A well-designed mudroom is the perfect solution to clutter and disorganization in a home’s entryway. Even if it’s small, a well-organized mudroom is the ideal place to store coats, hats, shoes, sporting gear and backpacks — helping to keep your whole house much more clean and tidy.

For the uninitiated, a mudroom is many things — part utility room, part closet, part entryway. Depending on the available space, it usually involves a clothes rack, storage cubbies, hooks and seating. What you put in there is totally up to you, as the room works best when it is tailored to the people who will be using it.

Most people choose to put the mudroom at either a side or back entryway, although elements of a mudroom can work well in the front foyer as well.

As you begin to think about your future mudroom, you need to take the time to do some careful planning to make sure it will meet your needs. Think about your family’s lifestyle, not just right now but over the next 10 to 20 years. Where does it make the most sense to put it? What will you be putting in there? Will you want to have other things, such as laundry facilities, a recycling centre, or a washroom, in the space also?

As you begin the planning process, you may find that you already have a space that can be remodeled to fit your purposes — a laundry room, entryway or hall, or carve out some space at the back of the kitchen, for example. Or, you may decide you want to start fresh and build an addition. Whatever you choose, careful planning is essential to ensure this room works for you and your family.

Design tips

Flooring: The floor needs to be a durable material that can withstand the daily wear and tear. It should also be easy to clean. Ceramic tile and natural stone both work well on a mudroom floor. Make sure to add doormats and boot trays to minimize the amount of dirt that gets tracked around the space.

Seating: Having a sturdy place to sit makes pulling on and off heavy footwear so much more comfortable. A bench works well and can do double duty if you add under seat storage.

Storage: The main goal in a well-designed mudroom is for each member of the family to have a place to store their gear. Luckily, there are many storage solutions that are excellent choices in the mudroom. Out of season clothes can be stored in upper cabinets. Coat hooks work well for daily in-season wear. A rack with hangers can accommodate occasional wear, such as rain gear or windbreakers. Cubbies work well for organizing, and work especially well for helping kids sort their stuff. Small pegs help keep keys, pet leashes and handbags organized. A wire rack organizer works well to keep footwear from taking over the space. Use a shelf with baskets to house mittens, hats and scarves in winter, or for sunglasses, sunhats and sunscreen in the summer months. Lockers or cabinets can house sports gear.

Heating: A baseboard heating unit is of great value in a mudroom, as it will help dry wet clothes and footwear, as well as creating a warm and cozy space.

Lighting: You will need good lighting to ensure people can find their gear quickly. Track lighting works well as you can direct the light to the key areas you need.

Walls: This is one room where a high-gloss paint makes more sense, as it will be easier to wipe clean. Wainscoting is both a stylish and functional choice for walls also.

Décor: The décor will depend on where you put your mudroom. In a front entryway or adjoining the kitchen, for instance, you may want to use more decorative hardware and cabinets. Wire racks and open shelving will most likely suffice for a garage entry mudroom. Keep in mind this is an entrance to your home and it should be as visually appealing as possible — too many cubbies can end up looking cluttered and unattractive. Large baskets work wonders in solving this problem.

A mirror is a great decorative, and practical, addition to the mudroom. Framed pictures of your children, or grandchildren, and/or their artwork will also add to the space.