Mudrooms and laundry rooms are both functional spaces in a home that can benefit from careful interior design. These areas are often used for storing and organizing items and performing household tasks, so it’s important that these areas reflect the household’s needs and the available space.
There are a few key considerations when designing mudrooms, laundry rooms, or rooms that combine both functions:
Storage: Both mudrooms and laundry rooms should have plenty of efficient storage options, such as built-in shelves and cabinets to help keep the room organized and clutter-free. Consider installing a bench or seating area with built-in storage for shoes and baskets to hold other items in a mudroom. In laundry rooms, built-in drying racks, shelves for detergent, and slide-out drawers for separating clothes are helpful.
Durability: Because both mudrooms and laundry rooms are often prone to messes, it’s important to choose materials and finishes that are easy to clean and maintain. Installing durable flooring materials, such as ceramic tile or vinyl, and using semi-gloss or eggshell textured paint or moisture-resistant wallpaper in both spaces is a must.
Functionality: Think about the activities that will take place in the mudroom or laundry room and design the space accordingly. Families with young children may want to include a low sink for hand-washing in a mudroom, or a long counter for folding clothes and sorting laundry in a laundry room. The placement of the washer and dryer is extremely important for functionality, as is a drop zone for keys, mail, and coats. A pet door or a pet-washing station can also be a useful addition to a mudroom or a laundry area.
Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential in both mudrooms and laundry rooms. Consider installing overhead lighting as well as task lighting, such as sconces along with cabinet lighting, to provide ample illumination.
Style: While function is the primary consideration when designing a mudroom or laundry room, creativity is still important. Choose a color scheme and decor that reflects the homeowner’s personal style, complements the rest of the home, and highlights the room’s identity.
Well-designed mudrooms and laundry rooms can be valuable selling points for home buyers and assets to homeowners. Everyone has to come in out of the rain occasionally and wash and dry their clothes and other household items, so why not do it in style by providing functional and organized spaces for newly built and remodeled homes.
