The Dirt on Cabin Mudrooms

There’s nothing pretty about mud, but when a mudroom works the way it should, it’s a beautiful thing. Part storage space, part coat closet, part utility room, the mudroom should be ready to accommodate all kinds of outerwear as well as shoes for every season. And it’s not just extra layers we shed in a mudroom, we also leave gear, bags, tools and grime there before heading into the more civilized areas of our cabins. Functional, utilitarian and hardworking, mudrooms can look good, too. Here are some ideas for planning your cabin’s every day entryway.

Behind Closed Doors

 Courtesy Aristokraft

For a more streamlined look to your mudroom, opt for a mix of open hooks and closed cabinetry. This locker system puts storage right at the entry door. Locating a washer and dryer in the mudroom makes laundering sports uniforms, beach towels and outerwear convenient, too. 

Mudrooms also serve as a “drop zone” for backpacks, bags, keys and mail – creating a system to organize the extras makes sense. This setup is perfect for a shared or rental cabin: The whiteboard calendar keeps everyone on the same page, labeled hooks sort keys and the mail bin holds important papers. Adding a wood shelf and paneling gives this mudroom rustic style. Designer: Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com

The Case for Baskets

 Courtesy Lands’ End

With so much stuff in a mudroom, using matching containers will give some much appreciated visual harmony to the space. Whether you choose wood boxes, canvas bins or woven baskets, look for a collection that provides plenty of size options for stashing everything from umbrellas to mittens, baseballs to boots. Supplier: Lands’ End, landsend.com

Open to Anything

 Photo by Bruce T. Martin

For many cabin owners, open lockers and cubbies make a mudroom truly functional for every member of the family. Multiple hooks and shelves ensure a place for everything. Boots and shoes slide right under the open bench. Built-in wall systems like this one can be finished in any style or color to match a cabin’s dècor. Supplier: Platt Builders, plattbuilders.com

Putting the Mud in Mudroom

 Courtesy Mid Continent Cabinetry

For families that love animals or gardening, a mudroom can keep tracked-in dirt out of the main living areas. Here, a pet-washing station is positioned below a wall cabinet, and a sink allows gardeners to wash their hands before heading inside. Celadon green cabinetry gives the room fresh cottage appeal. Supplier: Mid Continent Cabinetry, midcontinentcabinetry.com

Old School

 Courtesy Artspace Industrial

With its tough materials and stripped down style, industrial chic décor is perfect for a mudroom that has to stand up to daily wear and tear. Look to pieces like this bench made of repurposed lockers to create the perfect blend of grit and comfort. Complement the bench with schoolhouse light fixtures, a chalkboard and a wall of coat hooks for old school style. Find something similar on Etsy.

Amoire Amour

 Courtesy Fireside Lodge Furniture

Need the storage of a mudroom, but don’t have the extra square footage? Look for stand-alone furnishings that can do the job. This piece combines the function of a locker with the beauty of fine furniture and is perfect for a rustic cabin or an entry that’s open to other living spaces. Designer: Fireside Lodge Furniture, firesidelodgefurniture.com

See also: Design Tips for the Perfect Kitchen or Bath