Designing a mudroom

Depending upon your budget and the size of your home, the mudroom can range from just an expanded hallway to a huge room. Some are as large as 400 square feet, with all the amenities of other living areas in a house. These are termed “mudrooms” because of their location more than their function.

Make a list of what activities you plan to perform in the mudroom, how many people will be in there at one time and what you plan to store. For example, if you have a dog who needs periodic baths or you work in your garden often and need to rinse off mud, adding a small shower area may be wise.

If your family does many outdoor activities, so people several will be in the mudroom at the same time, plan on enough area for benches for them to sit and remove their dirty clothes and shoes. Plan your storage area in the mudroom so each person has a specific location for their things. This makes it easier when they are needed.

Hooks on the walls for school bags are ideal.

Installing cabinets can keep the mudroom organized. Benches whose seats lift up are also excellent storage. Select cabinets and benches with ventilation holes or louvers. More often than not, the items thrown into them are damp and need ventilation.

You have many options for flooring, such as ceramic tile, decorative stone and concrete. Avoid hardwood. The dampness will eventually harm it, as will the grit from dirty shoes and boots. Concrete is one the least expensive flooring materials, and it can be tinted to make it more attractive.

Send questions to Here’s How, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.