Mudroom Archives - Manor Design

This space seems to be everyone’s favorite on social media, so let’s take a closer look.

One of the most ignored spaces in builder homes are the utility spaces like the mudroom, laundry room, pantry, etc. which has never made sense to me. These are spaces you use literally every single day! So why wouldn’t you make them as functional as possible, as well as in style with the rest of the home.

This mudroom is a long rectangular space full of functionality; 9 foot closed storage with three double door locker space and shoe drawers, a coat closet fitted with the ability to add a secondary stackable washer/dryer, and a bench (pictured above) with spaces for more storage and baskets. Not to mention the super durable slate tile, Accessible Beige colored cabinetry, custom perennials bench cushion and accent designer lighting.

While this space has access to the garage, a door to the driveway to take out the trash, and immediate access into the kitchen and pantry separately so you can walk in from the garage with your groceries and drop them off into your scullery without traipsing through your house at all.

Honestly the colors and hues of this mudroom came out so dreamy. Accessible beige is such a lovely warm color that I think is such a nice alternative to white and paired beautifully with the slate. And don’t even get me started on this custom bench cushion! Of course in a durable cushion because… mudroom… but the fabric was a beyond perfect fit with the rest of the finishes: Perennials Tatton Stripe in Basalt.

As someone who personally only has a drop zone in their house, I’m a huge advocate for proper mudroom spaces. I think everyday life is just messy enough that they are absolutely needed! And this one is a dream. You can’t see any of the (potential) mess from the living areas, but it is incredible close and accessible to where it needs to be every day.

Long live a good mudroom.

I cannot tell you how much fun I had with this space. I know I’ve said it a million times already but I love designing utility areas. There is so much character you can get from the finishes, cabinetry, and flooring and it is so much fun putting it together. But beyond it looking nice, these rooms in particular have to be functional, so this post is going to cover the five essentials you need when designing a great mudroom.

I know from personal experience how annoying these spaces can be when they aren’t designed well. Ours for example? Just a drop zone, not any closed storage, and completely visible from the living room! So when you hang up your coat, put down your bag, or throw off your shoes, you can see it all. The laundry room? The door opens inward covering up over half of the cabinetry. It’s so annoying.

We had plenty of space to work with at Haverford Manor so I was lucky enough to have plenty of room to get creative as well as to fit all the essentials

1. SHOE STORAGE

I don’t think having open storage below the lockers is an awful idea, that’s what we have and I fit large baskets but it is a little messier. Having closed drawer storage for shoes keeps things much tidier.

2. COAT HOOKS

Having a spot to hang your bags and your everyday coats is a no brained and the easiest thing to incorporate. But one thing that people don’t think about is tall coat storage. If you can’t put it in the mudroom itself, try and put it close by. If you’re anything like me you have coats of all kinds of lengths and you don’t want to have to walk all around your house to get them every time you want to wear them.

3. DURABLE FLOORING

And no, durable tile doesn’t have to be boring! These herringbone brick panels were a huge hit and to be honest they looked even more beautiful when they were installed + grouted. We went with an over grouted look to really play up the rustic vibe. But most importantly, we sealed them first. You want to make sure that they are styles that are easy to clean but also can handle when you are stomping around in your boots, or when your kids drop their bag of sport equipment.

4. A SLOP SINK

For me, this is an essential. I think that to have a spot to clean gardening equipment, shoes, or maybe even your kids craft stuff!

5. COUNTER SPACE

This one is definitely a luxury, but I do find it helpful. It can serve as a drop zone to store your keys or drop your mail even if it’s just a little extra space next to your sink. We were also lucky enough to have the space for an entire separate drop zone right at the back door of Haverford Manor so that’s where they will drop their keys. But I would kill for the separate counter space in the mudroom to go through the mail, or maybe store all the returns that we constantly pack up.

THE MUDROOM FEATURING THE BOSTON LIBRARY LIGHT

If you’re looking for a design consultation on your own mudroom design, book a consultation or a discovery call to chat through your space! Our virtual design services can put all of the room finishes together and help plan out your cabinetry design with your cabinet vendor. We’re here to help!

A CLOSER LOOK: THE MUDROOM