Kiki Interiors - Decor and Staging

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

We Answer Wednesday - Mudroom Mayhem




“I have a mudroom in my house that I feel is underused. Sure, we come in and use it as the main entrance but I just feel it needs some organization. What are some tips for making a mudroom organized and functional?”


Having a functional mudroom can make the day to day hustle and bustle so much more manageable. If you are lucky enough to have a mudroom in your home, don’t let it go unused! A mudroom is a fantastic way to keep outerwear, books, shoes, mittens (depending on the season) tucked away so that it isn’t taking over your front entry. Of course, this blog will also show you how to make your mudroom both functional AND stylish.

 Situated near the back door and away from the cooking zone, this mudroom built-in holds cubbies and a boot bench for kids. | Photo: Eric Roth


1. Incorporate Storage
Depending on how much space you have, adding some cabinets or shelving will drastically increase the function of the space. If you have the space to add a “hall tree” (shelves, a bench and a place in the bottom to store shoes) you will see the function of the space increase instantly. If you have kids, you definitely need the extra storage. Having a cabinet or shelf gives you places to store hats, mitts, scarves and all the extras kids need.



2. Add Hooks
Adding something as simple as hooks for coats will change your life. No more Jackets on the banister or laying on the floor for someone to trip on. Having a few hooks takes all the clutter away and stores it neatly.

 Rustic entry bench and hooks - makes for a casual but still organized mudroom.  Wall space is used well with the large plank of wood and hooks, you can note what time it is also.  The bench is perfect, sit and put on or take off shoes and then there are containers to contain the smalls.  Love it.  #organizing_for_tranquility


3. Add Baskets
Adding baskets is a great place for hiding extra items such as winter clothes, the dogs leashes, extra keys etc. This is also a great place to add some colour or pattern! Adding baskets is an inexpensive way to add functionality.




4. Door Mats
Depending on the type of flooring you have, it may or may not be the most durable. Nevertheless, adding mats is another great way to pretty up your space. It also is a good spot for wiping your feet as you come in the door instead of tracking the outdoors throughout the house. Get a mat that is easy to vacuum and not too expensive, chances are this may change with the seasons.

Keep Calm & Carry On


Don’t be afraid to use colour and pattern. Most mudrooms are not in the center of the home so it’s a great place to be bold! Typically the mudroom is not the prettiest area of your home so bring colour to the walls or shelves and use a colourful rug, baskets and art! 

Part of keeping your ‘mudroom’ functional, is actually using these tools. So add name tags over hooks to keep the kids understanding where their things go. Adding their own specific area is a fun way for them to learn to clean up after themselves, and it saves you the trouble of always picking up bookbags, coats and shoes!

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Friday, March 15, 2013

Giving back and doing good!

Now that March is here, the weather is warming up and the dreaded task of spring cleaning is upon us...if you have started already and have a bunch of children's books that you don't know what to do with, you could sell them at a garage sale or....for the month of March Michael's stores are collecting children's books in any language and donating them to the Boys and Girls Club



Other great organizations that help you with your decluttering....

Project Smile - collects stuffed animals for emergency responders to give to frightened children in the aftermath of fires, accidents or natural disasters.  www.projectsmile.org



Soles4Souls - provides shoes to people in need worldwide.  Enter your ZIP code to find a collection site near you.  www.soles4souls.org



Local daycare centres and group homes for troubled youth often appreciate gently used toys, books, magazines, games and even older model computers.

Dispose my meds - lets you search by ZIP code for local pharmacies with take-back programs to help keep potentially harmful pharmaceutical waste and personal-care chemicals out of the environment  www.disposemymeds.org



Recycle my cell phone - accepts old cell phones by mail and recycles or refurbishes them to prevent toxic metals from getting into landfills.  www.recyclemycellphone.org  Also most carriers like rogers and Telus will also take your old cell phones.



Earth911.com - helps you locate recycling centres near your home for batteries, electronics and more.  www.earth911.com



Replacements, Ltd - buys china, crystal, and silver - from soup bowls to nut dishes in more than 360,000 tableware patterns.  www.replacements.com



Media Exchange 123 - buys CD's, DVD's, Blu-Ray discs and video games.  Simply enter the UPC number of the item you'd like to sell to find out how much they'll pay.  www.mx123.com



Gazelle - buys a wide array of electronic equipment such as Blu-Ray players, camcorders, laptops and e-readers.  www.gazelle.com

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