Mudroom's the name-organizing's the aim

摘要

We all have things that we drag in and out of our homes just about every day: coats, purses, mail, shoes, sports equipment, books, backpacks. Without a mudroom-that dedicated space between the house's entry and the rest of the rooms-the essentials that accompany us each day can end up being strewn throughout the house. Kitchens, family rooms, and hallways all become drop-off zones. The resulting clutter throughout the house is unsightly, but what's worse is trying to remember where you left your shoes, keys, and cell phone the night before when you're running 10 minutes late. Originally designed as a place for removing wet coats and dirty shoes, mudrooms have evolved to handle much more. Mudrooms come in all shapes and sizes, and many are now custom-designed to meet the specific needs of the homeowners. But all good mudrooms have what it takes to stand up to daily use: durable yet easy-to-clean flooring; sturdy cabinetry; ample racks and hooks for hanging clothing and backpacks; drawers and cubbies; and a place to park a package temporarily or to sit while putting on or taking off shoes.