KBB - October 2015 - 72
LEARNING CORNER
"Mudrooms are one of the most high-traffic areas in modern-day
homes," said Meredith Mahoney, founder and design director of Bostonbased Birch Lane."Because they're often the first room families enter when
returning home after a long day, they need to be extremely organized to
prevent mounds of jackets, shoes and homework, etc., from piling up."
Contemporary solutions like benches, storage ottomans, hooks, cubbies and chic baskets are inspiring families to refresh the mudroom. Products that can keep clothing and supplies out of sight but nearby for easy
access are essential for this space.
"Families we work with are finding that organization is key when going
about their daily lives," said Molly Kann-Carey, lead designer at Rockford,
Ill.-based KannCept Design. "Rarely do we see homes, new or old, with
space to accommodate backpacks, shoes, sports equipment or coats."
Function and Family
A designer can get creative with the mudroom, integrating products
and materials based on what homeowners need on a daily basis.
"This room can be anything you want it to be," said Kann-Carey. "Its
purpose is far beyond 'catching mud.'"
Similar to laundry rooms, mudrooms are turning multi-purposeful. Depending on the space available, the mudroom can also serve as an office, craft space, pet area, laundry room or wrapping center, in addition
to providing usual daily storage. It all hinges on the space available and
the family.
The Blackwell
Storage Bench
from Birch Lane
features solid pine
timbers with knots,
seasoned nicks
and hand finishing,
along with four jute
weave baskets for
accessory storage.
"Do you have three kids who are all involved in multiple sports teams?
They'll need much more storage solutions for their gear," explained Mahoney. "Have younger children who will need to grab their items in a hurry? Open cubbies are much more realistic than closed cabinets to keep
everything visible and within reach. Own two dogs? They need a place to
be fed and hooks for their leashes."
Every family is different. The storage should align with daily needs but
does not need to store every shoe or jacket in the household. An individual area for each member helps keep organization and can be further
customized with touches like artwork or chalkboard paint.
"Mudrooms, in particular, have been a big emphasis of families trying
to reduce clutter while at the same time creating one-of-a-kind, personalized spaces," said Logan Wilcox, vice president of Denver-based Parkwood Homes.
A slip-resistant floor material, such as porcelain tiles or natural stone, is
essential no matter the size of family in the home.
"And then there's the space of each mudroom - some mudrooms are
transformed hallways, and thus are better suited for hooks than bench
storage, while some spaces work better with ottomans and cubbies, as
they're more rectangular," added Mahoney.
Even More Function
Featuring two double coat hooks and one large upper shelf, the SpaceSaving Entryway Organizer with Shoe Storage from Prepac is suitable for
a narrow hallway or can combine with multiple pieces for a custom look.
The unit also includes nine lower shoe cubbies.
72
K+BB
"I am hoping that more builders and developers will make this space
an integral part of their new builds," said Kann-Carey, adding that mudrooms will bring value to new construction. "The standard coat closet or
walk-through laundry spot off the garage is a waste of space."
The ideal mudroom would have built-in storage options, like a bench,
closets and cubbies, and it would be easy to clean when snow, mud
and rainwater are tracked through. A window would also help warm the
space up and deter clutter from piling up in the dark.
"In the remodeling world, we are excited to rework floor plans to accommodate every family's needs," added Kann-Carey. "It can be as simple as converting a 6-ft. coat closet from a reach-in with bi-fold doors to
an open concept with lockers."
Firms have seen more requests for different landing areas, including
mail and charging stations and a message board with calendars and
notes. Displays of children's artwork and even television, crafting, laundry
or homework areas are also options.
"I've started using my own mudroom space to store outdoor entertaining supplies like dishes, barware, an extra fridge for drinks and a storage
spot for lawn games," said Mahoney. "I'm lucky enough to have a mudroom that's big enough for all my family's needs." n
- By Erinn Waldo
October 2015 / www.kbbonline.com / The Official Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com
http://www.kbbonline.com
http://www.kbis.com
KBB - October 2015
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - October 2015
KBB - October 2015
Contents
Online Contents
Editor’s Note
Show Director’s Note
People & Places
Better Business
Solutions
All Abroad
Cover Story
Great Gatsby Baths
Design Features
Making an Entrance
Readers’ Choice Award Winners
KBIS Countdown to Design & Construction Week®
Trends
Products
Learning Corner
KBB - October 2015 - Intro
KBB - October 2015 - KBB - October 2015
KBB - October 2015 - Cover2
KBB - October 2015 - 1
KBB - October 2015 - Contents
KBB - October 2015 - 3
KBB - October 2015 - Online Contents
KBB - October 2015 - 5
KBB - October 2015 - Editor’s Note
KBB - October 2015 - 7
KBB - October 2015 - Show Director’s Note
KBB - October 2015 - 9
KBB - October 2015 - People & Places
KBB - October 2015 - 11
KBB - October 2015 - 12
KBB - October 2015 - 13
KBB - October 2015 - Better Business
KBB - October 2015 - 15
KBB - October 2015 - Solutions
KBB - October 2015 - 17
KBB - October 2015 - All Abroad
KBB - October 2015 - 19
KBB - October 2015 - 20
KBB - October 2015 - 21
KBB - October 2015 - 22
KBB - October 2015 - 23
KBB - October 2015 - Design Features
KBB - October 2015 - 25
KBB - October 2015 - 26
KBB - October 2015 - 27
KBB - October 2015 - Making an Entrance
KBB - October 2015 - 29
KBB - October 2015 - 30
KBB - October 2015 - 31
KBB - October 2015 - Readers’ Choice Award Winners
KBB - October 2015 - 33
KBB - October 2015 - 34
KBB - October 2015 - 35
KBB - October 2015 - 36
KBB - October 2015 - 37
KBB - October 2015 - 38
KBB - October 2015 - 39
KBB - October 2015 - 40
KBB - October 2015 - 41
KBB - October 2015 - 42
KBB - October 2015 - KBIS Countdown to Design & Construction Week®
KBB - October 2015 - 44
KBB - October 2015 - 45
KBB - October 2015 - 46
KBB - October 2015 - 47
KBB - October 2015 - 48
KBB - October 2015 - 49
KBB - October 2015 - 50
KBB - October 2015 - 51
KBB - October 2015 - 52
KBB - October 2015 - 53
KBB - October 2015 - Trends
KBB - October 2015 - 55
KBB - October 2015 - 56
KBB - October 2015 - 57
KBB - October 2015 - Products
KBB - October 2015 - 59
KBB - October 2015 - 60
KBB - October 2015 - 61
KBB - October 2015 - 62
KBB - October 2015 - 63
KBB - October 2015 - 64
KBB - October 2015 - 65
KBB - October 2015 - 66
KBB - October 2015 - 67
KBB - October 2015 - 68
KBB - October 2015 - 69
KBB - October 2015 - 70
KBB - October 2015 - Learning Corner
KBB - October 2015 - 72
KBB - October 2015 - Cover3
KBB - October 2015 - Cover4
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/20240708
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/mayjune_2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/marapr_2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/janfeb_2024_KBISDirectory
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/janfeb_2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/novdec_2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/septoct_2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/julyaugust_2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/mayjune_2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/kitchen-bath-business-march-april-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202301v2
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202301
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202211
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202209
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202207
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202205
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202203
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202201
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202201_v2
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202111
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202110
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202109
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202107
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202105
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/kbb/202104
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/202102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/202102_v2
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/202101
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20201112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/202010
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/202009
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20200708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20200506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/202004
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20200203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/202001
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20191112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201909
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20190708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20190506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201904
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20190203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201901
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201811
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201810
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20180910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20180708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20180506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201804
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20180203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201801
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201711
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201710
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201709
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20170708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20170506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201704
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20170203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201701
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20161112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201610
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201609
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20160708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20160506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201604
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20160203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201601
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20151112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201510
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201509
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20150708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20150506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201504
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20150203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201501
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20141112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201410
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201409
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/20140506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201404
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201403
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/kbb/201402
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201401
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_20131112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201310
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201309
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_20130506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201303
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_20130102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_20121112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201209
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_20120506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201204
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_20120102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201109
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_20110506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201104
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201103
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_20110102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201009
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201006
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201004
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_201003
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_20100102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_20091112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_200909
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_200910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_200908
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_20090607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_200905
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_200904
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_200903
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_200902
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_200901
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_200812
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_200811
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_200810
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_200809
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbb_200808
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com