If you have kids, you need a mudroom. A mudroom can vary in size from an entire room with separate storage for each family member to a partial wall near the door dedicated to storing outdoor gear. An adequate space will allow two people to remove shoes and coats at the same time and still have elbowroom.
Durable Materials are Necessary
Mudrooms often live up to their name, especially during wet winter weather. Well-placed doormats and washable rugs are the first defense in stopping dirt (and mud) at the door but flooring should be durable, water-resistant and easy to clean. Most of all, it should be a non-slip surface to avoid accidents. Locating the mudroom near the laundry or sink would be ideal for quick cleanup of wet floors.
Walls and other surfaces should be finished with a premium waterproof paint to protect both walls and woodwork. Walls can take a beating from bulky sports equipment. Applying bead-board to walls will help keep scuffs and scratches to a minimum.
Remember, the biggest advantage of a mudroom is to cut down on wear and tear of the rest of the house while keeping stuff for outside activities in one central place. Check out these flooring and wall protection ideas.
(This is part 2 of 3 posts on mudroom design ideas. See Part 1 for seating and storage ideas and Part 3 for small space mudrooms. Here are a few of my favorites on mudroom storage and seating.)
VCT floor withstands any beating kids can give it.
Seat back protects the wall from abuse. Cork floor provides ultimate cushion in a mudroom.
Almost indestructible, slate can take abuse from kids, mud, and sports equipment.
Another beautiful slate floor. Woodwork protects the walls from banging backpacks and shoes.
Mudroom carpet tile is easy to clean and simple to replace. Wall-to-wall lockers hide stuff and protect the walls.
Love the herringbone brick floor in this mudroom. Architectural woodwork surrounds the room protecting the walls from damage.
Porcelain tile floor is easy to clean and wears well in heavy traffic.
Notice the woodwork detail behind the bench? Adds a rustic touch to this mudroom.
Smaller ceramic tiles in varying shades will hide any dirt tracked in and beadboard protects the wall from bumps.
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Want to know more about specific floor types? Check these for info on cork, porcelain tile, and carpet tile.
For more ideas from You Need a Mudroom!
