Are you looking to create a beautiful and functional mud room, laundry room or pantry? Because they are tucked out of sight, these spaces can quickly become dumping grounds for clutter. They are often the last rooms we think to renovate, but the more organized the space, the more enjoyable all those loads of laundry will be. No matter the size of the room, with a few tips, you can create a functional space with personality and style. Read on to learn how to create a functional mud room, laundry room or pantry in your home.

Functional Mud Rooms

If you are lucky enough to have the space for a mud room in your home, you want to make the best possible use of it. Using a mudroom as an everyday entrance for your family helps keep the mess away from guests coming in the main entrance. When designing your mudroom, functionality is key. How will you use the space? What needs does your family have? Do you have children or pets? Do you need space for sports equipment? Hooks for younger children? Keep in mind how your needs may change within the next few years.

Tips for Your Mud Room:

• Bring in lots of storage for shoes, bags, winter clothing, and sports equipment. Create a space for keys and mail so everything has a spot when you walk in the door. A custom built-in is ideal, but if that is out of your budget, a pre-built hall tree works well.
• A bench is helpful, particularly if you have young children or aging parents in the home. Make your bench do double duty by putting open storage underneath or using one with a hinged lid.
• The more organized your mudroom, the easier it is to keep it clean. Make it easy for kids to put away their own stuff – they’ll be more likely to do it without prompting. If you have young children, make sure to put some hooks and baskets at their level so they can reach to put away their own belongings. Organization is key for a functional mud room.
• Choose your fabrics and textiles carefully. Use durable fabrics that are easy to clean. Keep the flooring water-resistant and low maintenance for anyone coming in with muddy boots.
•  A charging station is handy—it provides a space for all the iPads and phones when the kids come into the house.
• If you have room, a side table with a catch-all basket for keys and wallets helps keep everything in its place. It also gives you a spot to add a plant or vase of flowers.

Beautiful Laundry Rooms

The nicer your laundry room, the more you’ll want to spend time in there! A time-consuming chore, the laundry never ends. A practical and functional space that is well organized and beautiful will make the chore go by that much faster. Gone are the days of your washer and dryer being tossed into a corner of the basement. Homebuyers are all looking for main-floor or second-floor laundry rooms with personality and functionality.

How to make the most of your Laundry Room:

• Make the most of your vertical space with high shelving that can house the items you don’t use frequently. Closed cabinetry works well to hide messy items while floating shelves help keep the space brighter and more open.
• Have a little fun with your decorating! Small spaces are the perfect place to experiment with something new. Try a fun colour on the walls, a patterned wallpaper or a detailed backsplash.
• The size and layout of your laundry room will dictate how you place your washer and dryer. Stackable machines might be the way to go if you’re short on space. Pair them with floor-to-ceiling shelves to make the most of the space.
• If it works better to place your washer and dryer side by side, try a counter or shelving on top for a flat space to fold clothes.
• Don’t forget about a spot to hang clothes that need to air dry. Try a folding rack that can be tucked away when you aren’t using it or one that is attached to the wall and folded out when you need it. 
• Choose moisture-resistant and non-slip flooring to avoid water damage or potential falls. A small rug can add personality to the space and make it more comfortable to stand and fold all those loads of laundry.

Functional Pantry

A pantry is useful for storing extra food and seldom-used kitchen appliances. It is handy to have (especially if you love to cook) and a plus for homebuyers when it comes time to sell. A properly organized pantry will make it easier to keep tabs on what you need to add to the grocery list and where to find that last box of pasta.

Creating a Functional Pantry:

• If you are starting from scratch, lots of built-in shelves are key – keep in mind what you use it for to determine height, or make them adjustable so you can switch things up depending on what you are storing.
• Remember to leave space for seldom-used kitchen appliances—we always need more storage, and you’ll get them out of your kitchen.
• Use clear containers and baskets to group things and label everything well so it’s easy to find.  
• Maximize vertical space with floor-to-ceiling shelving, but keep a step stool handy to reach the items on the top shelf.
• Get creative with spice racks, lifters, dividers or a lazy Susan on your shelf to help store smaller jars. You don’t need to spend a lot. Check out stores like Ikea for great glass jars that don’t break the bank.
• Use the back of the door for extra storage with wire racks or hooks.
• Don’t neglect your lighting. Adding undermount lights to your shelves will make it easier to find what you’re looking for.

Often the last spaces in your home to receive attention, mud rooms, laundry rooms and pantries still need to be functional and organized. With a little love, you can spruce up these rooms in your home and create useful and beautiful spaces that you’ll want to show off. Did you love this blog on how to create a functional mud room laundry room or pantry? Reach out to join our monthly newsletter for more tips and tricks for homeowners!