A good mudroom design has a balance of function and style, as these are the core elements of what it takes for a good design. Many long to have a mudroom in their home, often inspired by perfectly curated photos on Instagram and Pinterest. Here are some common oversights you may want to consider when designing your dream mudroom.
NOT CONSIDERING THE MINIMALIST
If you are easily bothered by exposed clutter, you will want to ensure you have some closed-door storage in your mudroom design. Exposed hanging hooks for coats and bags, are great for quick access, however it’s easy for them to get cluttered. Overloading coat hooks and hanging too many items on them can be anxiety inducing for a minimalist.
Social Media plays a big role in showcasing perfectly staged and styled mudrooms, but that can be very unrealistic for some people and stressful to maintain in the long-term. Again, if you are bothered by clutter, having a closet or a tall pantry to put items away might be a better design solution.
NOT PLANNING YOUR REQUIREMENTS FIRST
All great projects start with a plan, which is why it’s recommended to detail your storage requirements before you start designing with your Professional Cabinet Designer. For example, if you need storage for 30 pairs of shoes, your designer will want to know this in advance. Many overlook this important step of cataloging their needs and often focus on filling the wall space with cabinets and then filling them afterwards, rather than planning for the items that need to be stored in this area.
NOT ACCOUNTING FOR JUNK
For some, the mudroom is the inevitable junk collection zone. This is often due to the location, as most are right upon entry into the home. Most times, mudrooms end up as a transitional area for mail, flyers, receipts, glasses, and junk. Mainstay items such as keys, wallets and purses should also be considered, so they have an intentional place to go within the design, and don’t end up cluttering up the space or even misplaced. Accepting the fact that these items will reside in your mudroom is the first step, next comes careful planning with your professional cabinet designer to plan and incorporate them.
OVERLOOKING ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Incorporating a charging area for electronic devices and considering electrical plugs in a custom mudroom is an easy step to be overlooked.
For example, if you would like a smart home speaker for voice control home automation, you are going to need some extra electrical plugs and to plan where it should go. As people become more dependent on electronic devices, it is important not to overlook this important planning step.
FORGETTING ABOUT WET ITEMS
Having to deal with wet clothing in a mudroom is unavoidable. Planning for proper aeration for wet items is an easy planning step to forget about. If you live where there is ample moisture from rain or snow, this is especially important to consider. In this case, consider adding open baskets for items to properly dry out.
Cabinetry and moisture should never be combined. Wet items or moisture exposure of any kind will cause premature cabinet damage, which will not be covered under warranty.
THE SEATING TOP WILL GET DAMAGED
Many mudroom designs have a bench seat, perfect for sitting down to put on shoes. It’s easy to not account for the fact that the exposed seating top will get damaged from use. Jean rivets, keys, and setting items on top of the seating area are the most common culprits of damage.
If you don’t want things to get damaged, consider putting a custom upholstered cushion on top. Be sure to consider the cushion height to ensure your final seating height is optimal.
Another option is to consider a more durable substrate material for the flat seating area. Laminate/Melamine [TFL] Finishes, and other Wood Alternatives can be a great option due to their increased durability and forgiveness. Finishes with a woodgrain pattern can also be forgiving from scratches, due to the pattern and color variation of the material.
EXPOSED WALLS WILL GET DAMAGED
You will often see the wall behind the hooks clad with a finished panel or shiplap for that perfect “Instagram worthy” look. This is for aesthetic and protective reasons, as exposed walls can easily get damaged from hanging items such as coats and backpacks. Some opt for no back panel and leave the painted wall for a pop of color, to save cost, or for a minimal look, but don’t overlook this important item if you don’t like scuffed up walls.
SUMMARY
Mudrooms are typically located in high traffic zones and it’s important to invest time into proper planning before you get designing. Try to imagine all seasons and scenarios of how the space will be used. While it can be extremely challenging to have an open mudroom concept that is free of clutter, it’s not impossible. If you are someone who gets easily stressed from clutter, consider closed-door storage to hide items. Always work with a Professional Cabinet Designer to ensure that your needs, budget, and lifestyle are accounted for which will better ensure you get your dream mudroom space.
Click here to see the entire Mudroom Gallery by Superior Cabinets.
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