How to style this busy collection spot while keeping clutter to a minimum.
BY DANIELLE POPE
Ann Squires Ferguson loves what she calls the beautiful chaos of life. Nowhere in the home does this feel more real than amid the comings and goings of a mudroom.
“We forget that when we are vulnerable we are giving a gift to the people we let in,” says Squires Ferguson. “We’re saying that we trust them with our less-than-perfect lives — with our beautiful chaos — and that’s an honour.”
Squires Ferguson, CEO of Western Design+Build, likes to start with this because, as she says, it’s important to realize that not all our spaces have to feel “perfect” to be perfectly functional.
Her own home is a good example.
While the house came with a mudroom, it wasn’t until her family had been living there for a while that they realized how useless the room was.
“It had a bench that was too high, unusable corners, not enough space,” she says.
As a result, people would pass right through and soon the library at the front of the house became the catch-all for their clutter. They decided to lean into it and transformed that library into a foyer large enough to suit their family’s needs.
“The library looked great, but no one used it, so that became the mudroom. The then-mudroom has become a pantry, and it works really well for that,” she says. “It’s not pretty yet, but it’s super functional.”
Finding Function
Wendy Taylor knows something about bringing function into a space that isn’t working.
“Mudrooms are super fun to design, and they are very specific to each client,” says Taylor, design and development co-ordinator with Green Island Builders. “One of the first things we do is ask a tonne of questions: Is it a front or back entry? Are kids, pets or sports involved? Do you want a charging station for the phone, treats or go bags for people running out of the house?”
There are functional choices, like whether to have open or closed storage — one of which can save time, while the other may keep pets protected. It’s important to know if you’re a family that drops gear and laundry at the door or if there are organizational areas elsewhere in the house.
“The simple formula is: The more items you have and the more people in your home, the bigger the space you need to make this area work for you,” says Taylor.
There might be the ideal wish list — a pet-washing station, space to store hockey equipment — and then there’s the realistic parameters of what your home can accommodate. Even if it looks bare minimum, there are usually simple ways to improve functionality.
“If you have tonnes of stuff and four kids, can you put just seasonal things in the space, rather than everything for the whole year?” says Taylor.
Accepting Reality
There’s something to be said for accommodating the needs of your family.
While Taylor loves a minimalist look — white oak on the walls, an integrated bench, toned-down terrazzo on the floor and a full-length mirror — she also appreciates that every mudroom depends on the people who use it.
For instance, Squires Ferguson and her son are very precise (with matching wall hangers and organized baskets), but her husband and daughter “file things horizontally.”
“It’s a lesson, really, in how different we all are, and how we can make space for that,” says Squires Ferguson. “The mudroom is probably one of those spaces that will never quite look the way they do in a magazine. It’s a liminal space — a space between spaces. It’s where all the messiness lives. And we all need those spaces.”
Taylor has worked on projects of both extremes. For one client, she designed a front “guest entry” made for the homeowner to showcase her best hats and jackets, complete with coat racks and a powder room dedicated to visitors. That homeowner’s lower mudroom hosted the collection of family bikes and acted as a holding space for wetsuits, lockers and all things sport.
In another project, a small “runway” mudroom could only be separated using a differentiating rug, a small floating shelf for keys and a strategically placed stool for putting on shoes.
“It’s a really personal choice what belongs in a mudroom,” says Taylor. “Your lifestyle will dictate that.”
Or as Squires Ferguson says: “The truth is in the name: Let it be muddy. Should you be so lucky to have a messy, chaotic life, what a gift to be able to use it.”
“It’s a liminal space — a space between spaces. It’s where all the messiness lives. And we all need those spaces.”
IDEAS & ESSENTIALS
How to make your mudroom pretty and practical.
Durable flooring and mats: Opt for easy-to-clean materials that can withstand heavy traffic and moisture. (Ceramic tiles and rubber mats are good choices.)
Hooks: Install a variety of hooks at different heights to accommodate coats, hats, keys or leashes for every family member. For a whimsical touch, use fun, colourful, mismatched or antique hooks and knobs.
Storage bins and baskets: Use labelled bins for organizing smaller items, like gloves, to make getting out the door fast and easy. Bring in storage with visual intrigue, like old crates, vintage lockers or repurposed furniture.
Storage bench: A sturdy bench with storage underneath is a perfect stop for putting on shoes, and also hides away clutter.
Boot tray: Have a designated area for wet shoes and boots to keep mud contained.
Message board: A check-out board will give family members a place to look for notes.
Mirror: Hang a full- or partial-length mirror for that final look before leaving the house.
Personalized cubbies: Assign each family member a cubby for their daily items.
Pattern paraphernalia: Choose rugs and mats that hide dirt and use colour to section off the space.
Go station: Whether you have kids, pets or athletes in your family, create a dedicated spot for grab-and-go supplies such as snacks, sunscreen and quick cleanup gear.
Photo wall: Create a rotating gallery of family photos or artwork to make the space feel welcoming and new.