This Family of 6’s Mudroom in Their 100-Year-Old Home Is a Game-Changer
You might have had that special experience where all you’re looking forward to is walking through your front door to the warm embrace of your home. Immediately, a sense of calm washes over, and as you hang up your jacket and drop your keys into the designated bowl, it might feel like layers of stress are being peeled back, too.
Speaking of de-stressing, that wave of tranquility might not be as strong if you walk into a cluttered entryway. One such storage solution can disguise those messes — especially if you have kids and pets. Meet a mudroom.
The beauty of mudrooms is that they don’t necessarily have to be a designated room, despite the name, and they can be designed to fit your needs and the space (this IKEA find works wonders in mudrooms!). It’s a space that works for whoever designs it — it can be a place to store bulky winter wear, hang reusable shopping bags, or, if it’s outfitted with a bench, it can be a spot to sit down and take your shoes off.
A mudroom means different things depending on who the space serves. For Jessica and Justin, who live in this eclectic Tacoma, Washington, home with their four children, their mudroom replaced an unused closet. After living in the home for 14 years, the couple decided to do some renovations: one important project was creating a mudroom area in their entryway.
Jessica designed the mudroom area and had builders bring the built-in to life. Benjamin Moore’s Simply White on the walls allows the built-in, which is a deep blue color, to be the space’s focal point. A vintage rug and a pendant light by Leanne Ford for Target (which is no longer available) make the area feel cozy and welcoming.
But Jessica and Justin’s mudroom isn’t just stunning, it’s extremely functional — especially for a family of six. For instance, four three-arm KÄMPIG hooks from IKEA are a great place for easy-to-reach items like jackets, bags, or hats. There are cut-outs for the family’s shoes, a closet space that likely holds bulkier items, and even woven baskets on the top for additional storage. The mudroom has likely contributed to the biggest compliment that Jessica receives about their home.
“That our house is always clean (not true, but my kids have had chores since they were little, and they do a lot to help maintain order around here),” Jessica said of the comment she receives most about their home at the time of the tour. “It’s not a ton of space for such a big family, so we try to keep things picked up and clean. Plus, it helps keep me sane.”
The mudroom isn’t the only incredible feature in Jessica and Justin’s home. To see more, visit the full home tour.