A Mudroom in 3 Easy Pieces

1. At the entry, a "Malm" table from IKEA collects different but compatible storage bins: a basket for backpacks, box-files to sort mail, kids' shoe cubbies, and a toy box for adult shoes.

For the last two decades, mudrooms have been all the rage in residential design. For good reason. Imagine a single, orderly repository for all the coats, backpacks and shoes that can overtake a home. But what to do if a home’s entry offers only a puny coat closet? Deconstruct, that’s what. Not the closet, but the notion of what a mudroom looks like.

In our 1940’s-era house, we’ve tamed the post-school & post-work piles by creating three storage areas near the entrance. Just inside the door is a place for backpacks, shoes, and mail. (photo 1).  A few strides away, a pair of bureaus holds mittens, scarves, hats, and foldable outerwear like fleece pullovers (photo 2). And our house’s original coat closet accommodates coats and boots (photo 3).  The adults’ coats go on the hanging rack, and the children’s go on pegs placed low for self-service. Above are heavy-duty hooks for purses and briefcases. The total cost of the “mudroom addition”: about $320. Matching finishes and embellishments like plants and lamps make the storage areas attractive as well as functional.

2. Matching bureaus from IKEA. Drawers hold winter accessories & umbrellas for each family member.

3. The house's original coat closet gets a fresh coat of blue paint and low pegs for the children. Wind chimes hiding among the adult coats offer notes of calm during the morning rush.