Renaissance Style: Mud Rooms For Our Northwest weather

Posted by Kelly Asmus on Aug 8, 2011 in Latest News, Renaissance Style, _Special | 1 comment

The mud room concept originated on farms and ranches out of necessity and was typically located in the back of the house with a backyard entrance. A mud room was literally a place for shedding muddy shoes and clothes when coming in from the fields or pastures. This back entrance kept dirt and grim from being tracked throughout the house. There was usually a sink or basin for washing up before meals.

Fast forward to today and a mudroom will be the hardest working room in your house and also your best friend in the winter. Our Northwest weather can be wet, wicked and wild nine months of the year. A mudroom is the perfect place to stash wet boots, coats, hats and umbrellas for all those crazy weather days.

What about the other seasons of the year? Mudrooms can act as a “control center.” All the necessities for heading outside can be located in one convenient spot.

What are the elements of a hard working mudroom?

1. Flooring

It will be taking a beating so select a durable material and preferably a darker color, to hide dirt. Add doormats to minimize dirt.

2. Walls

Some opt for vinyl wallpaper since it’s easy to sponge clean. Others choices are a high-gloss paint or Wainscoting to offer an effective, hard-working, but stylish protection.

3. Seating

A built-in bench or window seat, hinged at the top, can help keep clutter under wraps and provides a great place to pull off those wet boots.

4. Storage

Figure out who will be using the mud room and what their needs are. Hooks, cubbies, bins and baskets are all good choices.

5. Organizing Accessories.
Don’t forget specialized bins and hangers for sports gear and a handy hook for pet leashes. Add a corkboard to post family notes and include a key rack. The mud room can also house the recycling center if there is room and don’t forget an umbrella stand.

Renaissance Homes is an award winning Street of Dreams custom home builder specializing in green building for the Portland market. Our vintage style new homes feature many different variations of mud rooms and benches incorporated into the design of the home.