Whether it’s slimy sneakers and backpacks, Fido’s leash and frisbee, pruning shears and clogs, or car keys and reusable shopping bags – a mudroom is a fantastic, functional way to organize chaos.
As a parent of four children, I think every type of household could use a transitional space – families, pet owners, gardeners, city slickers – a place that contains everything you need when you’re coming or going. With the art of organization now a booming business, homeowners have tons of choices when it comes to compartmentalizing everyday clutter.
We can have a professional, like Care Free Homes, install custom cabinetry or add and reinvent a breezeway for a more usable space. Articles like, Mudrooms That Ooze Charm, offer a well thought approach to designing a mudroom. Although the writer hails from Maine, he has ideas that can be used for homes located anywhere.
Not enough room in your home or budget for a mudroom? Tame a high traffic area with an organizational piece of furniture. If you are looking for something with a little character, check out places like New England Demolition and Salvage or antique flea markets. You can discover authentic pieces or cleverly transform and repurpose flea market finds to create unique, one of a kind solutions. You might even have the perfect recipe for a new hall tree in your basement – try taking random odds and ends like old doors, knobs, cabinets, and skis and turning them into super cool coat racks. Repurpose anitique doors or dressers for a storage bench – toss in a couple wire baskets, craft a custom pillow cushion and you’ll be frugally fashionable.
Mudrooms and out of the ordinary organization can not only add beauty but stress relieving, functionality to your home. So the next time your little mucklings waddle in the house, don’t get your feathers in a bunch. Be sure to get all your ducks in row – a mudroom or organized entryway is definately all it’s quacked up to be.
*Note: Make Way for Ducklings is a wonderful children’s book written by Robert McCloskey.
