Mudrooms

The kids are back to school here in Atlanta and that signals a constant influx of backpacks, school supplies and sports equipment for many families. Do you have the pile of shoes and dropped backpacks by your back door?  If the amount of gear and lack of storage is creating havoc in your home, you may want to think about a mudroom space.

The mudroom is most often a transition space from the exterior elements to the sanctuary of your home’s living spaces.  Although some mudrooms are relatively open to other living spaces, many include a secondary interior passage door.  This secondary door serves several purposes – it creates an easy way to separate the living space from dirt & grime carried in during nasty weather, and it can even increase the energy efficiency of your home.  The mu room essentially becomes an “air lock”. A space that catches the cold air (during winter months) and hot air (during summer months) as you open and close the exterior door.  The concept of an air lock to maximize efficiency is not a new one.  In fact, every time you enter a grocery or department store you pass through an “air lock” which is used to dramatically cut unnecessary energy loss.

The other primary goal of a mudroom is often for storage. It can become the perfect landing zone for all the miscellaneous supplies needed for busy lifestyles. The design options and storage solutions can be limitless depending on needs, budget, and space. Locker style custom cabinetry can provide seamless storage with the benefit of hiding a mess behind doors.  A few well-placed cubby style shelves can keep things corralled in the right spot but still visible and easy to grab. A bench with coat hooks mounted above can be the simple solution you need.

Other functional ideas to consider may include finishes. Are you interested in a hardwearing slate floor? Would you prefer the mudroom to be an extension of your current kitchen space? Do you have pets who need a spot for their food storage or a pet door? Maybe consider electrical outlets placed in a convenient spot for electronic device charging. Is recycling a challenge? Mudrooms can be perfect spots to house recycling and clever storage can make this a breeze.

If your home is missing a transition space, or if your existing mudroom is simply not working for you, let Home ReBuilders help you work out a great solution.  We can help you transform a current space into something that works better or we can build a new mudroom addition. Our designers and staff are on hand to help your family run with better function and more fun!