Four Ways to Decorate Your Mudroom, According to Interior Designers

When it comes to interior design, we focus the bulk of our attention on dwelling spaces, like the living room or even the kitchen, but the mudroom is an area that shouldn't be overlooked. "This small space can be the key to keeping the messiness from the outside world out of your home," Jade McNeil, the owner and principal of Jade McNeil Interiors, says. You store dirty shoes, wet umbrellas, and outerwear in this space, but McNeil says that there are even more ways to utilize this room. "A well-designed mudroom is more than your average foyer closet; it will not only have hanging for coats, but should also incorporate proper storage for shoes, hats, gloves, scarfs, umbrellas, pet leashes, and a mail or key drop spot."

There are some must-haves to keep in mind when designing a mudroom of your own. "We believe the ideal design will include a mix of open and closed storage, drawers and shelves, plenty of hooks, electrical outlets for tech, and a place to sit down (because your shoes aren't going to change themselves)," says Phoebe Schuh, the founder and creative director of PS & Daughters. Adding style elements to this nook is essential, too. "Try a snappy paint color on your mudroom cabinetry with pretty hardware and pair it with a great wallpaper and chic overhead light if you're feeling ambitious!" Maggie Griffin, the founder and lead designer of Maggie Griffin Design, shares. "Don't forget to install a hardworking tile or stone floor to keep up with wet shoes in those winter months." Ahead, discover more mudroom décor ideas to inspire your own project.

Include a bench.

McNeil loves to incorporate seating in this space—preferably a bench that includes shoe storage. "This leaves little question to your guests of whether or not they should take their shoes off when they come to your house, and avoids the awkward hop-on-one-leg while putting on or taking off their shoes," she says. Anna Franklin, the co-owner and designer of Stone House Collective, suggests adding a couple more accents. "Depending on your home and use, add throw pillows to the bench and an accent rug to give the space more functionality and design depth," she says. "It's an easy way to add flair, and you can change out the accent pieces with the seasons or as your taste evolves over time."

Your flooring choice matters.

"I recommend installing brick, tile, or engineered hardwood (see Mirth Studio for fantastic fun options!) for durable flooring," Caron Woolsey, the founder and principal designer of CW Interiors, notes. She recommends working within a muted color palette layered with textures and opting for oversized locker doors; they have a minimalist design style that still incorporates storage.

Set up a "drop" station for everyday essentials.

There are some items you'll want at the ready whenever you leave your home, like your phone. Schuh recommends having a charging area in the mudroom to eliminate that "lost and found" experience when moving about your home. Building drawers with charging docks to eliminate countertop areas covered in wires is a smart way to streamline the space, she adds. Expand on this idea, she continues by turning your mudroom into an organized "command center." "Include a small built-in desk or countertop for all day-to-day must-haves," Schuh says. "Think car keys, calendars, schedules, incoming mail, and outbound envelopes (don't forget the stamps)." Closed and designated storage will keep this nook organized as members of your household drop things into this area. "Closed storage gives you the sense of a tidy space, even when the coat behind the door may have fallen off the hook," McNeil says, "and incorporating designated spaces for incidentals will help keep this space from becoming too chaotic. Use baskets for hats and gloves, a catch-all bowl by the door for keys or mail, or a drawer or decorative box for flashlights."

Design with your family in mind.

You should consider your family's needs when you decorate or enhance this space. "For homes with elderly residents, I recommend wide doorways, a place to stow walkers and remove shoes from a standing position, hooks at arm-height to hang coats easily, hex tile floor for durability, yet grout lines to keep it from being too slippery, and a space for storing keys so [folks don't have to search around the] house or fumble in a purse," says Woolsey. "I would also ensure there is designated storage for masks and a palette to match the homeowner's preference, but finishes to prevent injury while maximizing comfort."