What is some worthwhile DIY mudroom advice?
To make a mudroom look more cohesive and organized without tackling a full-on reno, organizational products are going to be your go-to, designers say. “Look for attractive organizers or woven baskets to corral items such as shoes, hats, gloves, and more,” Frazier suggests. “This is a great way to create a streamlined look that keeps clutter in its place.”
Renters, as well as those looking to make temporary but impactful mudroom improvements, will also want to turn their attention to hardware. Frazier recommends swapping out run-of-the-mill coat hooks or cabinet pulls for more elevated options. “These simple additions can be very effective tools for both design and functionality,” he says.
Does a mudroom add value to your home?
Incorporating a mudroom into your home is an excellent way to add value to your space. “Most homebuyers are seeking solutions already in place so that they can visualize easy living there as well,” Britt says. “Solving for common day-to-day needs is a wise investment.”
If your home doesn’t already include a mudroom and you wish to add one, keep in mind this insight from Cleveland-based Noelle Pangle, realtor with Howard Hanna. “Before investing in a costly addition, consider how long you intend to live in the home,” she advises. “Ask your local realtor to run recent comparable home sales to ensure you don’t over invest in a project you won’t see a return on.” Pangle advises her own clients not to spend more than $15,000 on cosmetic improvements if they plan to live in a home for three years or less.
Even if you don’t go full-on renovation, a mudroom or entryway is an area where you can showcase your personality, and that can bring intangible value to your home. Optimize the space that you do have. “If your home is set up in a way that doesn’t allow for a mudroom, you can always maximize a corner or back hallway with board and batten and playful wall hooks,” Pangle continues. “Anthropologie has a great assortment of eclectic hardware.”
How to decorate your mudroom?
Do not be afraid to decorate your mudroom to reflect your personal aesthetic. “A little personality and style—whether it’s modern, transitional, or traditional detailing—makes it functional, interesting, and comfortable for your personal needs,” Britt says. “Add a great punch of color or art: There’s nothing like a beautiful piece of art to welcome you back home.” Consider displaying images of soothing nature scenes that will fit the space perfectly, given that it serves as a bridge between indoors and out. The mudroom is also an excellent place in which to display family photos. If you’re stumped for mudroom ideas, consider how you approach decorating as a whole and bring in other room ideas to this space.
What should a mudroom include?
A mudroom should be both functional and stylish. As Los Angeles-based Christine Vroom, of Christine Vroom Interiors, notes: “A good mudroom should be able to organize anything thrown its way as soon as you walk in the door. A great mudroom still looks stylish amidst the chaos!” Mudrooms for busy families often include various forms of storage, such as cubbies, a coat closet, storage benches, and other tools for housing outerwear, sports equipment, and the like. “Hidden storage is underestimated when it comes to maximizing space,” says Hayley English, of Hayley English Interiors in Pasadena, California. “Think a laundry basket behind a faux drawer, pocket doors, etcetera.”
Whether a mudroom includes additional features in order to double as a laundry room or home office is up to you. “Determine the three most important uses for the space and let those drive floor plan and storage decisions,” English suggests. Britt shares some additional mudroom ideas. “Ideally, a bench or place to sit and put on shoes should always be included,” the designer says. “A large sink with prep space is great for creating floral arrangements, cleaning arts and crafts projects, or dirty shoes.” Mudrooms get dirty, so invest in a washable rug, Pangle adds.