Dirty Work: Elements of the Perfect Mudroom

For many (especially those with children and pets), the entryway is a constant source of stress: cluttered, dirty, messy… and it’s the very first thing that guests see when they enter (so much for first impressions!). If you’re fortunate enough to have a designated mudroom in your home, make it work for you – and if all you have is a small foyer, you can make it work for you too!

The best mudrooms feature:

• Seating: a bench or chair for easy shoe removal (just don’t let it become a pile-up point!)
• Storage: preferably a designated spot for each family member and a guest or two; cubbies (can be underneath the bench), bins, and/or compartments within easy reach of every user
• Shoe tray: for wet boots (not intended for long-term storage if you can also fit in shoe/boot storage)
• Hooks: for backpacks, purses, coats, and miscellaneous items; preferably two hooks per family member
• A drop zone: preferably with a compartmentalized bin, designated bowls or drawers, or even a pegboard for keys
• Durable, easy-clean, nonslip flooring: add a washable rug to prevent puddles and mud tracks
• Cleaning supplies: for quick and easy cleanups (after all, it’s a MUDroom)
• Good ventilation: to dry clothes quickly and get rid of lingering, persistent wet-sock odor
• Extra bins: for those stray socks and other random items that need to be returned to other areas of the house

For convenience’s sake, consider adding these elements:

• Mirror: to check for flyaway hair, stained collars, or lipstick smudges on the way out
• Clock: keep everyone running on time!
• Garbage can: so that trash doesn’t hang around cluttering up your mudroom
• Message board: for reminders, encouraging notes, and family messages
• Umbrella stand: to keep those floors dry and the umbrellas neatly contained

Most importantly, make it welcoming and fun! You and your family will be spending more time in there than you expect.

If you have free reign when it comes to designing your mudroom (lucky you!), add one (or all) of these options:

• Washing machines and/or laundry sink: just throw those damp towels right into the washer
• Pet supplies and/or cleaning station: no more muddy tracks!
• Desk or table: for last-minute permission slips, mail sorting, and paperwork management
• Camouflage: a sliding door (pocket or barn door) effectively hides the mess if you have the (minimal) space necessary