How to Create the Perfect Mudroom in Westchester

Photos by Hulya Kolabas

Your perfect mudroom is just one equation away, as this delightful and functional design from Think Chic Interiors proves.

Clever Storage (open and concealed) + Seating to Put Shoes On + Fun Details = The Perfect Mudroom

Whether you have a proper mudroom or not, you most likely have a space you utilize for coats, shoes, and bags when you walk in the door. It may be a room unto itself or simply a corner by the front or backdoor, yet the functionality is the same: a place to put your things, seating to put on or take off your shoes, embellished with a fun detail or two.

Any good mudroom space brings together form, function, and style — and that’s what we love about this green beauty by Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors. Here, she shares how to create the perfect mudroom no matter what your style is or the square footage you have for it.

“The first element I always tackle [in a mudroom] is function,” says Helft. She says to ask yourself: How does everyone in the family use this space, and how would you like to use the space once the design is complete?”

Helft adds that every successful mudroom needs three things: shoe storage, hooks, and a place to sit.

“The second element is how should the space look?” she says. “In this case, we chose function and whimsy.”

For this space, Helft decided to paint the cabinets Benjamin Moore’s Forest Green, and the walls were covered in Balloon wallpaper from Shumacher. “I absolutely love the large window overlooking the backyard. The view from this window was the inspiration for these style elements,” says Helft.

However, as with all remodel projects, there comes a challenge or two. In this instance, the space needed to be heated. “The location on the floor under the window was supposed to be the largest bench, with the most amount of shoe storage underneath,” says Helft. Because of function, a heater had to be placed there, but she didn’t want it to be an eyesore. “As a result, we decided to add metal mesh on all lower [cabinets], to allow ventilation for shoes and to cover the heater while still allowing it to do its job.”

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Mix open and concealed storage to be able to easily conceal those items you don’t want in plain sight.
• Maximize storage. Go up and out as much as you can, to incorporate as much storage as you can fit into the square footage you have.
• If you can, dedicate a space for each person in your household. This allows each person their own space for their things, but it also helps them be responsible for those things.
• Think about function, but also add a bit of whimsy and style to the space. Staying organized will be that much more fun!

Related: This Westchester Mudroom Offers a Cheerful Pop of Color