How to add a picture-perfect mudroom at any budget

Key insights:

• Whether planning to sell or stay put, the mudroom is a smart area to invest in.
• Include unique storage options in your mudroom, like benches and hooks, to help maintain a sense of order.
• Consider painting the walls or cabinets in your mudroom to freshen the space.

A mudroom is often the hardest working space in any home — and that’s especially true given the various seasons in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. But, this room can be more than something you pass through on your way in and out of your garage — a mudroom can also be a bright, fun space that allows your family to stay organized.

Here’s everything homeowners need to know when remodeling an existing mudroom or repurposing a different space in the house to arrange coats, jackets, bags and more.

Start from the ground up

The mudroom acts as a transitional space between the outside world and the interior of your home. As you’ll pass through this space multiple times a day, it’s important to select a floor material that can keep up with the constant in and out traffic. Consider these materials for your mudroom:

• Ceramic tile
• Hardwood
• Wood laminate

These three floors can handle wear and tear, and they wipe down easily after muddy or snowy days. If you’re looking to upgrade the space even further, heated floors could also be added to this space.

Rugs are another ideal way to spruce up a mudroom that needs extra warmth or color. Just make sure the rugs you choose can be easily tossed in your home’s washing machine.

Pop on a new wall color

An inexpensive way to bring new life to a mudroom is through wall colors. Try embracing a current wall trend, like creating an accent wall with patterned wallpaper or the 2022 Color of the Year.

Another way to embrace color in the mudroom is by painting cabinets. If you already have built-in storage fixtures in the space, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint. This could be an especially smart option if you’re planning to sell in the near future, as buyers want painted and picture-worthy cabinets for storage.

Try these sneaky storage options

Shoes

Optimize storage in your mudroom closet with shoe racks and boot trays. Both of these storage devices are conveniently available at most big box stores and larger hardware stores.

And, if the smell of snow-logged boots or your most-loved running shoes is beginning to permeate the air, try to to eliminate odors in your mudroom with one of the following:

• Vinegar solution
• DIY odor absorber
• Dehumidifier

Jackets and bags

The mudroom is a convenient location to store your jackets and bags. Storing your most-worn outerwear in the mudroom will allow you to quickly toss on a coat before heading out the door or hang it up on your way into the home.

To keep jackets and bags organized, add hooks to an empty mudroom wall. This way, each member of the family can have a designated spot for their belongings — keeping items easy to locate and the room clear of clutter.

Benches

Benches are a staple of the modern mudroom, and most of them have storage solutions underneath. Consider buying a bench with divided cubbies so your family members can store their hats, mittens and other outdoor gear in a dedicated space when they return home.

Cabinets and lockers

If you have a bigger budget and space, you can nix the bench and hooks and add built-in tall cabinets or lockers for each member of your family. This is a more chic option, as the chaos of jackets, scarves, bags and shoes will be hidden behind closed doors.

The extra appeal of a mudroom

When it comes time to sell your home, your mudroom may be an appealing room to potential buyers. This hard-working area can be a good investment for your family in the coming months and an added attractive feature at resale, too.

Get in touch with Edina Realty or your agent to discuss the next steps in your homeowner journey. And, check out our Mudrooms and Laundry Rooms board for more inspiration on creating a Pinterest-perfect mudroom.