Room to Spare

It’s time to get down and dirty.

This is the sentiment shared by many high-end kitchen and bath designers interviewed by KBDN who have found a lucrative way to expand their businesses: mudrooms.

“Mudrooms can present a great opportunity for upselling,” says Rebecca Gullion Lindquist, CMKBD, president and co-owner of Duluth, MN-based Lindquist & Co. “But, it depends entirely on the design of the home and whether a mudroom exists or space for one presents itself in the design parameters of the project,” she states.

Indeed, many clients will specifically request a mudroom – as long as it is integrated as a key element of the project solution, she points out.

Because mudrooms are all about organization and storage, they are a natural fit for kitchen and bath designers, who are used to providing storage solutions for their clients. And because they are usually near or adjacent to the kitchen, these spaces often follow similar style trends, albeit with more of a focus on durability.

Ed Barron, kitchen designer for Burbank, CA-based California Kitchens, explains: “Since the mudroom is still part of the house, it will follow a similar motif, but should include easy-to-clean surfaces.”

The idea, designers agree, is to contain the clutter to one area, then provide the organizational tools to streamline daily functionality.

As Mary K. Lafevers, CMKBD for Inscape Design Studio in Americus, GA, says: “These areas need simple organization – remember to keep it simple. Things like baskets for shoes under the bench, hooks for coats and shelves for books and purses can make a big difference.”

She continues: “Ultimately, I try to help people get organized. Most homeowners are very busy; clutter and disorganization can zap the energy of an already tired individual. There are wonderful products available that help keep the house, garage, interiors of closets and cabinets organized.”

Lindquist adds: “It’s also very important to spend time with clients to learn their needs and to take inventory of what they want to store. I have designed storage for everything from dog kennels to downhill skis to recycling needs.”

Patricia Gaylor, noted green designer and principal at Little Falls, NJ-based Patricia Gaylor Interior Design, adds: “Not only does the addition of a mudroom enhance your design project and add to your bottom line, but remember to mention to your client that it also adds to their bottom line in terms of resale. It’s a ‘win-win’ for both of you.”

“Mudrooms provide a great opportunity to ‘upsell’ a renovation. It’s not only a complement to your kitchen design, but it’s an integral part of a good kitchen plan. After all, a good kitchen renovation is about organization,” Gaylor concludes.

All about Storage

The ideal role of the mudroom is to serve as a “catch all” of possessions for the client – and happily, it can also provide a “catch all” of profit to savvy kitchen designers.

But it all begins with storage.

“I like to think of the mudroom as an activity gear closet for the whole family,” says Lela Gibson, designer/sales for the Steamboat Springs, CO-based Thurston Kitchen & Bath. “The key to a successful mudroom is the ability to store and access gear easily, such as ski boots, helmets and dog leashes.”

The mudroom can also provide storage for hats, mittens and scarves – with storage designed in such a way that it allows these items to dry after activity in the snow, explains Lindquist.

Gaylor adds: “I like open niches or under-bench storage for boots, and niches above hooks to store hats, gloves, etc.”

“I’m a big believer in hooks,” she adds. “I’ve yet to see a child (or even some grown ups) take the time to get out a hanger and hang up their jacket. Having hooks available means there’s a pretty good chance that the jacket will get hung up!”

Likewise, she notes that a cabinet that will hold up to a lot of banging and scraping would be a good choice for this space.