Posted on January 27, 2020
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida | Nicholas Eklund & Brian Moorman, First Coast Sotheby’s International Realty
You know what they say about first impressions—not only do you only get one of them, but they also set the tone for an interaction. As it turns out, the same applies to your home. Grand foyers and entryways are often tasked with being the most welcoming room in your home, but what about the mudroom?
Far from simply being the place where muddy shoes are corralled and coats are crowded onto hooks, the mudroom is often one of the first things you see when you enter your home. It’s also a functional space, which means that style and utility are equally important. These five mudrooms are inspiring examples of how design doesn’t need to be sacrificed for the sake of efficiency and organization.
Modern Farmhouse Chic in Norwalk, Connecticut
Norwalk, Connecticut | Bruce Baker, William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty
This home on the Five Mile River inspires a slowed-down lifestyle complemented by classic New England architecture and a picturesque setting. In step with this feeling of old-fashioned charm is the home’s mudroom, a white-paneled room that manages to be just as bright and welcoming as the rest of the home. A bench provides space to sit and unbundle, with drawers tucked underneath for added storage. Linen throw cushions have been added for comfort, and a chic sliding barn door has been installed to lend to the space’s modern farmhouse aesthetic. A mix of textures, light colors, and contrasting fixtures keep this mudroom from feeling dark or utilitarian.
Refined Simplicity in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina | Matthew Swain, Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty
Situated in the coveted Wappoo Heights neighborhood of Charleston, South Carolina, this contemporary home has been redesigned from the studs up. In addition to a refined architectural style, the home’s finishings have been meticulously selected for their quality and to emphasize the home’s more historical elements. The striking design makes use of contrasting white walls and black details throughout, seen in window frames, faucets, and, in the case of the mudroom, cabinet pulls and French doors. An upholstered bench in shades of taupe and an industrial-style, wood-framed chandelier deliver a dose of organic tones and texture. Inset drawers and cabinets provide ample space for outerwear while maintaining aesthetic cohesion with the rest of the home.
A Pop of Color in Riverside, Connecticut
Greenwich, Connecticut | Tory Thorman, Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage
Designing your mudroom for function doesn’t mean you need to leave joy behind. In Riverside, Connecticut, this farmhouse-style home offers a great example of how to maintain a whimsical ethos. The spacious mudroom features whitewashed wainscoting and functional shelving installs, with plenty of room for coat hooks, baskets for scarves, and shelves for boots and other outerwear. A splash of turquoise on the walls keeps the space from feeling too serious, and a patterned rug provides a stylish way to keep mud and dirt from being tracked further into the home. Don’t be afraid to add a little art to your mudroom, too—here, a framed painting and star-shaped pendant lamp lend the space a hit of personality.
Simple Elegance in Westchester, New York
Harrison, New York | Laura DeVita & Lisa Teich, Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty
Nestled into the woodsy Westchester region of New York state, this colonial-style home has been designed with the long hikes and snow-packed boots in mind. The home’s mudroom, set at the back entrance where a staircase leads up to the kitchen, has been smartly tiled for easy cleanup. White wainscoting offsets the gray walls, keeping the space from becoming too dark, while functional hooks and clips have been installed to encourage easy organization. A simple bench allows visitors to put on and take off shoes, and a convenient closet stores coats and shoes to minimize clutter.
Sophisticated Seating in Greenwich, Connecticut
Greenwich, Connecticut | Brad Hvolbeck & Marijane Bates Hvolbeck, Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage
This home in Greenwich, Connecticut carries quite the legacy. Known as the Jefferson/Ebert House, the mid-country colonial home was originally built in 1843 and redesigned in 1905 by renowned architects Theodore Blake and Rob Sanders. After tending to the property’s vast grounds—which include organic gardens, a gardening shed, and rows of ancient sugar maples—homeowners can remove their boots in the comfort of this well-appointed mudroom. Slate gray accents lend sophistication to the space, and a built-in window bench provides a space to pause and transition indoors. Individual cubbies and discreet drawers provide space for a family’s worth of outdoor gear.
No matter the size or design aesthetic, a mudroom is an important entrypoint for homeowners and guests alike. Set the invitational tone with smart storage solutions, sleek color schemes, and well-considered details, making your mudroom all about welcome.
