One of the most common challenges our clients face in their homes is the lack of functionality and the struggle to conceal the less appealing aspects of everyday life. Where do you store shoes when you enter the house while keeping your floors clean? How do you manage the inevitable pileup of coats, hats, and gloves during Kansas City’s snowy and rainy winters? And what about the need for a dedicated laundry space? These are just a few of the issues that a well-designed mudroom can solve.
Mudrooms are the unsung heroes of home organization, offering smart and creative solutions to life’s everyday functional and storage challenges. They provide designated spaces for cleaning supplies, backpacks, outdoor toys, and pet essentials and act as a practical buffer between the outdoors and living areas. Built with durable, high-traffic materials, mudrooms are designed to stand up to wear and tear while maintaining their utility and charm.
What makes mudrooms even more exciting is the opportunity they provide for unique, personalized design. Thanks to their modest size and semi-secluded location, you can experiment with bold decor choices and functional elements tailored to your family’s needs.
This week, we’re diving into 8 stunning mudroom remodels that redefine how these spaces can add both beauty and practicality to your home.
8 Mudroom Transformations
1. The Ultimate Multi-Functioning Mudroom with a Large Pantry
Before: A Cluttered Entryway
The homeowners had repurposed this entryway as a mudroom. However, the space presented several challenges. The carpet flooring was difficult to keep clean, and the lack of built-in storage left the family relying on wire shelving to stay organized. While functional, this solution was far from ideal. The area served as a catch-all for pantry items, pet supplies, jackets, shoes, and miscellaneous household items without designated homes. Overall, this space had a cluttered and overwhelming atmosphere.
Adding to the inefficiency, the entryway directly adjoined the laundry room, a space that felt cramped and lacked aesthetic appeal. The exposed water heater further detracted from the overall look and functionality. Recognizing the need for a more practical and visually pleasing design, the homeowners sought to reimagine these spaces completely. Their goal was to maximize storage, improve organization, and seamlessly integrate the laundry area into a cohesive, efficient layout.
After: An Organizational Powerhouse Mudroom
Designer Lindsay Brungardt truly maximized the functionality of this mudroom remodel, transforming it into a beautifully organized and efficient space! Now divided into distinct zones, this area accommodates all the essentials of this large family in a way that’s easy to access and maintain. One zone is dedicated to the new front-loading washer and dryer, complete with custom cabinetry above and below. A tabletop and rod were added for folding laundry and hanging clothes. Opposite the washer and dryer is a nook for hanging jackets and backpacks, featuring a bench seat surrounded by both lower and upper cabinetry. A full-length cabinet and wall serve as a divider, separating this area from the next zone. Here, ample countertop space, complete with newly added outlets for appliances, makes food prep and storage a breeze. Open upper shelving provides clear visibility for pantry overflow, while custom lower shelving with rolling compartments keeps canned goods and other staples within reach. Additionally, we were able to incorporate a small home office, transforming this space into a true command center for the household and creating a seamless transition to the adjacent kitchen. To reflect the family’s fun-loving personality, a bold graphic cow wallpaper amps up the charm of the space. The bright white cabinetry keeps the space feeling open and airy, while the vinyl flooring provides a durable and easy-to-clean alternative to the previous carpet. We love how the inclusion of warm wood tones throughout adds just the right amount of coziness.
2. An Elegant, Multi-Functional Space for Laundry, Storage, and Work
Before: Identifying the Missing Piece
This project focused on providing a mudroom in a home that lacked one. These clients were remodeling multiple areas of their home and saw an opportunity to include a much needed mudroom into their new space. They had a few things on their wish list-a sink for cleaning up after gardening, a desk like the one located in their previous kitchen, space for their washer and dryer, as well as storage for jackets and shoes.
After: An Elegant, Multi-Functional Space for Laundry, Storage, and Work
The addition of this beautifully designed mudroom has brought incredible functionality to our client’s daily routine.. The overall design features a classic black-and-white color palette and is elevated by the warmth of brass accents. A new 10-lite door and window flood the space with natural light, making it a bright and inviting area where life’s daily tasks become enjoyable. Under the window, a built-in bench seat provides the perfect spot for putting on shoes or taking a moment to relax. Beside it we created an extra-wide black desktop with drawers that offers a designated space for productivity. Open shelving above the desk is the perfect opportunity to display artwork and decorative elements to give this mudroom a homey feel. We included a full-length cabinet to store jackets, bags, and outdoor gear. Across from this is the enclosed washer and dryer with upper cabinets. Our favorite feature of this mudroom is the large utility sink, complete with a traditional brass faucet that perfectly complements the classical design elements throughout the rest of the home. A brass wall sconce above the bench seat, a central statement hanging fixture, and strategically placed recessed can lights all work together to illuminate the space at any time of day. All-new large-format dark gray tile is both elegant and robust, capable of standing up to heavy traffic. This mudroom uses timeless design, thoughtful details, and practical layout to create an elevated yet highly usable space.
3. A Whimsical and Dog-Friendly Mudroom
Before: A Cramped and Outdated Space
This mudroom was part of a larger kitchen remodel that needed an upgrade to match. These clients were tired of the traditional stylings of their home and were set out on incorporating more of their personalities in to their living spaces. The mudroom before was seriously lacking the storage that these homeowners needed and household items always seemed to pile up. Aesthetically, the red walls and were intense and the cabinetry featured an outdated wash finish. Our clients wanted to keep the sink while upgrading the storage and finishes as well as providing a space for their dogs be put away to rest and relax.
After: A Whimsical and Dog-Friendly Laundry Room
This completely reimagined mudroom is as functional as it is packed with personality! Our clients were eager to incorporate fun and unique design elements into their new space. We think designer Megan Bringman provided the perfect balance of practicality and charm. To address the challenges of their previous layout, we reconfigured the design to create more room for the washer and dryer. We also prioritized counter space to provide a practical spot for everyday items without disrupting flow. New upper cabinetry lines the walls, complete with a built-in hanging rod for freshly laundered items. A full-length cabinet, conveniently located just inside the new space-saving pocket door, offers a tidy and consolidated home for cleaning supplies. The updated sink remains a key feature, relocated to a more functional spot and paired with a sleek new faucet that complements the adjacent kitchen remodel. One standout feature is the pair of custom-built dog kennels integrated into the lower cabinets, offering a safe, comfortable retreat for our client’s furry companions. Bright white cabinetry enhances the natural light, creating an inviting and uplifting atmosphere for household tasks. To inject a sense of fun, our clients chose a vibrant floral wallpaper that wraps the space in playful energy. The flooring adds another whimsical touch, featuring a modern twist on classic checkered tiles in white and green.
4. Compact and Completely Refreshed Mudroom: Packed With Storage
Before: A Laundry / Mudroom Overwhelmed
This narrow mudroom, part of a larger remodel, was quickly added to the scope of work as it no longer met the needs of our clients. Storage was a clear challenge, with everyday cleaning and household items ending up stacked on top of the upper cabinets. The space also needed an aesthetic refresh, as the outdated oak cabinetry and worn tile flooring showed heavy wear and tear. The creamy wall color further dated the room, giving it a dull and uninspired look. Functionally, the lack of counter space meant the washer and dryer often doubled as makeshift storage surfaces. Our clients envisioned a more functional and appealing mudroom that could stand up to daily wear while delivering an entirely upgraded look.
After: Compact and Completely Refreshed Mudroom: Packed With Storage
Designed by Donna Kirsopp and Kenny Choikhit this upgraded mudroom is a breath of fresh air! Upon entry, you’re greeted with its stunning blue, ceiling-height cabinetry and crisp white walls. We were able to bump out the wall to the adjoining the garage and gained additional square footage. This allowed for even more storage solutions in this space. Now, with ample cabinetry, finding a place for everyday items is effortless. A full-length cabinet provides dedicated storage for jackets, while a smaller compartment cleverly houses an ironing board. Adjacent to these is a floating countertop with a convenient drawer, perfect for temporary storage. The open space beneath it serves as a practical spot to kick off shoes, which previously cluttered a floor mat in the middle of the room. Items once relegated to the tops of the old oak cabinets are now neatly tucked away in appropriately sized upper cabinets. We added a herringbone backsplash behind the washer and dryer and the old floor tile was replaced with large-format white marble tile, reducing grout lines and making cleaning a breeze. For lighting, we replaced the single central fixture with a stylish upgrade and added recessed can lights for enhanced, even illumination throughout the space.
5. A High-Design Mudroom: Seamlessly Combining Laundry, Storage, and Style
Before: Lacking in Light, Efficiency, and Style
The laundry and mudroom combo was part of a much larger home remodel following extensive damage caused by a flooding accident. While this particular space remained largely undamaged, the clients wanted it to align with the updated and cohesive aesthetic of the rest of the home. Previously, the mudroom was dark and unwelcoming. The existing cabinetry, though refreshed with paint and new hardware, lacked the functionality of modern designs. The molded sink was outdated, and the floor-to-ceiling built-ins created a cramped layout with their wide-swinging doors. With poor storage placement, limited light, and outdated finishes, working in this space was far from ideal.
After: A Thoughtful Mudroom and Laundry Space Packed with Style
Designer Nina Schmidt was able to pack so many thoughtful features into this stylish new mudroom! The new sink area features a spacious apron-front sink, generous countertops and a patterned tiled backsplash. We also created tons of additional drawer storage and a set of ceiling-height upper cabinets. To the left of the sink, a full-length cabinet provides even more storage. The laundry zone now boasts a drying area with a brass hanging rod and open shelving above, creating a more spacious feel while enhancing usability. Across from the washer and dryer, we installed new floor-to-ceiling cabinets with an updated design. The lower portion includes two drawers and open cubbies for laundry baskets and the upper portion features paired doors that reduces the swing radius and makes the space user-friendly. With the added storage throughout, we were able to replace the full-length cabinet near the exterior entry with a convenient bench seat. The bench includes an open shelf underneath for shoe storage, beadboard paneling for added charm, and a row of convenient coat hooks. Though we loved the original hardwood floors, the previous water damage meant it had to go. However, we replaced it with this stunning dark tile in a playful herringbone pattern making the floor in this high-traffic area more durable. these clients adore their new custom mudroom that blends with the rest of their home remodel.
6. An Open Layout Ready to Tackle Family Life
Before: Ample Space, Mostly Wasted
This mudroom originally suffered from a poorly designed layout. Unnecessary walls divided the space and created a lot of wasted potential. The segmented design made it challenging to incorporate efficient storage solutions, leaving the room underutilized and disorganized. Instead of serving as a multifunctional hub, it was primarily used for housing the washer and dryer, as well as dog bowls and food. Recognizing the need for a more functional and cohesive space, these clients envisioned a streamlined mudroom that could handle the bustle of their family’s daily routines.
After: An Open Layout Ready to Tackle Family Life
The new, simplified design to this mudroom opens up a world of possibility in terms of function. We removed the interior walls and created a more open and efficient layout. This allowed for intentional storage solutions and multiple distinct zones. The washer and dryer area is now more accessible, with the removal of the previous hard-to-reach upper cabinets. A pocket door was also added, greatly improving workflow and eliminating the obstruction of a traditional swinging door. We replaced the old upper cabinets with a full-length one, providing easier-to-access storage. On the opposite side of the laundry area, we created a well-appointed laundry station that includes a hanging rod, a generous countertop for folding or sorting clothes, and convenient outlets for an iron or steamer. This area also features both upper and lower cabinets for additional storage, as well as an open space below the counter, perfect for dog bowls. Positioned just inside the exterior entry, directly across from the folding station, is a functional bench seat equipped with coat hooks and cubbies for the entire family’s shoes, jackets, and hats. This thoughtfully designed layout ensures that everything has its place, while promoting a more organized and harmonious flow. The new space feels both open and intentional, with a new, softer color palette that adds a clean, bright look. Our clients chose to replace the original textured tile with a stylish diagonal patterned tile that adds just the right amount of personality to the new space. This transformed mudroom is now a practical and inviting area that serves the needs of the whole family while maintaining a modern, cohesive feel.
7. A Bright and Airy Mudroom with a Command Center and Bench to Welcome You Home
Before: An Awkward Entry In Need of Some TLC
In addition to the cosmetic issues that plagued this entryway, the cramped layout caused by the placement of the fridge turned this space into a daily source of frustration our clients. The fridge’s position created a bottleneck, making it difficult to navigate the area and diminishing its overall functionality. As we worked on other updates throughout the home, our clients also wanted to see this entryway turned into something much more practical and inviting. On their wish list for the space: more efficient storage solutions, a dedicated bench seat, and a complete overhaul of the surrounding finishes to create a more polished look.
After: A Bright and Airy Mudroom with a Command Center and Bench to Welcome You Home
This entryway transformation is nothing short of dramatic! To start, we brightened the space by replacing the original exterior door with a beautiful 10-lite grid door, which floods the area with natural light—a huge improvement right from the start. The changes we made in the adjacent kitchen allowed us to relocate the fridge and eliminate the wall that once separated the two spaces. With this more open layout, we were able to bring the client’s full wish list to life. In this newly reimagined area, we installed a floating bench seat, with ample space underneath for pet essentials. Above the bench, several coat hooks and two open shelves offer convenient storage for everyday items like bags and hats. Next to the bench, we added a small countertop for temporary storage—perfect for things like keys—and paired it with a subway tile backsplash that seamlessly connects with the adjacent kitchen’s style. For additional storage, we installed both upper and lower cabinets. The old, worn flooring was replaced with large-format tile, adding a modern touch. To complete the look, we replaced all the old, damaged trim and drywall, and updated the doors to the rooms branching off this area, ensuring a fresh, cohesive look throughout.
8. A Striking Mudroom Transformation: Bold Wallpaper Meets Stylish Built-In Storage
Before: A Young Family Desperate For Organization
This young, yet large family was in dire need of a highly functional mudroom. Shoes, jackets, toys, and other everyday items were spilling into their living space. The original home didn’t include a designated mudroom, so our designers had to think outside the box. After exploring their options, the homeowners decided that sacrificing their den area was a small price to pay for the added functionality of a dedicated mudroom. This decision allowed us to create a space that could handle the family’s busy lifestyle while keeping the rest of the home organized and clutter-free.
After: A Striking Mudroom Transformation: Bold Wallpaper Meets Stylish Built-In Storage
This newly transformed entryway, designed by Lindsay Brungardt, is the perfect solution to help this busy family stay organized, reduce daily stress, and infuse joy into their everyday lives with a truly unique design. We converted the existing window into an additional front entry, leading into a mudroom packed with incredible storage capabilities. The new cabinet system features a combination of open cubbies for jackets, upper shelves for everyday essentials, lower open shelving for the whole family’s shoes, and a functional bench seat with hooks for easy access. We also added a large floor-to-ceiling cabinet for even more storage. A second bench seat, crafted from raw edge lumber, now sits under a window, bridging to yet another full-sized cabinet. A small shelf next to the door, made from the same raw wood material, is paired with a conveniently placed outlet—perfect for holding car keys or serving as a charging station. To provide a sense of separation from the main living area, we installed a distinctive arched interior door. This small but mighty area is filled with thoughtful, unique elements that maximize both style and function. The floral wallpaper that wraps the space offers a vibrant splash of color and adds a touch of whimsy and compliments the navy cabinetry beautifully. Brass hardware gives the space another touch of contemporary style. These homeowners are thrilled to have transformed their entryway into a space that brings order and organization to the joyful chaos of family life.
One of the most rewarding aspects of remodeling homes is seeing firsthand how a thoughtful design can transform a family’s daily life. A well-planned mudroom is more than just a place to store shoes and coats—it becomes a hub of organization, helping to streamline routines and reduce clutter. In today’s fast-paced world, modern homes demand multifunctional spaces that adapt to changing needs, and mudrooms are the perfect opportunity to combine style with purpose. If these transformations have sparked ideas for your own home, we’d love to help bring them to life. Contact us today, and let’s start imagining the possibilities together!