Creating a Shed Mudroom for Garden Cleanup
No matter if you’re trying to create a dedicated mudroom or simply organize small spaces, smart furniture choices and DIY projects will come in handy in keeping clutter under control. Strategies such as hidden storage solutions and mobile baskets help keep clutter at bay.
If your space is limited, consider mounting shelving to walls as a space-saving measure to eliminate clutter and provide easy-access tool storage. Bright Green Door’s DIY project provides some excellent tips to get the job done!
Storage
If you’re tired of tracking dirt into your home when working in the garden, adding a mudroom could be just what’s needed to clean up before entering your house or be used to extend gardening tasks such as starting seeds or caring for indoor plants. There are various storage solutions available so you can customize it exactly how you need.
A basic shelving unit topped with bins is an efficient way to organize tools and supplies in your shed, especially if your shed is small. Shelves with clear lids will make it easier for you to see what’s inside each container, while lockable cabinets are great for protecting expensive tools from theft or vandalism. A wire grid with S hooks provides another simple method for organizing garden supplies like rakes and brooms while metal tins on walls can hold extra pliers or pencils; or stack wooden crates onto shelves is an inexpensive way of adding extra storage capacity to an already full shed!
Keep in mind that your shed isn’t an overflowing junk drawer; therefore, taking active steps to maintain its order requires intentional effort. A weekly tidy-up and monthly inspection are both helpful steps toward keeping everything in its proper place; additionally, an annual deep clean should also be conducted so as to reduce dust build-up.
Plant flowers and shrubs near your shed’s entry door to add some brighten up and make it more welcoming as you enter and exit. If your shed features windows, hang a lovely floral wreath from its panes as an eye-catcher, along with iron flowerpot racks and old gardening gloves as decorative touches. Potted plants tucked under shelving or corners add additional greenery – in this image a pea gravel base prevents dirt from getting tracked onto floors inside, while doormats help minimize it further.
Work Space
A mudroom, or drop zone, serves to stop dirt and clutter before it enters a home, as well as creating an orderly feeling within. Modern backyard drop zones feature lots of storage for backpacks, jackets, hats, shoes and other belongings – often featuring hooks on walls for hanging items on hooks; others feature built-in cubbies or lockers freestanding lockers or even shoe racks – with many even featuring an outdoor rinse station for wet or muddy boots and shoes!
Mudrooms may be functional spaces, but they don’t have to be plain and utilitarian. A warm hue such as yellow, featured here from Kobel + Co, brings out custom millwork while complementing the homeowner’s backyard landscape. In addition, this mudroom includes baskets for shoes and gear storage as well as a shoe rack, drying mat, and space for gardening tools.
Small mudroom ideas make a powerful statement. A storage bench featuring shelves and hooks is perfect for use in hallways or entryways as well as small sheds; wall-mounted shelving or bins provide space to store everything from outerwear to pet supplies; while sturdy trunks make great choices for hiding seasonal gear. For an added layer of sophistication, an ordinary storage bench could feature a cushion upholstered in fabric from its surrounding environment.
Many families agree that having a mudroom, or drop zone, helps maintain a cleaner home. Floors stay cleaner, mornings run smoother, and everyone feels more peaceful and satisfied within the family unit.
If your yard is too large for a designated mudroom, create an area in which to store gear and store tools between garden cleanups. A tool rack can hold rakes, shovels and other equipment while serving as a planting tray for seedlings and cuttings. Additional shelves could hold planters for starting seeds, while hanging baskets provide the perfect place for wet umbrellas or damp towels/leashes to dry before heading outside to tackle your next gardening project.
Seating
A mudroom (sometimes known as a landing zone) is an organized spot in your home designed to stop dirt, wet gear and clutter before it enters the interior space. A simple bench with hooks or an outdoor space connected by patio – anything can work! When designing your mudroom start with how most people come in from yard or driveway then add a dry flat spot nearby where shoes, bags pet supplies or sports equipment can be stored safely if there’s room. Also include benches with low storage cabinets for those with many soles to store. And don’t forget a shoe rack!
Many mudroom designs incorporate open shelving for baskets, bins, and other containers for holding stuff; however, closed storage may also work effectively in keeping items out of sight and mind in busy areas where children and pets may grab and throw items around at will.
No matter the size or shape of your mudroom space, smart furniture choices and DIY projects can make your design stand out while remaining functional. Explore all available mudroom ideas tailored specifically for your family’s needs!
Add a bench with cubbies to your mudroom for seating and additional storage, or opt for built-in seats if your wall can support them. For a more finished look, paint both bench and cabinets using colors that match with the exterior of your home; navy blue paint gives cubbies depth while pairing well with dark gray tile floors like in this mudroom.
If your mudroom will serve as the hub of family hygiene before entering the house, consider including a sink equipped with running water or cleaning solutions, as well as a drying rack to accommodate wet boots and coats. If your plan involves caring for indoor plants or even growing your own herbs in it, an easily-maintained countertop and shelving may also come in handy.
Lighting
As you plan your shed mudroom, think carefully about lighting options. Adequate illumination in this space is key for safety and visibility during garden cleanup, particularly during dusk or dawn cleanup sessions. A combination of track and overhead lighting sources should provide sufficient brightness for scrubbing tools clean, washing gloves in hot water, tripping over pots and other objects and more. You could also add decorative features like flower-filled garden hoses or wreaths made out of used watering cans to make it visually appealing.
Outdoor mudrooms (sometimes referred to as drop zones) serve as secondary entryways that intercept dirt and clutter before it reaches your doors, helping protect floors from dirty footprints while creating an organized atmosphere during busy days.
To create your own mudroom, begin with the path from your door to outdoors and measure its width. Next, plan out a bench equipped with cubbies or baskets, hooks of various heights and shoe rack. Also include a sheltered spot to put on shoes or boots and, if possible, an area equipped with sloped paver pads to divert water away from walls of the house.
Mudroom ideas can vary in complexity depending on your available space and storage needs. A small mudroom might feature just enough room for a bench and coatrack or slim closet; larger spaces might benefit from wall built-ins with shoe storage as well as places to put sporting equipment or pet gear.
An attractive mudroom makes a bold style statement in any house. Select decor that complements the color scheme of the space while adding your personal flair – for example, this alpine retreat’s mudroom features bright kelly green paint with wood paneling reminiscent of its exterior house exterior as well as fold-down seats, hose bibs, and benches with easy-reach shelves for storing tools.