Planning a Mud Room Makeover

I can't believe it's already February.  I think it's time for me to start addressing some of my home goals I set for 2011.  If you want to check out all of my home goals, click here.  The first goal I am ready to tackle is our mud room.  Before you start any project, it's a good idea to have a clear plan as to what you want to achieve.

In the case of my mud room, it needs an aesthetic makeover as well as a functional makeover.  First and foremost, the wallpaper and border need to come down.  I loved it eleven years ago, but I am over its busy pattern.

Image from Centsational Girl

Instead of the wallpaper, I want to do a board and batten treatment on the long wall in the mud room.  I think it will be a great look for the mudroom.  Centsational Girl has one of the best tutorials out there.  I plan on referring to it often during the project.

Image from Ballard Designs

The second issue with my mud room is, although I have a beautiful front door and foyer, 95% of the people who visit my home seem to use my side door. My side door is right next to the washer and dryer.  With a family of four, laundry is done often and therefore it seems like 50% of the time there is laundry hanging on a rack right next to the door.  I would love to figure out a way to not have a drying rack on the floor. This laundry rack from Ballard Designs might be perfect.  I will have to figure out a way to duplicate the functionality of this rack, without the high price tag Ballard Designs has attached to this one.

Image from Pottery Barn

Our mudroom seems to be the hub of our home.  It's where all school calendars, assignments, sports info etc gets kept.  I love the organizer from Pottery Barn above.  I'm sure I can come up with something similar...I'm thinking a field trip to Home Goods maybe.  A good organizational area is a must.

I also would love to fit a bench and some hooks to hang jackets and school bags.  The long narrow space makes this a challenge.  However, if I can work out the laundry hanging situation, I think I can make the bench happen.

I can't wait to start this project (do you hear that honey?).  My first step will be going to Home Depot to pick up the wood.  Home Depot is great because if you have your measurements, they will cut the wood to size for you at no cost.  One less step for me.  The most fun part of this project will be getting to use my Christmas gift on that board and batten project.

Let me know what you think of my proposed project.  Hope you all have a great weekend.  Don't forget my party will be open for another day.  Hope you join in the fun.

-Judy