Mudroom Designs That “Wow”!
Homebuilding is constantly evolving. Every year brings new trends in home design, fixtures, and materials. As a trusted coastal Georgia homebuilder, Ernest Homes keeps a close eye on which trends are fleeting and which ones truly add value to your home and your daily life. One space that has become an absolute must-have in many of our floor plans is the hardworking, highly practical mudroom.
Before you start planning your mudroom or any other home updates, it’s helpful to know which design choices can actually hurt your home’s value. Check out our guide: Designs That Could Hurt Your Home’s Value.
What Is a Mudroom?
A mudroom is a dedicated drop zone in your home, typically located near a main entrance or the garage, where all the “coming and going” happens. It’s where you can remove shoes, coats, backpacks, sports gear, and wet umbrellas before stepping into the main living areas such as the kitchen or family room. In some homes, the mudroom also doubles as part of the laundry room, which makes it even more efficient.
Think of a mudroom as a buffer between the outside world and your clean floors. It’s the place to hang coats and kick off muddy boots, corral dripping umbrellas, stash backpacks, or unload random sports and golf accessories. In climates with plenty of rain or seasonal weather, a mudroom is essential for keeping your home cleaner and more comfortable.
A well-designed mudroom is also a powerful tool for staying organized. Clutter has a way of piling up by the door. When everything has a designated landing spot, you’re less likely to end up with shoes, coats, and bags scattered across the house. That makes everyday life smoother and your living spaces tidier.
Mudroom Design Ideas That Really Work
The basics of mudroom design are simple: storage, durability, and ease of use. The goal is to create a space that works hard for your family but still looks like it belongs with the rest of your home. Here are some mudroom design ideas to help you get the most out of this flexible space.
- Cubbies, shelves, and closed storage. Mudrooms need storage of all kinds. Custom cubbies can hold sports gear, outdoor toys, school bags, or gardening tools. Closed cabinets help hide visual clutter, while open shelves make it easy to grab what you need in a hurry. If you have a mudroom closet, use it for out-of-season items like winter coats in summer and beach gear in winter.
- Plenty of hooks. Wall hooks are an everyday essential for hanging coats, jackets, hats, scarves, and even the dog’s leash. Assign each family member a dedicated hook so everyone knows exactly where their things go.
- Benches and seating. A mudroom needs a place to sit while you put on or take off shoes. A built-in bench or sturdy chair does the job, and a bench with a flip-up seat provides extra hidden storage. Add a boot tray underneath to keep wet shoes contained.
- Durable walls and floors. Mudrooms handle heavy traffic, moisture, and dirt, so surfaces should be easy to clean. Stain-resistant paint, wall paneling, and flooring like tile or luxury vinyl are smart choices. Try to avoid materials that don’t love water, such as carpet or traditional hardwood.
- Rugs and floor mats. A washable rug or indoor-outdoor mat helps protect your flooring and keep dirt in the mudroom where it belongs. Look for low-pile, slip-resistant styles that can handle plenty of foot traffic.
- Bins and baskets. Labelled bins or baskets give each family member a dedicated space for shoes, sports gear, and grab-and-go items like hats and gloves. This simple system makes mornings more efficient and keeps clutter from piling up on the floor.
For even more storage inspiration, you can explore national guides to mudroom storage ideas. Use those ideas as a starting point, then personalize your space with finishes and details that match your home’s style.
Personalize Your Mudroom With Ernest Homes
We love helping homeowners create mudrooms that feel both beautiful and practical. Many of our floor plans include dedicated mudroom or drop-zone spaces, often conveniently located near the garage entry. At the Ernest Homes Design Studio, you can work with a professional Design Consultant to choose flooring, cabinetry, hooks, and built-ins that fit your family’s routine.
Ready to start planning your move so you can enjoy a mudroom that truly “wows”? Explore our new home communities and browse available homes in the Savannah, Richmond Hill, and Guyton areas. Our team is here to help you find the right floor plan and layout for your lifestyle.
Have questions or want to talk through mudroom options in a specific plan? Connect with us online or give us a call today. We look forward to helping you design a home that is organized, welcoming, and ready for whatever life brings through the door.
