If I didn’t judge your powder room (see my last blog post to understand), it’s probably because I was too busy thinking about your mudroom.
Another fun—though often neglected—space, the mudroom is one of those hardworking rooms that deserves a little more design attention than it usually gets.
I have some thoughts. Just a few.
Here are my top three takeaways for a little mudroom magic:
1. Hooks. Hooks. And More Hooks.
Make sure you have plenty of hooks for ALL THE THINGS.
No, seriously. One hook in each cubby is practically a sin.
If you have the room, add more. Coats, backpacks, hats, dog leashes, tote bags, swim bags… maybe the swim bags are just me talking.
And don’t forget what’s behind those hooks. Make sure you have the proper structure and blocking in the wall to actually support the weight of everything your family is inevitably going to hang there. Pretty is important. Pretty that stays attached to the wall is even better.
2. Don’t Forget the “Fifth Wall”
The ceiling, of course!
It’s another blank canvas and an opportunity to continue the design rather than stopping at the walls. Do you wallpaper it? Paint it? Add crown molding? A specialty light fixture?
Or do you say yes to all of it?
I’m going with yes to all of it.
3. Don’t Be Afraid of Rich Color
Sure, white is safe. And sometimes white is exactly right.
But a mudroom is also a great place to experiment with color. Think sage green, deep blue, citrus—or even eggplant-colored cabinetry.
Because this is often a smaller, transitional space, you can make a bolder choice without committing to it throughout the entire house. And cabinetry gives you a wonderful opportunity to introduce a rich color while still keeping the room sophisticated.
Mudrooms have a job to do, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring.
So, what does your mudroom look like? Are you team white and classic, or are you ready for some color? And—most importantly—do you have enough hooks?
I’d love to know.
And if your mudroom could use a little magic, I might just know a designer who can help.
Wink, wink.
I’d love to hear your comments or what provides magic in your own mudroom space. Shoot me a note at [email protected].
