How To Create a Magic Mudroom From Scratch

May 11, 2016

Mudroom innovative storage solutions

Not having a mudroom can be a real drawback, especially when you have kids and pets. I mean, where's all that mess supposed to go, anyway? Sometimes we just have to make do with what we've got. And in my case that would be no mudroom. We normally enter our house from the garage, and I'm guessing that many of you do, too. Unfortunately, doing that in our house lands us pretty much smack dab in the middle of the family room. No es bueno.


We used to use an LL Bean coat locker, a bench and baskets to corral all the "stuff" that gets dragged into the house on a daily basis. But once the kids got older we needed a new solution. It was a long time coming but I think I finally figured it out.



After using the same couch and love seat for over 10 years, we opted for a more modern arrangement, or what I like to call "the pit." Here it is right after it was delivered. The sectional was HUGE and warranted a new "mudroom" solution based on the new layout of the furniture.


I decided to shop the house and bring up a custom storage unit from the kids' playroom in the basement. It fit perfectly behind the couch. I shared my "Mudroom Sneak Peek" over a year ago but never got around to showing the final reveal.

Mudroom innovative storage solutions

Here it is in all its glory, immediately on your left when you enter the room. I filled the cubbies with wicker and wire baskets and bins. I also added some custom-made containers like my Ballard Hemp dog toy storage knock-off, and a DIY monogrammed bin. I was thrilled with how it fit seamlessly into the family room decor. We used the containers for all our winter accessories (gloves, hats, ear muffs, scarves), each of us having our own personal storage bin.

Mudroom innovative storage solutions

Mudroom innovative storage solutions

Mudroom innovative storage solutions

Bringing up the storage cubbies from the kids' playroom was an idea just short of genius. Even better was the fact that I placed my DIY painted bench by the door as well, just opposite the cubbies. By doing so, it allowed us to create a makeshift hallway where we could stop, kick off our shoes, drop our bags and transition into the house.

Mudroom innovative storage solutions

The bench was a project of mine a from a few years ago and it has served us well. Now it sits against the wall on the right when you enter from the garage. I added turquoise patterned seat cushions (purchased on clearance from Old Time Pottery) that go beautifully with the new turquoise-infused family room. Here you can see what it looked like with winter coats and everyday stuff dumped onto it, as well as an "After" shot that I prettied up for this post! The large mirror was a thrift store find I painted white and transformed into a coat rack.

Mudroom innovative storage solutions

Ah, if it could only look this good every day.

Mudroom innovative storage solutions

Here's a shot taken from the patio door, which is straight across from the garage door.

Mudroom innovative storage solutions

Hence my "hallway" reference. It really is like a hallway of sorts. The brown striped rugs don't match the new vibe but alas, new rugs just aren't in the budget. But that's ok. I still love the rugs. Again, it's about making the most of what you've got.

Mudroom innovative storage solutions

And as much as I loved the look of the neutral bins and baskets, I felt like a change was in order for spring. Lo and behold, I found these turquoise storage bins on clearance at Target. Boo-yah. The timing could not have been better. I just pulled out the beige bins and replaced them with the turquoise ones. It's as simple as that. Come winter I'll just revert back to the old set-up.

Mudroom innovative storage solutions

Mudroom innovative storage solutions

 Yes, those are scarves in the bottom wire bin and basket.
The wire baskets are great for storing shoes.
In case you hadn't noticed I'm a big believer in using baskets as storage!


The new bins blend in really well with the overall 
family room turquoise decor. I think they add just 
the right pop of color.


All in all I'm very happy with the new arrangement. 
So, do we have a mudroom? 

Not in the strict sense of the word. 

Do we have a place where we 
can drop our stuff without creating 
a huge mess when we enter the house? 
a/k/a A Magic Mudroom

Yes.

And that's just fine with me.


Learn to love
what youve got.

Don't forget to Pin it!

Mudroom innovative storage solutions


Kathleen

Leave a Comment!

Cecilia said...

Kathleen, I love it! We don't have a mudroom either. Our garage door opens into the laundry room that then goes into the kitchen. Our freezer is in the garage so I have that area I could add a bench to. Hm, you've got me to thinking! At the farm, it opens right into the kitchen. I do have a bench in the garage right by the door. Now if I can just train my husband to take his shoes off. Lol. Hope your week is going well!
Hugs,
Cecilia

Unknown said...

Love the look. I've got my eye on a new sectional and you've given me some great ideas.
Debbi

Christine at Little Brags said...

Hi Kathleen, wow your family room just screams personality!!! I love it!!!

My thrift store addiction said...

Great solution and use of space, Kathleen! I enjoyed seeing more of your home and where things "fit" from some of your other posts! Blessings, Cecilia

Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage said...

It looks really great Kathleen! You've created a very welcoming entrance to your space. I love all the touches of blue and turquoise.

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