This makeover completely transformed our mudroom, allowing me to design the space exactly how I wanted. The space is now functional and inviting by optimizing storage to take advantage of the tall ceilings and creating a beautifully organized second entryway. YAY!!
So, I have wanted to redo our mudroom for years, especially with the addition of each new kid. The mudroom takes a beating daily and was in dire need of storage. Plus, we use our back door as our daily main entry, and I wanted it to be more inviting, especially when guests came over.
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You may have seen my mudroom when I discussed creating a drop-zone entryway using my IKEA pull-out drawer system. This was the second transition to the mudroom years later. But when we first bought the home, this was what the mudroom had: a closet with sliding doors and just the washer and dryer.
The first thing I did back then was take off the closet doors to open up the space. We lived in that state for a few years with a bench from IKEA and used the existing wire shelving.
Taking off the doors did change a lot to the room and make it feel more open, allowing me to add the bench for shoes, etc, and use the top for storage and a place to hang wet clothes after the wash.
My drop zone entryway was much better, but as the kids got older, their stuff got bigger, and we were more involved with sports and activities.
So it was finally time. Now you know I thrive on systems and routines, and they make my heart happy. Categorizing/organizing the shelves was a must.
My goal was to create lockers initially for all of us, but the space was too tight, so we narrowed it down to two lockers. We had to do a little demo and remove the top wall to create this, which made more space overall.
I wanted a true dropzone for my kids, especially daily for our after-school routine. They were so excited and took this new system wonderfully. They got to pick sides and everything.
But I did not just want open-ended lockers. I wanted this area to stay tidy and all the daily stuff hidden.
So we added doors with hooks inside and a shelf.
Because this room is multipurpose and serves as my daily laundry room, it had to hold all the laundry stuff and my everyday needs.
I also wanted a pretty way to display my favorite laundry detergent Molly Suds. I found these glass jars from Target and the look came out perfect. At they fit on the self I kinda did girl math on that part. Whew!
Cabinets above the washer and dryer were a must. But a tall cabinet was to hold my and my husband’s stuff and relocate all the outdoor stuff in the bins. I need that to be big enough to have balls, roller skates, my husband’s sports stuff, and travel bags.
So, all these design requirements needed a handmade touch. I searched the internet for things, but nothing fit my space or idea. I found a made-to-order furniture specialist, and we designed a design. It was an excellent experience.
The room also needed a facelift, so after discussing it with the furniture specialist, we had our plan, and I emptied the room.
I decided to go with a dark color for the cabinets, and since the room was a dark beige, I wanted to lighten up the room so the cabinets would pop. I also wanted to incorporate woven or wicker baskets into the room. I found the baskets at Dollar Tree, which was so exciting. And they worked out perfectly.
I chose a natural color for the bench seat and later added a window shelf.
Which also matched the new hanging bar I added to dry clothes.
I chose Sherwin Williams Iron Ore for the cabinet color and BEHR – Pewter Vase for the wall color.
To even out all the tones, I went with a matching carpet I got from Target. I couldn’t find a long one that matched the size, so I kept with the one I had there, which still matches.
I ended up reusing many things I was already using inside to organize, which helped cut costs. I am a girl who likes to organize on a budget and will shop my home first before I buy something. Surprisingly, my IKEA pull-out drawer system fit inside the cabinet, so my stuff and my husband’s stuff still fit inside, perfectly hidden but organized.
I found brown bins at Goodwill a while back and used them inside the cabinet over the washers and dryers to store all my O’Cedar mop heads and mop socks. I love those things!
I also purchased the Vtop organizers, which are super popular on Amazon and viral on TIKTOK. I am a huge fan and will buy more to redo my kitchen cabinets and other places. Pullout drawers are freakin awesome for organization, and I love the fact that the small space forces you to stick to the system. This is perfect for those who struggle with keeping things to a limit. At least, that is how my mind works.
I added a new rug in front of the bench and lockers to tie up the woven basket theme. It is a washable Target rug.
I am so pleased with the way this project turned out. I enjoy walking into my mudroom every day and doing laundry. My mama heart sings as the kids put all their stuff away each day after school. I no longer say, “Hey, pick up your bookbag from the floor. “Where is your laptop? Did you put your library books by your bookbag for school?” and so on.
It changed the game, and everything runs so much smoother. This is why I love creating systems. They can truly transform your daily life, and organizing things to increase productivity just makes you want to do the Happy Dance.
There are still a few minor touches that I will be making to the room, like art on the wall and a few other things. But it was long overdue.
Shop Our Mudroom
Like what we used in our mudroom space? I’ve listed everything below.
Vtopmart 4 Pack Clear Stackable Storage Drawers
Target Threshold Washable Accent Rug
I’d love to hear your thoughts! What’s one thing you would change or add to your mudroom to make it more functional? What is your favorite part of our makeover?