Part hallway, part utility room, all essential: the US style mudroom is going global. Homes from Australia to Germany are investing in these compact spaces as a smart space to keep outdoor clothing away from pristine interiors, and bridge the divide between indoors and out. Read on for stylish mudroom ideas and organisation tips to keep your mudroom looking fresh.
Although most mudroom ideas focus on the entryway at the rear of a property, this is not the only location that could work. Any area close to an entrance that can be easily partitioned is a suitable candidate. Older properties may have a basement entrance with mudroom potential and often boast more space than your average modern build, leaving plenty of room for your mudroom furniture. Similarly, a garage can be partitioned and repurposed, as can a large kitchen. Alternatively, open out your utility rooms into the entry hallway.
Mudroom by name, mudroom by nature: these spaces are prone to dirt and clutter. To keep them looking polished and clean, it’s essential to think about organisation. When drawing up a plan for your room, create practical zones that reflect how you’ll use the space; earmark an area for dressing and undressing, leaving a clear walkway in and out. Set back an area for utilities or laundering, factoring in power points and plumbing for dryers, washing machines, sinks and lighting. Use the full height of the room to integrate shelving and storage solutions.
One approach is to commission a modern, integrated unit comprising a bench, coat hooks, cupboards and shoe racks as the focal point of the room. By opting for a custom-made unit, your mudroom will feel like an organic extension of the building’s structure.
However, mudroom furniture doesn’t have to be bulky – or new. You can find plenty of antique furnishings designed for just such a space. Unsurprisingly, the Scots led the way in this department. Stylish arts and crafts hall stands in the Glasgow Style create an elegant halfway house between the clean lines of a stately home and the natural hues and organic motifs of the outdoors. Pair these with a rustic oak bench or a wooden chest with new cushions and a shoe stand for a country cottage feel.
Whether your décor is classic or modern, you need to marry your mudroom furniture with the right materials to keep it clean. That means hard-wearing floors, wipe-clean surfaces and water-resistant coatings.
A tiled floor is the ideal solution. Clean white tiles suit both classic and modern, and you can still introduce a splash of warm colour or vivid patterns to welcome guests in from the cold. What's more, they work perfectly with under-floor heating too.
Cold tiles can also be warmed up with natural textures. Rugs are great for the walkways, and wooden shelving or surfaces bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor environments. A sturdy varnish will ensure they survive the wet, although solid stone or slate surfaces require less maintenance.
To find out more about the latest interior design and mudroom ideas that are going global, visit our interior design blog.
