Mudroom Makeovers

Dating back to the early 1900s when farmhouses featured a “boot room” to remove wet and dirty work clothes, the mudroom has come a long way in terms of function and style. Today’s custom-built luxury homes take mudroom design a step further—combining smart storage solutions with elegant finishes to create a space that is both beautiful and durable.

Whether you’re planning a custom home or remodeling an existing space, a well-designed mudroom adds convenience, organization, and long-term value. Here’s how to create a mudroom that works hard yet looks stylish.

Mudroom makeovers have become a top feature in home remodeling projects, especially in climates like Minnesota where snow is part of winter life. A well-designed mudroom can help reduce clutter, provide organized storage, improve daily routines, and add a beautiful entry point into the home, serving as the transition between outdoors and indoors. A mudroom can also help keep the rest of your home organized by providing a designated place for shoes, coats, backpacks, and other gear.

If you choose to work with an interior designer on your mudroom makeover, they can help you define how the household actually moves through the space every day, notes Ashley Mock, an interior designer and remodel expert at Highmark Builders. “A mudroom should reflect real routines—whether that’s kids dropping backpacks, pets coming in from the yard, or adults needing a quick place to stash shoes and bags,” she says. “From there, we look at layout, storage needs, and durability. I often encourage homeowners to think about zones—like hooks for daily grab-and-go items, closed storage for clutter, and seating for putting on shoes—so the mudroom works as both an entryway and an organization hub.”

Plus, buyers increasingly want modern homes with organized storage, especially in mudrooms. For homeowners planning a home renovation, adding or upgrading a mudroom is one of the most practical improvements to consider.

The best mudroom layouts begin with design. “Most homeowners want a mix of smart storage and easy maintenance,” says Ashley. “The most requested features are built-in cubbies, sturdy wall hooks, a bench for sitting, and closed cabinets to hide seasonal gear. Many people also ask for charging drawers for devices, baskets for each family member, and a dedicated spot for pet supplies. The goal is to keep everyday items organized while making the space welcoming when you walk in the door.”

An interior designer like Ashley can help you envision a mudroom that supports the natural flow of your family while providing ample storage. These popular mudroom layouts do both beautifully:

• Drop Zone Entry: This type of mudroom provides easy access from the garage for unloading groceries, backpacks and clothing. Children can simply “drop” their outerwear and backpacks onto hooks or place them in cubbies. A bench is essential for removing shoes, and a counter provides space for groceries and shopping bags.
• Locker-Style Storage: A mudroom that features lockers—one for each family member—is ideal for organizing coats, shoes, and personal items while keeping items off the floor. This style of mudroom features lockers, drawers, hooks, upper cabinets, adjustable shelving, hidden drawers, and even charging stations.
• Walk-Through Mudroom: In many home remodeling projects, the mudroom is designed to connect the garage to the kitchen or is combined with the laundry room. This layout prioritizes flow-through traffic while maintaining organization and allows homeowners to wash muddy clothes immediately.
• Pet-Friendly Mudroom: For families with pets, the mudroom can also provide space for them. Add a built-in dog washing station and this area becomes ideal for bathing and grooming. Add storage for pet supplies and include feeding drawers and leash hooks.

The key reason most homeowners request a mudroom is for the built-in storage. Unlike a simple coat closet, a well-designed mudroom features custom cabinetry and counter space, which allow every inch to be used efficiently.

A top feature in many mudrooms is a bench with storage, which serves a dual purpose. Drawers beneath the bench can store shoes immediately after they are removed while sitting on the bench. Other options for shoe storage include angled shelves, pullout trays, and boot racks placed near the bench. Since shoes are often the biggest source of mudroom clutter, a dedicated storage space keeps floors clean and organized.

Floor-to-ceiling custom cabinets maximize vertical space and can conceal seasonal items, cleaning supplies and sports gear. Choose soft-close doors and durable finishes for long-lasting performance.

Heavy use and lots of foot traffic are the hallmarks of a mudroom. To keep it functioning for years to come, select materials that are both attractive and can withstand the wear. Keep in mind that mudrooms don’t need to look purely utilitarian. Today’s luxury mudroom ideas incorporate these stylish finishes that blend seamlessly with the rest of the home:

• Flooring: Durable flooring is critical in this area of the home. “Porcelain tile holds up extremely well to moisture, dirt, and heavy traffic,” says Ashley. Other choices include natural stone or sealed concrete. “With Minnesota winters, I usually steer homeowners away from luxury vinyl plank because salt can get caught in the seams and be difficult to clean.”
• Countertops: Quartz and granite are the top choices for mudroom countertops thanks to their durability, stain resistance, and low maintenance qualities.
• Cabinets & Finishes: Transform a practical room into a welcoming entryway with the right cabinetry and coordinating finishes. Choose warm wood tones or painted cabinets to offset the room. Matte black hardware and brass accents add a stylish touch.
  
• Lighting: Often overlooked as an essential design component, lighting plays a key role in mudroom usability. Consider including a mix of overhead lighting for general illumination combined with under-cabinet lighting for tasks and accent lighting to highlight any design details. Natural lighting from windows can make the room feel larger and more open.
• Walls: “Washable paint, beadboard, or shiplap can add character while still being easy to clean,” says Ashley. And a custom tile backsplash can add color and character.

From busy families to empty nesters, anyone can have a custom mudroom designed to fit their lifestyle. And, since every family has different needs, a custom approach ensures the room will work for years to come.

Contact Highmark Builders when you’re ready for a mudroom that blends smart storage with exquisite style. Our team creates spaces that are as beautiful as they are practical.

For more inspiration, check out our design gallery.