Karen Bradbury: Designing a Mudroom

Once the most ignored and forgotten room in the house, mudrooms have been raised to premier status in popularity for design and function when buying or renovating a home. These designated entrywaysare no longer the dirty, hidden and disorganized room you keep from friends and neighbors. According to Juanita Sicurella-Strassfield, a Stamford, CT-based Interior Designer, “Choices today are limitless and can easily be coordinated with the rest of the home to complement existing décor.”

Fabulous wood tones, solids and textures keep the design theme continuous with the style of the house. While white continues to be the most common choice for cabinetry, wood tones are growing in popularity for those who prefer a warmer look. Sicurella-Strassfield notes that greige, a combination of gray and beige, is a new color trend she is seeing with her clients. “It’s a warmer look than white, a good, malleable color that works well with both modern and traditional. And with all the door styles available, you can complete the look without a second thought.

Photos courtesy of Closet & Storage Concepts

Mudrooms today fulfill many different needs, all while being an extension of your home. Jul’s Arthur, Professional Organizer says, “The mudroom is usually the family’s point of entry into the home, the first room you walk into, so you want to create a haven and pay homage to your style, whether that means serenity or excitement in the décor. It needs to be multi-functional since it serves incoming traffic, outerwear, keys, school storage, sports equipment and recycling.” Arthur refers to this specific space as “an airport hub, serving both arrivals and departures. It’s the central gate to life, a stopping point…a grab and go room.”

Today’s custom designs utilize every square inch of space. Stylish closet units, drawers and accessories, while kicking up the look of the room, add function as well. With cubbies and hooks at lower heights and drawers with handles that fit little fingers, getting ready in the morning will be easy, breezy. Custom storage solutions can help provide a smooth start to the day instead of being harried and chaotic. Family members will know just where everything is that’s needed for the day, as well as for after-school activities.

When there’s a place for everything, and everything is in its place, peace and calm will reign supreme. Imagine starting the day stress-free. It will set the tone for the whole rest of the day.  2015 is right around the corner—perhaps a new, or newly organized mudroom, should be your New Year’s resolution?

Karen Bradbury, along with her husband Jon, own Closet & Storage Concepts in Norwalk, Connecticut. They would love to help you organize your mudroom—and every other room in your house.