddy boots, winter coats and sports gear without jeopardizing style.
Special features. Custom wall-to-wall built-ins with cabinets, drawers and open shelves. Walnut bench with drawers for hats and gloves and with a designated shoe area. Walnut countertop for bags or vase of flowers.
The open storage on the right is for dog leashes, coats, grooming items and treats.
Cabinets: Keyline, Crystal Cabinets
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4. Creative Cubbies
Designer: Jenica Roesner of Rosehouse Design | Build
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 49 square feet (4.6 square meters); 7 by 7 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners didn’t have a mudroom in their home before we renovated,” designer Jenica Roesner says. “They needed a space to sit and store shoes, hats and coats next to their new side entry door. They love built-ins, so that look was a must in the space.”
Special features. “Shoes come in all shapes and sizes, so we made two types of spaces for easy removal and storage,” Roesner says. “Boot-height storage takes up half the space, and the smaller shoe storage areas are divided into his-and-her cubbies. He has lots of hats, so the shelves above the bench made a great way to store and organize those. Next to the bench is a coat closet with a drawer below.
“The homeowners selected an Interceramic wood-look tile for the main flooring of their 800-square-foot addition, which meant we didn’t need to switch up the flooring material in the mudroom,” Roesner says. “It’s a great, durable choice for a growing family with a dog. The deep purple tone of the built-ins was selected as a complementary tone to finishes chosen in the adjacent laundry room and to the wood tones of the floor tile. The gold cabinet pulls then give everything a nice pop.”
Designer tip. “This room is partially visible to the main living area of the home, so making it organized, aesthetically pleasing and complementary to the colors and styles of the surrounding rooms was key in maintaining a cohesive design,” Roesner says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “We got stuck trying to decide if the paint color in this room should match the color of the built-ins in the adjacent living space,” Roesner says. “Instead we gave it its own color. In the end, it was the right choice because it added a whole other level of depth as you walk through the different spaces of the home.”
Floor tile: Norway in Finnmark Brown, Interceramic; cabinet paint: Mysterious, Benjamin Moore; wall paint: Blackened, Farrow & Ball; project photos: Avery Nicole Photography
How to Organize Your Entryway on Nearly Any Budget
Designer: Jenica Roesner of Rosehouse Design | Build
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 49 square feet (4.6 square meters); 7 by 7 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners didn’t have a mudroom in their home before we renovated,” designer Jenica Roesner says. “They needed a space to sit and store shoes, hats and coats next to their new side entry door. They love built-ins, so that look was a must in the space.”
Special features. “Shoes come in all shapes and sizes, so we made two types of spaces for easy removal and storage,” Roesner says. “Boot-height storage takes up half the space, and the smaller shoe storage areas are divided into his-and-her cubbies. He has lots of hats, so the shelves above the bench made a great way to store and organize those. Next to the bench is a coat closet with a drawer below.
“The homeowners selected an Interceramic wood-look tile for the main flooring of their 800-square-foot addition, which meant we didn’t need to switch up the flooring material in the mudroom,” Roesner says. “It’s a great, durable choice for a growing family with a dog. The deep purple tone of the built-ins was selected as a complementary tone to finishes chosen in the adjacent laundry room and to the wood tones of the floor tile. The gold cabinet pulls then give everything a nice pop.”
Designer tip. “This room is partially visible to the main living area of the home, so making it organized, aesthetically pleasing and complementary to the colors and styles of the surrounding rooms was key in maintaining a cohesive design,” Roesner says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “We got stuck trying to decide if the paint color in this room should match the color of the built-ins in the adjacent living space,” Roesner says. “Instead we gave it its own color. In the end, it was the right choice because it added a whole other level of depth as you walk through the different spaces of the home.”
Floor tile: Norway in Finnmark Brown, Interceramic; cabinet paint: Mysterious, Benjamin Moore; wall paint: Blackened, Farrow & Ball; project photos: Avery Nicole Photography
How to Organize Your Entryway on Nearly Any Budget
5. Moody Moment
Designer: Teresa Fadelli of Gatherhouse
General contractor: Slarve Construction
Location: Lafayette, California
Size: 60 square feet (5.6 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted a space off the garage where they could drop backpacks and shoes,” Lindsay Slarve of Slarve Construction says.
Special features. Dark gray paint with blue undertones (Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball). Push-to-open hidden cabinet above. Shoe storage below and hooks for backpacks and coats. Natural white oak floating shelf and matching bench top. “The brick floor was installed so that the hardwood floors would not be damaged in a heavily trafficked area,” Slarve says. “These clients were very particular about the layout of the cabinetry and its height. They worked with our in-house cabinet shop to make sure everything was custom to their needs.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Challenging moments in this room included making sure the floor depth was correct — because we were using brick — to be flush with the hardwood floor in the surrounding rooms, and using just the right amount of grout to achieve the desired result,” Slarve says.
Flooring: Rushmore thin brick herringbone, Floor & Decor
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Designer: Teresa Fadelli of Gatherhouse
General contractor: Slarve Construction
Location: Lafayette, California
Size: 60 square feet (5.6 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted a space off the garage where they could drop backpacks and shoes,” Lindsay Slarve of Slarve Construction says.
Special features. Dark gray paint with blue undertones (Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball). Push-to-open hidden cabinet above. Shoe storage below and hooks for backpacks and coats. Natural white oak floating shelf and matching bench top. “The brick floor was installed so that the hardwood floors would not be damaged in a heavily trafficked area,” Slarve says. “These clients were very particular about the layout of the cabinetry and its height. They worked with our in-house cabinet shop to make sure everything was custom to their needs.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Challenging moments in this room included making sure the floor depth was correct — because we were using brick — to be flush with the hardwood floor in the surrounding rooms, and using just the right amount of grout to achieve the desired result,” Slarve says.
Flooring: Rushmore thin brick herringbone, Floor & Decor
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
6. Walnut Welcome
Designer: Karen Javier and Rachel Alcorn of Two Hands Interiors
Location: Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Homeowners’ request. “This was a large-scale home renovation with a loose midcentury modern design vibe,” designer Rachel Alcorn says. “This mudroom bench is directly off the back door that the family uses for everyday in and out. It needed to be a drop zone for coats, shoes, backpacks, etc., but also look great since it is a part of the kitchen visually.”
Special features. “The bench and slat wall were custom-designed by us and fabricated out of walnut by the construction team,” Alcorn says. “The open bench allows for baskets as needed for storage but keeps flexibility versus built-in storage drawers or cubbies.
“The walnut slat feature is repeated on the kitchen range hood and island in this open-concept space. Repeating that element ties the design together and gives a wow moment as you enter the home.”
The textile, hat, basket and kilim pillow are all vintage.
Designer tip. “Most homeowners default to white cabinetry in mudrooms,” Alcorn says. “However, white cabinetry actually just makes the ‘stuff’ stand out — backpacks, shoes, jackets, etc. all pop against white, making it what you really notice. Introducing texture or color, as in the walnut material here, allows the eye to move around and gives a focus other than all the things that get dropped in a mudroom.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We didn’t love the idea of breaking up the beautiful walnut slat wall with traditional coat hooks,” Alcorn says. “Instead, the carpenter crafted simple minimal pegs that integrate seamlessly with the wall. They are functional but don’t stand out.”
More on Houzz
Read more entryway stories
Browse more entryway photos
Find a local remodeling or decorating professional
Shop for entryway products
Designer: Karen Javier and Rachel Alcorn of Two Hands Interiors
Location: Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Homeowners’ request. “This was a large-scale home renovation with a loose midcentury modern design vibe,” designer Rachel Alcorn says. “This mudroom bench is directly off the back door that the family uses for everyday in and out. It needed to be a drop zone for coats, shoes, backpacks, etc., but also look great since it is a part of the kitchen visually.”
Special features. “The bench and slat wall were custom-designed by us and fabricated out of walnut by the construction team,” Alcorn says. “The open bench allows for baskets as needed for storage but keeps flexibility versus built-in storage drawers or cubbies.
“The walnut slat feature is repeated on the kitchen range hood and island in this open-concept space. Repeating that element ties the design together and gives a wow moment as you enter the home.”
The textile, hat, basket and kilim pillow are all vintage.
Designer tip. “Most homeowners default to white cabinetry in mudrooms,” Alcorn says. “However, white cabinetry actually just makes the ‘stuff’ stand out — backpacks, shoes, jackets, etc. all pop against white, making it what you really notice. Introducing texture or color, as in the walnut material here, allows the eye to move around and gives a focus other than all the things that get dropped in a mudroom.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We didn’t love the idea of breaking up the beautiful walnut slat wall with traditional coat hooks,” Alcorn says. “Instead, the carpenter crafted simple minimal pegs that integrate seamlessly with the wall. They are functional but don’t stand out.”
More on Houzz
Read more entryway stories
Browse more entryway photos
Find a local remodeling or decorating professional
Shop for entryway products
Designer: James Phillip Golden Architect
Location: Osterville, Massachusetts
Size: 128 square feet (12 square meters); 8 by 16 feet
Homeowners’ request. “They wanted an area that was a central arrival point allowing for everyone coming from the beach, the garage, the pool or the golf course to be able to have a place to drop off goods, to get towels or necessary items, while also still separate from the main space,” architect James Phillip Golden says.
Special features. “We have a pair of tall built-ins flanking the central bench with cubbies and hooks,” Golden says. “The runner is a shade of blue that is echoed throughout the house. The seafoam green is echoed in the kitchen wall tiles and reminds the client of spring and summer.
“We popped the ceiling up, making it a cathedral for the mudroom, allowing it to feel more spacious and grand,” Golden says. “The built-ins were hidden off to one side, allowing there to be a clear path of travel that everyone’s goods won’t block the flow of traffic. The central pendant light and bench cushion have a similar shade of blue found throughout the house and are of a softer texture, giving the space a softness.”
Designer tip. “For a transitional space like this, always allocate more space than you’d think necessary,” Golden says. “So often you’d find bags, shoes, towels in the way, and having designated areas to put dirty clothes, shoes, while keeping them handy, helps to make the space more useful.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Some of the more elderly family members might need the use of a wheelchair to get around, so we had to make the space larger, and choosing to find ingenious ways of gaining space for travel were challenging,” Golden says.
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