Mudroom Organization

Is fall coming already? All the recent back to school supply ads have inspired me for this month's blog topic. Mudroom organization; creating space where there is none and everything having a place. As we all know, when back to school starts the key to a pleasant morning is organization. This starts long before having the proper binder or pencil holders at school. Rushing to get out the door, finding the shoes and jacket you want to wear, and making sure you know where your backpack is key to the sanity of most parents. Revamping your mudroom with the mind for organization is often overlooked, but it’s cost-effective and a stress relieving project. Even converting your existing hall closet into a built in bench and cubby area will transform much of your unused disorganized space into a well-crafted functional design spaced in the home. Below are a couple of tips we incorporate into all of our mudroom designs.

1. Hooks are easier to hang things on for kids. Whether it's jackets or backpacks your children are much more likely to hang something if it's on the hook as opposed to having to put it on a hanger.

2.  Individual cubbies. If you have your own space and are responsible for it it's easier to keep it clean and organized. Children do best when they can take ownership of something. Perhaps you can even personalize it with their name or to their tastes.

3. Include a bench whenever possible. Having a place to sit down and tie shoes is important for both young children learning how to tie and grown-ups with aging bodies trying to buckle platform heels!

4. Baskets work great for putting lots of little things in. Hats, mittens and scarves become easy to find when they're placed in each person's own basket.

5. Finally make it pretty! Perhaps the most satisfying part of any mudroom remodel. Don't forget design personality and to make it your own! One of our favorite techniques to do is wallpaper the back of the entry bench. It provides a splash of color and detail that you don't ordinarily see. This combined with the contrasting fabric on the bench elevates the look of the whole space. Hopefully, most importantly if you like what you see as you're walking out the door it may make you have a little bit of a brighter day.

I hope these ideas and pictures give you inspiration to get organized before fall. Enjoy the remaining lazy days of summer by knowing that you have planned for the most important redo; the one to make your life easier.

Angela