Mudroom organization tips for when the cold hits
By Jo-Ann Capelaci on Nov 02, 2016
Is your mudroom or entry area ready for the impending chill that will soon take over the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and all of Southern Ontario? Soon there will be hats, scarves, gloves, mitts, boots and coats that will need a home. And you may have sports equipment too! Sorry to bring this up! I have put together five mudroom organization tips to consider for the onslaught of extra apparel.
1) Storage
Via Pinterest
To be organized is the first essential to preparing your mudroom for cooler weather. Plan your space for your specific lifestyle to ensure the room functions effectively. This will save you time looking for things and in clean-up.
Make a list of everything you will need to access when arriving or leaving your home. If you have two entrances, such as a front door and a garage door/mudroom, decide which items will be stored in each area. Then group items and store in cabinets and baskets or hang if preferred.
Some open and some closed storage may work for you and your family. For example, if you want quick and easy access on a daily basis, then plan to have those items in plain view. Closed storage helps hide the mess and items that aren’t attractive.
2) Hanging options
Via PinterestHanging options for some items work especially well for small children. It may be easier for a young child to hang up their own coat on a hook, as opposed to using a hanger. Or perhaps you want a pet leash on a peg because you walk your dog a couple times a day. 3) Hardworking flooring
Via PinterestLet’s be realistic! In the GTA, we have many different weather patterns and almost all of them mean that adults, kids and pets will be tracking in a mess. Flooring that is hard wearing and doesn’t show every bit of dirt will make your life easier and is a mudroom fundamental. Porcelain tile is an excellent choice, however, make sure it is not slippery when wet. Consider tile pattern for visual interest (and to hide dirt). Note how the dark mottled tile makes a great accent with the white built-ins. Bright and functional design!4) Labelling
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Labelling saves time and is a basic element to planning your organized mudroom for the cold weather! If you have lots of items to store in your entry, it is important to label where they go and where to find them.
This is also a great way to personalize your children’s area. Get kids involved to make it more fun so they are invested in a clean and orderly space. It is never too early to teach children to pick up after themselves.
5) Aesthetics
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As a designer, I believe it is a necessity for your entry or mudroom to look great too! Feeling overwhelmed? I have created a Pinterest board with lots of ideas for large and small entry ways and mudrooms in many design styles.
Remember, you can think outside the box for storage. Perhaps using a dresser instead of a built-in will work in your space. Don’t have a large entry? Use a storage bench to hide shoes. Add baskets for hats, scarves and gloves. I hope these five mudroom organization tips help you stay neat, tidy, and warm all fall and winter!
Jo-Ann Capelaci is president and principal interior designer of Colours & Concepts Inc. The award winning company specializes in model homes and colour and upgrade selections for builders. They have been helping new home buyers choose finishes for their homes for over 20 years. Jo-Ann is dedicated to helping new home buyers create a model home feeling in their new home. Look for future articles on other topics to assist in decorating and designing your new home.
Feature image via Pinterest
