Small Mudroom-Laundry Makeover: Style Tips

Styling a small mudroom-laundry room can be a challenge, but with some clever design choices, it can become a functional and stylish space. The key to success is to maximise space, create a cohesive look, and add personal touches that reflect your taste and lifestyle. From storage solutions to colour schemes, here's how to transform your small mudroom-laundry room into a space you'll love.

Use wallpaper to make the room seem bigger

Wallpaper can be a great way to make a small mudroom-laundry room seem bigger. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Firstly, consider the direction of stripes. Vertical stripes will help to stretch the room and make it feel taller, whereas horizontal stripes will make the room appear wider. Chevron prints, which are similar to stripes, can also add depth to a room, drawing the eye upward and outward. If you want to create a feature wall, striped wallpaper is a great option.

Another way to make a small room seem bigger is to use wallpaper with large patterns or oversized flowers. This will help to draw the eye upward or across the room, giving a sense of airiness. Look for wallpapers with a 12-inch or more repeat pattern to avoid overwhelming the space.

Geometric patterns and shapes can also create the illusion of space. Choose patterns with plenty of negative space, repeating across the wallpaper both horizontally and vertically. This will make the room feel more expansive.

Scenic mural wallpapers can also add depth and detail to a small room, creating the illusion of more space. 3D wallpapers are perfect for this, as they create depth and the illusion of distance.

When choosing a wallpaper colour, opt for light, bright, and happy colours. Darker colours tend to make rooms look smaller, while lighter colours reflect light and make the room seem larger and brighter. Pastel colours in light purple, blue, pink, or yellow can add a calm and spacious tone to the room.

Finally, consider using wallpaper on just one accent wall. This will give the appearance of more space and can add a stylish touch to the room without overwhelming the space.

Install a sliding barn door to save space

Sliding barn doors are a great way to save space in a small mudroom-laundry room. They are a popular feature for homes of all styles and can provide an attractive way to divide rooms or create privacy. Here are the steps to install a sliding barn door in your small mudroom-laundry room:

Step 1: Paint or Stain the Door

You can choose to stain the door with a dark stain or paint it with a light colour to brighten up the space. For example, you can use a coat of Swiss Coffee with a foam roller and angled brush.

Step 2: Make the Rail Backer

Cut a mounting board to the same length as the track. Stain or paint the backer to match or complement the door. Once dry, lay the rail flat on the backer and mark the hole locations for the rail hardware.

Step 3: Locate and Mark the Studs on the Wall

As the sliding barn door will be holding a heavy door, it is important to drill into studs to secure the rail backer.

Step 4: Secure the Rail Backer

With the help of a friend, securely attach the rail backer to the wall.

Step 5: Install the Track

Install the track onto the rail backer. You can purchase a track from a hardware store or home improvement store, or make your own to save money.

Step 6: Install the Hardware and Hang the Door

Follow the instructions provided with your hardware kit to install the hardware onto the door. Once complete, hang the door on the track.

Step 7: Install the Pulls

Choose rustic iron pulls or another style that complements your door and install them so you can easily open and close the door.

Step 8: Install a Floor Guide

To prevent the door from swinging out, install a floor guide to keep the door in place.

By following these steps, you can install a space-saving sliding barn door in your small mudroom-laundry room, adding both style and functionality to your space.

Add a window seat for comfort

Adding a window seat to a small mudroom laundry room can be a great way to enhance the comfort and functionality of the space. Here are some ideas and considerations for incorporating a window seat:

Built-in Window Seat:

If your budget allows, consider a built-in window seat, which can provide additional storage and create a seamless look. You can include hidden under-bench storage or built-in shelving on either side of the seat. This option is ideal if you want a permanent fixture that maximizes space and offers a polished appearance.

Improvised Window Seat:

If you're working with a tighter budget or space constraints, you can create a window seat using a wood or upholstered bench. Choose a bench that fits proportionally beneath your window, and style it with throw pillows, a cozy blanket, or a reading light to make it more inviting. This option offers flexibility and can be a cost-effective solution.

Comfort and Functionality:

When designing your window seat, prioritize comfort by adding soft cushions, blankets, and pillows. This will make the space inviting for relaxation, whether it's to curl up with a book or take a quick nap. Additionally, consider adding a small table or turning the window seat into a daybed for added functionality.

Natural Light and Views:

Window seats are all about maximizing natural light and taking advantage of any views. If possible, position your window seat to soak up the light and provide a pleasant outlook. You can even add a reading light or sconce near the window seat to enhance the lighting, especially during the evening.

Storage and Organization:

Window seats can also serve as clever storage solutions. Consider adding hidden under-bench storage compartments or incorporating built-in shelving or drawers to keep the space organized. This can be a great place to store items like books, blankets, or even seasonal decorations.

Style and Decor:

Style your window seat to complement the overall aesthetic of the room. You can add colorful accents, such as throw pillows or blankets, to make the space feel warm and inviting. Consider using coordinating colors or patterns for the upholstery, pillows, and artwork to create a cohesive and stylish look.

Create a boot storage area to save space

A boot storage area is a must-have in a small mudroom laundry room to save space and keep the area organised and tidy. Here are some ideas to create a functional and stylish boot storage area:

Utilise Built-in Storage

Built-in storage is a great way to maximise space in a small mudroom laundry room. Consider installing floor-to-ceiling cabinets, lockers, or shelves to store boots and other footwear. You can also incorporate adjustable shelves or hooks inside the cabinets to make the most of the space. If you have the option, building custom storage during the design stage ensures a seamless look and allows you to tailor the space to your specific needs.

Combine Seating and Storage

A boot bench is both practical and space-saving. Opt for a bench with deep pull-out drawers or wicker baskets underneath for boot storage. Alternatively, you can create a built-in unit under the seat to maximise space. This provides a convenient spot to put on and remove shoes while keeping them neatly stored away.

Install Hooks

Hooks are perfect for grab-and-go convenience. They are ideal for hanging coats, bags, dog leashes, hats, and keys. Consider installing a set of open wall hooks near the entryway, making it easy to access everyday items. Hooks are especially useful for families who are always on the go and need a quick and accessible storage solution.

Create a Designated Boot Space

If you don't have a separate mudroom, you can still create a designated boot space within your laundry room. Designate an area near the entrance of your home as the boot zone. Install a bench with closed-drawer storage underneath for boots and shoes, keeping them out of sight. You can also add floating shelves or cabinets above the bench for additional storage.

Use Baskets and Inserts

To maintain a tidy appearance, use baskets or inserts on open shelves to store smaller items. Woven baskets can add a rustic chic element to the space while keeping items organised and easily accessible. This is a great option if you don't have the option for closed storage and want to create a stylish and functional boot storage area.

Include a built-in ironing board

When it comes to styling a small mudroom laundry room, it's all about creating a functional and efficient space. One way to achieve this is by including a built-in ironing board. Here are some ideas and benefits of doing so:

Save Space and Multitask

Built-in ironing boards are a great way to save space in a small mudroom laundry room. They can be recessed into the wall, mounted on a door or tucked inside a drawer, ensuring your ironing board is easily accessible without taking up valuable floor space. This is especially useful if your laundry room is also an entryway or mudroom, where every inch counts.

Create a Complete Ironing Centre

Some built-in ironing boards come as part of a complete ironing centre, offering additional features such as storage shelves, garment racks, and even electrical outlets and lighting. These extra features not only make your laundry chores easier but also provide a dedicated space for all your ironing needs, keeping everything organised and within reach.

Choose a Style to Suit Your Space

Built-in ironing boards come in various styles, so you can choose one that suits your small space. For example, a simple wall-mounted ironing board can be installed in a narrow space, while a swivel ironing board recessed into a cabinet offers a sleek and discreet option. You can also opt for ironing boards with decorative covers or frames to add a touch of style to your laundry room.

Complement Your Décor

Built-in ironing boards can be chosen to complement the décor of your small mudroom laundry room. Opt for designs that match your cabinetry or hardware, or go for a contrasting style to make a statement. You can also paint or stain certain ironing boards to match your colour scheme, ensuring a cohesive and stylish look throughout your space.

Enhance Functionality

Including a built-in ironing board in your small mudroom laundry room enhances the functionality of the space. It provides a dedicated area for ironing, ensuring you have a stable and convenient spot to tackle this chore. With a built-in ironing board, you can save time and effort setting up and packing away your ironing equipment, making the task of ironing just a little bit easier.

Frequently asked questions