A Much-Needed Mudroom Refresh
Updated: 6 days ago
October can be a hectic month for a lot of us. Kids have gone back to school, routines have shifted, things have changed. Our mudrooms become harbingers of mess and clutter. Mismatched shoes, jackets tossed aside, cubbies overflowing. One way you can relieve some stress is to refresh your mudroom. It’s the last place you leave in the morning and the first place you come into after a long day. This space sees a lot.
What if there were small changes you could make in these areas that would create a big impact? Less mess. Less stress. More time to focus on what matters.
Function First: Rethinking Storage for Busy Mornings
There’s nothing more stressful than a dysfunctional space. A great way to transform a messy, cluttered mudroom is to prioritize storage and maximize space. Built-ins, cubbies, labeled bins for each family member. A mudroom finds harmony when things have a designated space. There’s also no more rushing around in the morning looking for a specific shoe or coat, because they’ll be where they’re supposed to be.
Another small but impactful addition to a mudroom are hooks at appropriate heights. Shorter hooks so that kids can reach and hang their things up on their own, and taller hooks for adults. This also means hooks won’t get too crowded, lessening the chance of things becoming hidden and more mess being created when you try to find what you’re looking for.
We’re also not in summer anymore, which means no more use for sandals, sun hats, and beach bags. Remove these things from an entryway and replace them with seasonal needs, such as cleats, hats, and rain jackets. Taking the time to remove summer items from a mudroom is a sure way of creating more space and less mess for the fall.
Photo credit: Pinterest 
A Landing Zone That Actually Works
A mudroom is often a passing thought to busy people in this busy season, but it’s actually one of the most important spaces in the house when it comes to creating a stress-free in/out area. Having dedicated spots for small items like keys, chargers, and things you’ll be taking away with you is a great way to preserve harmony and prevent chaos. You’ll know where to find the important items, which means less searching and stressing on the way out.
Baskets are a great way to declutter a space. They’re the keepers of hats, gloves, scarves, and dog leashes. They give the fall essentials a space to be without creating more mess and clutter in the room.
Whether a mudroom is big or small, having certain pieces of furniture can also be useful. Console tables can be the dedicated spot for small items, benches can assure you have the space to sit and get ready (or unready), and an armoire can provide you with all the necessary storage space while keeping things hidden behind its doors.
Photo credit: Pinterest 
Seasonal Style: Warming Up the Palette
A mudroom doesn’t just have to be functional. It can be visually appealing, too. Summer tones can be swapped for richer, autumnal ones. We love rust, olive, and warm neutrals. You can also layer in a textured rug or runner to give the space dimension and some pattern variety. New England, as we all know, experiences many weather conditions. In fall, this means rain and mud and dragging in grass, leaves, and dirt from outside. A rug or runner is a great way to stop mess in its tracks–literally. It’s also a way to amplify and honor the seasonal change through swappable decor.
October is also the perfect time to celebrate the autumnal details around us. A bowl of acorns or pinecones on a console or shelf, dried florals, a seasonal wreath hanging on the door. All the details, practical and visual, come together to create a cohesive, clutter-free, and seasonal mudroom.
Photo credit: Pinterest 
Durability Meets Design
If you’re thinking about redesigning your mudroom past the point of simple, quick swaps or additions, prioritizing durability is the best place to start. Mudrooms should be built to withstand the changing New England weather. That means slate, sealed wood, and washable textiles. Weatherproof finishes that work while still looking intentional and cohesive in the space.
Shop our Mudroom Studio Selects.
Minimize Stress This Season
So, whether it’s small, quick changes to your mudroom or bigger, long-term investments, a room refresh is exactly what you need this fall. This season is busy enough as is without added stress and clutter.
For us, mudroom projects are about balancing practicality with timeless, classic design. Book a consultation to discuss your mudroom transformation. Practical and functional space, smoother routines, and more time to enjoy the season.
Come back next week to read all about full-scale autumnal decorating and how to bring fall inside this season while staying cozy and warm.
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Best,
Ink & Canvas Design
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