Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn
Mud room 101
Everything you need to know to build a practical and beautiful mud room
With Canada’s distinctly varied climates, an outside to inside transition space has always been a necessary part of our home life. We need a place to hang our hat (and coat), wipe our shoes off, clean the dog’s feet and let the umbrella dry out. For most, the mud room is the ugly duckling at the back of the house where mucky wellies and damp dogs reside.
And despite its long list of messy tasks, a well-considered mud room will not only make your home look and work better, it will make your life run more smoothly. We felt it was time to pay homage to our dear old friend who shoulders the burden of the dirt, clutter and chaos from all of our coming and
going; the friend who is never formally introduced to your guest yet holds their coats until they’re ready to leave.
## Mud room musts
**1. Durable flooring**
Because a mud-room floor takes a lot of wear and tear, hard materials such as textured stone and porcelain tile are your best bet. Larger grout lines prevent slipping.
**2. Work surface, table or counter**
You need a place to set down parcels after walking in the door. Maximize on space by looking for tables that also provide closed or open storage options.
**3. Durable doormat**
Opt for doormats made of rubber, cocoa mat or coir. A cotton mat with non-slip backing can be used with the added bonus of being washable. And consider a longer mat in the wintertime when salt and ice create more mess in your mud room.
**4. Umbrella stand**
It will probably get wet so something opaque is best. It should also be light enough to easily lift and clean.
**5. Chair or bench**
Pick one that works with the size and style of the room, and the number of people in the household.
## The extras:
**Bulletin board, chalkboard or magnetic board**
Keep it small and use your board to post notices, chore lists and kids’ school and activity schedules.
**Mirror**
If your mud room is also your main exit and entrance, you’ll need one to do quick checks.
**Utility sink**
If you have the budget, a full Corian sink is a durable and great-looking sink option to wash away dirt and grime from the garden.
**Boot scraper**
Keep one just outside the door as well as one inside so less dirt comes in.
**Lighting**
Depending on the room’s size, a few recessed halogens, a small pendant light, or a pair of wall sconces is sufficient. Less light is better for concealing all the dirt.
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