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Compact Mudrooms: A Little Space Goes a Long Way

Cozy mudroom tucked in kitchen for entrywayMudrooms can sound like the kind of thing you only find in large homes with square footage to spare, but nothing could be further from the truth.

There’s really no such thing as a home that’s too small for a mudroom. In fact, we would argue that the more limited your living space, the more important a mudroom can be, even if it’s just a mini version. A mudroom is most useful when it’s just inside your home’s most used entrance, usually the entry from the garage or your kitchen. They can be as large or small as you’d like, even one hook and one shoe bin can make a dent in containing clutter.

Mudroom off kitchen for entrywayYou don’t need to dedicate a lot of space to gain the big benefits of mudroom organization. Carve out a little bit of cabinet space in your kitchen. You can put it behind doors if you don’t want to see the clutter, or leave it open for easier access.

Mudrooms are also often paired with a laundry space, especially when they’re just inside the door from the garage. Mudrooms drive organized behavior, which makes it easier for everyone to keep things where they belong. You don’t have to worry about it looking too cluttered because realistically, everything should naturally wind up in its designated space, since it will be the path of least resistance.

pantry/mudroom with bench and cubbiesWhether you’re going for a full size mudroom or a mini version, there are a few tips to keep in mind for mudrooms of any size. Durable materials, like tile flooring and stained wood cabinetry are optimal; things that can stand up to the daily wear and tear. Don’t be afraid to accessorize and incorporate some fun colors to create a customized look for each member of the family. Cloth baskets, canvas bags, and chalkboards are also fun, low-cost accessories that work just as well in tight spaces as large ones.

Getting organized with a mudroom is just one piece of the puzzle to getting your home set up just right for your family. Set up a time to talk with one of our Designers about all the options available for making your home its optimal version for you. You can also find home inspiration and tips for every corner of your house. Find us on Facebook and Instagram to get your daily fix.

 

Prioritizing Your Home’s To-Do List

Single bowl sink, goose neck faucet, subway tile

Deciding where to put your hands first when it comes to renovating your home? We thought you’d say that. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with your home’s to-do list and it’s even harder choosing a starting point. Well, no need to worry, as Normandy Designer Jeremy Paris has got a few tricks up his sleeve on just how to prioritize your long list of to-dos.

First things first, how critical is an issue? “If there are any major repairs such as a leaky roof or dripping faucet begin there,” Jeremy says. “Not only do you want your house to be safe, but you also want to make sure that there’s not an issue that’s driving up your bill.”

Side profile of seamless additionWhen deciding on what tasks to begin, you’ll be happy to learn that a lot of projects begin to blend together. “A majority of exterior projects go hand in hand, such as siding, roofing, gutter, and even window replacements,” says Jeremy. “Many of these exterior projects are also life-cycle driven, meaning things like shingles, siding and windows will eventually start to fail and need to be replaced. A majority of these components may be handled by a single contractor; however, this is the time to consider if making a bigger curb appeal impact is on your wish list.” If this is the case, a designer can help you make the right window and siding choices, as well as show you the best way to incorporate new architectural elements like a portico or covered porch.

mudroom, cubbies, shelves, gray cabinets, wood floorNew kitchen projects also often involve re-configurations like expanding into adjacent spaces or finding more room through an addition.  “This also provides a great opportunity to improve the way your family enters and exits the home,” Jeremy adds. “For many families, adding a dedicated mudroom provides much needed space for coats, shoes and backpacks which may otherwise end up in the kitchen.”

Primary bathroom renovations and additions (especially in older homes) may also include creating additional closet space. “This is also a great time to move the laundry from the basement to a new space on the second floor,” says Jeremy. “Since plumbing work is already being done for the bathroom, why not work on the laundry space as well?”

Large double vanity and enclosed toilet room

It’s also important to fully decide just what you would like renovated so you won’t have to undergo the process again in a few years. “If you’re considering an addition for a family room, make sure to think through whether you will need any other additional projects like an added bathroom in the new space,” Jeremy notes. “You may also decide to space out certain renovations, rather than do everything at once. For instance, if all of your bathrooms are in need of a renovation, you might choose to remodel them in phases, so at least one bathroom is available to use at all times.”

Sorting through the unending list of wishes, needs, and to-do’s for your home isn’t for the faint of heart. Fortunately, there are experts that can help you figure out which projects to prioritize based on your needs and your budget. Set up a time with Jeremy to work through your home improvement list. Make sure to also visit our Photo Gallery of past projects as well as our Facebook and Instagram for even more home tips and inspiration.

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