Whether you have a designated mudroom or just a simple entryway, there are plenty of ways to create a space in your doorway to keep the necessities and avoid shoes, bags and jackets taking over the house.

When we’re designing a home, the bigger rooms tend to take priority, like kitchens, living spaces and master suites. A crucial element to your home, though, is the space your family will leave and come from – the mudroom!

“Mudroom” sounds more formal than it necessarily needs to be. A mudroom can be as simple as a bench and hooks in your entryway, or as extravagant as an entire room – or a laundry room hybrid! The possibilities are endless, and these are a few of our favorite mudroom trends.

Get creative with your space

If you aren’t building a custom home, it may be a bit of a challenge to find the space for a mudroom. But a mudroom doesn’t have to be an actual room! Think about your home, and the door you most often use. If it’s the garage, can you create a small mudroom area in the garage by the door? Add a bench and hooks or baskets to your interior entryway? Convert part of your laundry room? Get creative and find an area to designate as your “mudroom.”

Functionality first

Above all else, your mudroom needs to be useful! If the goal is to keep the mess restricted to one space, you probably don’t want carpet in that space. Tile is a great mudroom option because it’s sturdy and super easy to clean. Cubbies are a great option for storing kids’ backpacks, jackets and shoes, and give everyone a designated space, too.

Design with your family in mind

Along the same lines as functionality, your mudroom needs will probably vary depending on your family’s needs. Think about the ages of your kids, how many pets you have, how many people will be leaving shoes, coats, bags, etc. in the space. You don’t want to plan too small or too large of a space!

Set yourself up for success

A main purpose of having a mudroom is to help keep your home clean and clutter-free, so having an organizational system in place is key! Pick your preferred organizational system, and stick with it. A few of our favorite options are doorless “lockers,” designated baskets or bins for each family member, or a storage bench and designated hooks.

Play with color, texture and design

A mudroom is a great space in your home to play around and have fun with your design! Unique tile or brick flooring, colored benches or shelving, or even a pet wash are all fun accents to include in your mudroom. If it’s a combination laundry/mudroom, shelving is a fun way to add decor and functional space.

Do you have a mudroom in your home, or a designated entryway? We want to hear about it! If not, tell us about your dream mudroom! Chat with us in the comments and on Instagram @AlmaHomes, too!

Photography: Melissa Oholendt, Laura Rae Photography, Spacecrafting Photography, Sarah Olfelt Photo, Alma Homes