A mudroom or drop zone is fast becoming the new ‘must have’ inclusion in homes and it’s easy to see why. A dedicated space to stop clutter invading your home, while helping to reduce mess from muddy shoes and goodness knows what else!
We share a gallery of inspirational mudrooms and drop zones, and offer our top tips on the design features to include — no matter the size of your space or budget!
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Mudroom or drop zone — which is best for you?
Mudroom
A mudroom is a dedicated space in a high traffic area, generally close to your home’s entrance or garage. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t actually have to be its own room — just a space in the home dedicated to keeping mess at bay. It could be an unused wall, an inlet in the home or included in the garage or laundry.
They generally have built-in cabinetry of some kind to offer functional storage and create the illusion of visual calm.
Drop zone
A drop zone on the other hand is a less formal space that, as the name suggests, offers somewhere to drop your ‘stuff’ like keys, shoes, mail, handbag and school belongings.
For most of us who are limited on space or budget, this will be a better solution but don’t be disheartened, a drop zone can still be super efficient, useful and just as stylish!
Storage, storage, storage
It will come as no surprise that storage comes top of our list when designing the perfect mudroom or drop zone. Storage is KEY for keeping mess at bay and clutter out of the way — especially important in a family home!
Whether you’re lucky enough to be able to build in your own storage or, just use a flat pack furniture piece, storage will forever be your best friend. A place for everything, and everything in its place!
We love this mudroom with built-in seating, drawers and plenty of cupboard space. So neat and tidy! Or, a simple, low-cost solution is to use a wall-hung storage unit. We found this version similar to the one in the image below called TRONES available from IKEA.
Add a bench seat
A bench seat, or somewhere to sit, is pretty much a must-have for an efficient mudroom or drop zone. Somewhere to sit and put shoes on and get organised for your day. Bonus points if it’s got drawers! Drawers are perfect for keeping shoes out of the way, but if not, a simple basket will do the trick.
Shop your mudroom and drop zone essentials here
Hook us up
Walls can be seriously under-utilised! Wall hooks are a fab way to get mess up off the floor and out of the way.
There are heaps of stylish options available and they’re a great way to add interest to your walls. Use them to store things like bags, coats and school paraphernalia. Or hang some of your most stylish accessories like a straw bag or wide brimmed hat, which can be like decor pieces of their very own.
You can also find smaller hooks to hang your keys so you never have to go searching for them again! Consider creating custom keychains so this practical item can become a decor piece that fits with your home’s aesthetic.
Give everyone their own space
We don’t know about you, but sometimes our kids just cannot seem to share! Avoid the arguments and everything getting muddled up by giving everyone their own storage space.
Whether it be a full cupboard, drawer, or simply a basket. We especially love these wooden crates and numbered baskets!
Add a shelf
Another great way to take advantage of the full height of your wall is to add overhead shelving. To perfectly fit the area you have to work with, we love custom joinery. Otherwise, a set of DIY floating shelves will work great too!
Shelves can become your storage hub. Add a few baskets to keep the clutter at bay. Or, use them as a new space to decorate and have fun with. Whatever you choose, the added space is sure to be well utilised!
Be bold with colour
An idea to get your partner or kids involved in keeping the home tidy is let them be part of the design process. We know this is a big statement, but hear us out!
When it came to designing this mudroom within the family garage, each child got to choose their favourite colour for their own individual locker. How cool is that?! Make it fun and they’re more likely to use it… we can live in hope!
And this fabulous pitch black mudroom brings a touch of masculine energy against those bright, white walls. We seriously love this one!
Accessorise your space
It wouldn’t be Style Curator if we didn’t add in a bit of decor, now would it?! Your mudroom or drop zone should be practical and beautiful!
Add some dried florals, embrace woven baskets, and use fun wall hooks. Style it up with cushions — they’re always a good idea! Or as we mentioned above, you can even use your favourite shoes, hats or gumboots as accessories in their own right.
Whatever you do, make the space feel like you! Your home should reflect your unique style and personality.
Shop your mudroom and drop zone essentials here
Work with what you’ve got
You don’t have to have a fully dedicated room or a big space to work in a mudroom or drop zone at your place. A simple table or bench seat can do the job. Think about the space you’ve got and your biggest needs and work backwards from there. Hopefully this round up of mudroom inspiration and tips has given you plenty of ideas to work with.
Remember the KISS method — keep it simple, sweetie!
What did you think of the gallery of our fave mudroom and drop zone spaces? Did you have a fave? Or perhaps we’ve missed something you think others need to know about. Drop us a comment down below and let’s chat!
More home organisation ideas here
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