Preparing for the back-to-school rush? Designers suggest these improvements to transform your mudroom into a functional workspace
In the whirlwind of the back-to-school season, keeping your mudroom organised and clutter-free is essential. Here are some upgrades that will help you achieve just that.
A storage bench with a stained hardwood or solid surface top is recommended for durability. It provides a comfortable spot to put on shoes and hidden storage for school items. A freestanding hall tree with hooks for coats, a drawer below, and shelves above for maximum storage is available in five different colours.
Utilising wall space is another important factor in maintaining a tidy mudroom. Hook boards transform unused wall space into convenient spots for jackets, bags, and accessories for quick grab-and-go. Hanging shelving units for cubbies or mounting hooks for coats can make every inch of the space useful.
Vertical storage options like hall trees, tall cabinets, and overhead lockers help maximise limited space for off-season gear or backpacks. A tall cabinet with lots of storage space, each unit designated to a family member, can serve as a statement piece of furniture. Incorporating cabinetry modifications can create a built-in pet crate that blends seamlessly into the cabinetry.
Closed storage, such as lockers or tall cabinets, can help keep the mudroom clean and prevent visual clutter. Wallpapering the mudroom with a climbing vine motif from Farrow & Ball can add style and elegance to the space.
To streamline mornings, it's important to designate a spot in the hall tree or tall cabinet for each family member. Designating a cubby or hook for each family member in the mudroom can help organise the space and make mornings less chaotic.
Interior designer Katherine Pierce suggests opting for a stained hardwood bench top that can be sanded and re-stained easily over the years, or a solid surface or stone top that can withstand usage. A hall tree with shelves below, magnetic doors, a bench, hooks for coats, and more shelving at the top is ideal for back-to-school season.
Incorporating a water bottle filling station in the mudroom can make back-to-school mornings easier and help children remember to stay hydrated throughout the day. This can include an ice maker, a small sink with filtered water, or a wall-mounted water bottle filler, and a place to store water bottles within easy reach of children.
A well-designed mudroom can help streamline daily routines and reduce stress caused by clutter. Labeled hooks, hidden drawers, and a proper bench keeping items from migrating to other areas of the home are all essential components of a functional mudroom. A classic paint colour like Benjamin Moore's Gentleman's Gray can hide scuffs and add a sense of calmness to the mudroom.
By implementing these upgrades, you can create a multifunctional and durable mudroom area tailored to handle the demands of the school season efficiently.
A thoughtful addition to your mudroom for improved lifestyle and home-and-garden aesthetics could be a hall tree with shelves below, magnetic doors, a bench, hooks for coats, and more shelving at the top, according to interior designer Katherine Pierce. To further enhance organization and streamline mornings during the back-to-school season, consider incorporating a designated water bottle filling station, such as an ice maker, a small sink with filtered water, or a wall-mounted water bottle filler, all within easy reach of children.
