KBB - October 2015 - 72

LEARNING CORNER

"Mudrooms are one of the most high-traffic areas in modern-day
homes," said Meredith Mahoney, founder and design director of Bostonbased Birch Lane."Because they're often the first room families enter when
returning home after a long day, they need to be extremely organized to
prevent mounds of jackets, shoes and homework, etc., from piling up."
Contemporary solutions like benches, storage ottomans, hooks, cubbies and chic baskets are inspiring families to refresh the mudroom. Products that can keep clothing and supplies out of sight but nearby for easy
access are essential for this space.
"Families we work with are finding that organization is key when going
about their daily lives," said Molly Kann-Carey, lead designer at Rockford,
Ill.-based KannCept Design. "Rarely do we see homes, new or old, with
space to accommodate backpacks, shoes, sports equipment or coats."

Function and Family
A designer can get creative with the mudroom, integrating products
and materials based on what homeowners need on a daily basis.
"This room can be anything you want it to be," said Kann-Carey. "Its
purpose is far beyond 'catching mud.'"
Similar to laundry rooms, mudrooms are turning multi-purposeful. Depending on the space available, the mudroom can also serve as an office, craft space, pet area, laundry room or wrapping center, in addition
to providing usual daily storage. It all hinges on the space available and
the family.

The Blackwell
Storage Bench
from Birch Lane
features solid pine
timbers with knots,
seasoned nicks
and hand finishing,
along with four jute
weave baskets for
accessory storage.

"Do you have three kids who are all involved in multiple sports teams?
They'll need much more storage solutions for their gear," explained Mahoney. "Have younger children who will need to grab their items in a hurry? Open cubbies are much more realistic than closed cabinets to keep
everything visible and within reach. Own two dogs? They need a place to
be fed and hooks for their leashes."
Every family is different. The storage should align with daily needs but
does not need to store every shoe or jacket in the household. An individual area for each member helps keep organization and can be further
customized with touches like artwork or chalkboard paint.
"Mudrooms, in particular, have been a big emphasis of families trying
to reduce clutter while at the same time creating one-of-a-kind, personalized spaces," said Logan Wilcox, vice president of Denver-based Parkwood Homes.
A slip-resistant floor material, such as porcelain tiles or natural stone, is
essential no matter the size of family in the home.
"And then there's the space of each mudroom - some mudrooms are
transformed hallways, and thus are better suited for hooks than bench
storage, while some spaces work better with ottomans and cubbies, as
they're more rectangular," added Mahoney.

Even More Function

Featuring two double coat hooks and one large upper shelf, the SpaceSaving Entryway Organizer with Shoe Storage from Prepac is suitable for
a narrow hallway or can combine with multiple pieces for a custom look.
The unit also includes nine lower shoe cubbies.

K+BB

"I am hoping that more builders and developers will make this space
an integral part of their new builds," said Kann-Carey, adding that mudrooms will bring value to new construction. "The standard coat closet or
walk-through laundry spot off the garage is a waste of space."
The ideal mudroom would have built-in storage options, like a bench,
closets and cubbies, and it would be easy to clean when snow, mud
and rainwater are tracked through. A window would also help warm the
space up and deter clutter from piling up in the dark.
"In the remodeling world, we are excited to rework floor plans to accommodate every family's needs," added Kann-Carey. "It can be as simple as converting a 6-ft. coat closet from a reach-in with bi-fold doors to
an open concept with lockers."
Firms have seen more requests for different landing areas, including
mail and charging stations and a message board with calendars and
notes. Displays of children's artwork and even television, crafting, laundry
or homework areas are also options.
"I've started using my own mudroom space to store outdoor entertaining supplies like dishes, barware, an extra fridge for drinks and a storage
spot for lawn games," said Mahoney. "I'm lucky enough to have a mudroom that's big enough for all my family's needs." n
- By Erinn Waldo

October 2015 / www.kbbonline.com / The Official Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com

http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

KBB - October 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - October 2015