HOME :: Creating a MUDROOM

Thanks to all of you for the feedback of this new series here on my blog. I LOVE receiving feedback from you guys and knowing I have inspired some of you, well . . .it just makes my day! This is WHY I decided to share this part of my life with you all right now, hoping it would make you see how easy it can be to do some simple things around your place, to make it just a little bit nicer, a little more organized or a little more "live-able". ;) AND you all know, I have never claimed to be an expert by any means, BUT lots of "trial & error" & research can make a person willing to give things a go! ;)

HOME | MADE is a bi-monthly series on room renovations MADE into nicer living spaces and the things used to get it there, the supplies used and all the DIY details. ALL to make my house feel like a HOME. ;)

If you missed the FIRST one in the series, you can catch it here:
 "Creating a CHALKBOARD DOOR".

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 

 

Okay in case you all don't remember, I am living in a condo (for now) and am looking to make better use of the space I have all while making our lives more organized in the process. (I know aren't we all . . .) so I have this space right when you come in the front door, an entry way of sorts, that has a HUGE closet and comes right into the living room. We hardly ever used this door as everyone comes in through the garage & comes up the steps from the basement. So it's kinda been getting the 'cold shoulder' all of these years & was an unused space. BUT a few months ago I decided to do something with it.

I wanted something pretty simple but useful. After looking for ideas at one of my fave stores (IKEA) I decided on a simple black shelf & also a bar with hooks so I could add some decor up on the shelf but yet hang some items on the hooks if needed. PLUS I figured when we do have visitors, it could be a nice area for them to hang up their jackets, purses, etc. since that HUGE closet I was telling you about . . . right there . . . on the right side (in the pic below) . . .is "off limits". WHY you ask? Let's just say that is where ALL of my daughter's toys are stashed . . . it has worked out that way for years & not ready to change (just yet). Another project . . .another time maybe. ;)

How about some pics? ;) 

This would be my token "before" pic . . . lovely huh? ;)

and here is my list to accomplish JUST with this space:
- paint the entire area (but has to wait as it's shared with the living room)
- paint the ceiling
- paint all of the trim WHITE
- repaint the front door a FUN color
- paint the toy closet door WHITE
- hanging shelf, hooks on wall to create feasible "mudroom area"
- replace rug
- replace door stops
- re-paint all door hardware/ knobs
- replace FLOOR

Step 1: determining the correct height of the shelf as I will be putting a bar & hooks underneath. I also did not want to put it too high as I want to be able to change things out on the shelf if I so desire. ;)

 

Step 2: LOVE the bar & hooks I purchased from IKEA for this. I went with the bars that you can add additional hooks to or hang tiny bins on, if you want as well. For this location, I bought the small hooks & a few larger ones to accommodate things like a 5th grader's bookbag! Those weigh a TON!! Am I wrong parents?

Step 3: DECORATING!!!! The best part . . . My 'word' for last year is/was "HOPE" after everything I went through heath-wise so when I found this at Target well . . .and it was black & white . . . well . . .  it magically jumped into my cart & came home with me!!!! I added some black n white pics of our kids from our wedding along with some green items to tie in the colors from the adjoining living room . . .

 . . . and looking pretty good huh? ;)

Let's take a step back & take it in. SO.MUCH.BETTER. =)

Step 4: Add your 'junk' . . . a.k.a. the kiddo's backpack & her purse! (because suddenly this has become "her" area . . . lol . . .kids! Love them.

But just like clockwork, I couldn't leave well enough alone as the space still needed something else. SO off to hunt around the house I went and came back with . . . .
 

this little black table to use for organizing random things. It so happened to be the perfect width for behind the door & it should come in handy! We'll see! ;)
 

So what do YOU think? It's a start. YES, I could be done & call it a day as it is waaaaaaay better already, BUT I have THE list . . . remember this?  . . .

Entry Way "to-do" LIST:
- paint the entire area (but has to wait as it's shared with the living room)
- paint the ceiling
- paint all of the trim WHITE
- repaint the front door a FUN color
- paint the toy closet door WHITE
- hanging shelf, hooks on wall to create feasible "mudroom area"
- replace rug
- replace door stops
- re-paint all door hardware/ knobs
- replace FLOOR


Well at least I got to cross off ONE thing! lol

Good news though: as I write this, I have already crossed off more on this list, so look for an update sometime soon. ;)


I really hope you are enjoying this series on home DIY.
I would LOVE to hear if you have ever designed a mudroom for a tiny area? What has been the biggest advantage for YOU?

Please comment below with your thoughts as I would love to hear from you! 

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos! 

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop!