While having a mudroom in the house is a practice rooted in northern regions, a mudroom can be a useful room in any climate. The mudroom is a space where family members shed their wet, muddy or dusty outdoor gear before entering the remainder of the home. School backpacks, soggy boots, sports equipment, jackets, mittens and gloves, scarves and hats all land in the mudroom. In many homes the laundry room is adjacent to an outside entrance such as a garage and, by default, must double as the mudroom. By employing a few smart design features, you can help the laundry room and mudroom coexist harmoniously. Does this Spark an idea?
Flooring and Mats
A highly durable floor surface that is neither extremely dark nor extremely light keeps the mudroom looking tidier than a floor that demands constant cleaning to look fresh. Also, a large, rubber-backed floor mat can help catch dirt and mud as family members enter.
Outerwear Storage
If space permits, install a closet or even lockers. If space is tight but wall space is available, hang a board or two along a length of wall, and attach coat hooks to the boards. With one row of coat hooks hung low and one row high, children and adults can reach and hang their outerwear to dry. In very tight laundry room spaces, you can hang a sturdy closet pole or heavy dowel over the washer and dryer, and with adult assistance children can hang their jackets and sweaters to dry. A pegboard attached to a wall provides another possible solution. Use pegs to hang anything from sweatshirts to umbrellas.
Seating
A bench offers the advantage of a place to sit when you are putting on or taking off muddy boots or shoes. Sturdy benches are available commercially, including storage benches with a seat that lifts to neatly store gear out of sight. If the bench has no under-seat storage, slide attractive baskets underneath to hold board games, outdoor toys or garden gear.
Mirror
Installing a full-length mirror can make the laundry room mudroom appear larger and brighter. A mirror also allows family members to check their appearance before heading out the door to school, work or play.
Shoe or Boot Rack
When space permits, the addition of a shoe or boot rack allows family members to store footwear off the floor for a better drying opportunity.
Shelves, Cabinets and Baskets
Shelving units and cabinets help to organize the laundry room mudroom. Laundry and cleaning supplies can occupy their own shelves. Wicker or plastic baskets can contain objects that are used or grouped together. Children often enjoy having their own special basket or shelf for personal mudroom-appropriate belongings. Renovate and recycle items no longer in use in other parts of the house for mudroom use. A large garden pail can become a hockey stick holder, while a repainted wicker medicine cabinet becomes a storage center for light bulbs and flashlights.
Tags: family members, laundry room, laundry room mudroom, room mudroom, allows family, allows family members
