Brigid Arnott
Originating in the US, the mudroom is creeping through the back door of Australian homes via the trend towards modern country farmhouses and The Hamptons style we’ve all come to know and love. What makes a great mudroom? We unpack the dos and don’ts of how to get yours right.
What is a mudroom?
Used as a stop-gap between the back door and the interior rooms of a home, a mudroom entryway was originally designed to collect messy dirt and snow and store belongings needed by householders for the outdoors – coats, scarves, umbrellas, boots and gloves – with the odd dog lead thrown in!
Many new homes are now being built with the inclusion of a mudroom and it’s a trend that looks set to continue. This may take the form of a space dedicated to mudroom storage or alternatively, laundries are being designed to include features such as mudroom cubbies and a mudroom bench – even a garage mudroom will alleviate the wear and tear on the home’s front entrance.
Mudroom storage cabinets
If you’re renovating or have available space in your current layout, measure up and plan to make the most of the area and start a mood board with mudroom ideas to steal from homes that inspire you. Ideally, you’ll seek out a custom-built solution to your needs – your choice for mudroom cabinets should be something that is hard-wearing and easily washed down.
DIY mudroom tips
If space and budget call for a more modest approach, adding a mudroom can be as simple as a repurposed wardrobe or bookshelf and can make a world of difference to your home organisation. You wouldn’t be the first person to create an IKEA mudroom solution by fixing hooks to the inside walls of flatpack furniture. Pimp your IKEA mudroom hack by furnishing the cavities with baskets to collect shoes and scarves and you’ll be clutter-free in no time!
Small mudroom ideas
Keep it simple in a small space with the addition of a DIY mudroom bench or storage chest to an entryway or hall space. If possible, make a hidey hole for each member of the family and label a basket with their name – this will help everyone keep things tidy and take responsibility for their own belongings.
How to decorate your mudroom
Style it up with attractive baskets and a set of matching hooks that go with your interior décor – particularly if your mudroom will be situated at the front entrance of your home. Consider adding power points for device charging and storage.
What makes mudrooms work so well is that the items housed here really don’t need to go further into the house – jackets and gumboots, hats and scarves are not needed beyond the door.
Combined mudroom and laundry ideas
A combined mud room and laundry is a logical pairing, allowing grubby sports kit to be flung directly in the washing machine or sink. Practical material choices are important, but needn’t be super-expensive.
Make use of organisational gadgets like pull-out laundry baskets, broom and mop rails and wall-mounted ironing boards.
Should you put a shower in a mudroom?
If pool users and beachgoers are regularly trekking through the back door after a swim, only to drip water over the hallway carpet, it’s worth killing two birds with one stone and installing a shower.
Including a cupboard will give ready access to clean towels, and a toilet and basin let the space serve the double purpose of allowing playing kids and green thumbs to use the facilities without tracking in mess.
How to make a mudroom pet-friendly
The mud room is the perfect place for man’s best friend, giving your dog a warm indoor space to hang while the family’s out, without allowing him the run of the whole house. A dog door to a secure backyard is a first step, along with a cosy corner for the dog bed and feeding station. Custom-built basins for washing and grooming pets are also becoming a popular design feature in modern mudrooms.
What you need in your mudroom
- Clock – for coming and going on time
- Hooks – for raincoats, jackets, hats and dog leads
- Storage baskets – for catching discarded shoes
- Doormat – for dirty shoes and boots
- Closed storage – for hiding daily mess
- Bench seat – for a comfy place to put on shoes
- Rug – for cold mornings and evenings
- Power points – for phone chargers
- Mirror – for quick touch-ups
