A mudroom is a good space to take off boots before going into the rest of the house.
Traditionally, mudrooms were larger in vintage homes located in the northern U.S. because they needed enough space to contain the bulky outerwear and boots worn to withstand the elements in that area of the country. Mudrooms in the South were generally smaller, corralling lightweight clothing and perhaps the occasional rain boots. Small or large, mudrooms are making a comeback in new construction, and home remodels and are on many home buyers' wish lists. Does this Spark an idea?
Location
Most often located near the back entrance of a home, dedicated mudrooms are barriers between the outdoors and the inside of a home. They are where family and guests shed their outside gear to prevent tracking in mud, dripping on the floor with melting snow or rain and generally avoiding cluttering up the entrance to the main part of the home. You may also set up a spot in your foyer or entrance to act as a mudroom.
Features
Ideally, a mudroom should have a bench or a couple of sturdy chairs for people to sit down and remove or put on their footwear. There should be hooks and pegs to hang wet clothing and perhaps a closet for dry jackets and coats. Shelves, storage cupboards and containers will be available to hold smaller items like mittens, hats and gloves. A basket large enough for mail and keys is also desirable. Mudrooms have easy-to-clean floors like tile, linoleum, vinyl and even indoor/outdoor carpet. The walls may be plastered or drywalled and painted or clad with wood paneling. If you choose to wallpaper your mudroom, choose paper that is moisture and tear resistant. Smaller mudroom areas, like those in foyers, entrances or outside the door on a covered porch, will have a spot to hang clothing. Pegs, hooks or a freestanding clothes rack works well. Include a rug or doormat for guests to put their footwear and, space permitting, a chair or small bench.
Decor
Just because a mudroom is utilitarian, it is still an entrance to your home and shouldn't be boring. Add a personal touch with a grouping of family pictures hung on the wall or casually clothes pinned to a length of twine or clothesline. Reserve the top of a storage cupboard to display a collection of wooden bowls or baskets. Hang a grapevine wreath on the door, or highlight the space above a window with a barn star.
Other Uses
Today, mudrooms often share space with the washer and dryer, becoming part of the laundry room. Some back entrances house pets and pet supplies while others feature shelves or pantry cupboards for food storage. If the mudroom is located close to the garden, it might have a potting area complete with sink, counter and storage space for garden supplies. A powder room off the back hall is handy for adults and children alike and prevents them from tracking through your house to use the bathroom.
Tags: clothing perhaps, hang clothing, their footwear
