Mudroom Design Ideas to Inspire a Back-to-School Refresh

As the unsung hero of any busy household, mudrooms don’t often get the recognition they deserve. Despite their inherent practicality, these catch-all spaces can also be aesthetically driven. With the right designer at the helm, a mudroom is the perfect blank slate to showcase hard-working materials that balance function and beauty, streamlining the chaos of everyday life.

In honor of the back-to-school season, we’re spotlighting the best iterations of these transitional spaces, including four key considerations of good mudroom design. Discover inspiration for a refresh and shop our selections to stay organized all year long.

Design by W Design Collective, Photography by Malissa Mabey

Design by Heidi Lachapelle Interiors, Photography by Erin Little

Dedicated Storage for Backpacks and Gear

The golden rule of mudroom design? Everything has its place. Plans should include hooks for backpacks, space for sports equipment, trays for school papers, and bins for hats and mittens. In a project dubbed The Treehouse, designer Heidi Lachapelle put these principles into practice with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and wall-spanning hooks, creating endless storage solutions for her clients. Kids tend to come with a lot of gear, but some strategic design choices can keep clutter at bay and minimize the hectic energy of weekday mornings.

Design by Ashley Montgomery Design, Photography by Lauren Miller

Design by Laura Design Co., Photography by Emily Kennedy Photography

Hardworking Materials for All Seasons

Durability isn’t just a buzzword for mudroom design; it’s a necessity. Flooring will inevitably bear the brunt of dirt, snow, and rain that are often tracked in from the outdoors. To meet this challenge, designer Ashley Montgomery used the ultimate hard-working flooring material—brick—to withstand the demands of this high-traffic area. The herringbone pattern not only adds visual interest but also provides a slip-resistant surface, ideal for an active household.

Design by Alex Adamson, Photography by Malissa Mabey

(L ) Design by reDesign Home, Photography by Ryan McDonald / (R) Design by Oho Interiors, Photography by Judith Marilyn

Bench Seating With Hidden Storage

Incorporating bench seating is a game-changer for mudroom design. Better yet, bench seating with hidden storage adds an extra layer of functionality. Not only does it provide an easy landing spot for putting on and taking off shoes, but the hidden storage can house seasonal items like gloves, scarves, and hats, keeping them within reach yet tucked out of sight.

Design by Oho Interiors, Photography by Judith Marilyn

Personalized Lockers or Cubbies

Personalized lockers are perhaps the mother of all mudroom design features. For larger households, this feature can be make or break for daily routines, keeping coats, backpacks, and gear well-organized for each child. Melissa Oholendt of Oho Interiors showcases this well with French blue custom built-ins featuring clever boot cutouts. It’s proof that utility and style can go hand in hand.