The ugly duckling has grown into a swan
Mud rooms get a makeover
Mud rooms are often the ugly ducklings of the home. Purely functional, the dirt and sloppiness are so integrated and expected in this room that “mud” is a part of its very name. While the romance of a grand, sweeping foyer is undeniable, equally undeniable is the reality of boots and trudging children with backpacks, eventually necessitating an offset area or “secondary” (we all know it’s really the primary), entrance. For so long, mud rooms were hidden behind closed doors, full of dirt, disorganization and shame; but the ugly duckling has grown up, and this swan is ready to dazzle with everything it can do.
During the past hundred years, the scale, purpose and design of rooms across the home have changed. Similar to kitchens and bathrooms, mud rooms started out simply fulfilling an unglamorous need. But now they are one of the most egressed, dual-function rooms in a household, and rapidly increasing in popularity, according to the American Institute of Architects. Though smaller than most other occupied areas of the home, the mud room is the ultimate multipurpose room, often designed to double as an activity landing zone and specialized storage space.
Most people who are renovating their existing home, are seeking the most popular mud room combo: the mud room plus laundry room. It is a natural combination, since dirty clothes are dropped off for both, and thus helps contain the mess to just one area.
The second most popular choice is to double purpose (or, if in combination with a laundry room, even triple purpose), this area for storage. Bulk food storage in the mud room can be especially helpful if it is near the kitchen; storage for sports, school, and seasonal activities gear can easily be accommodated and integrated as you work with your designer.