Mudroom Mania: The Unique Design Feature Every Aussie Household Should Have
Mudroom mania
By Penelope Pelecas | 5th April 2024Mudrooms are nothing new, they’ve been a staple feature in country homes in America and Britain for decades, but they’ve only recently become popular among Aussie homebuilders and renovators alike.
What is a mudroom?
To put simply, a mudroom is traditionally a secondary entrance where people can take off their outdoor clothing, store their sporting equipment, or simply freshen up before entering the house. While not many Australians need a designated area for muddy boots and wet clothing, it’s a great way to minimise clutter throughout the home (that’s right, the dining table will no longer be the dumping ground for sports bags, umbrellas, and other miscellaneous objects).
We spoke with Brisbane Builder Rachael Turner of Front Door Properties to learn more about the trending home feature and why every busy household needs one.
“A mudroom is your home’s charming first line of defence, serving as a functional buffer between the hustle and bustle of the outside world and the serene interiors of your home,” Rachael says.
“With the Aussie love for the great outdoors, mudrooms serve as the ideal spot to transition from outdoor adventures to indoor relaxation without bringing the mess inside. Whether it’s sandy feet from the beach or dirty boots from a bushwalk, mudrooms handle it all with ease.”
So, what should a good mudroom include?
Well, according to Rachael, it all depends on your space and what you deem most practical. They can include everything from a laundry breakout zone, storage cupboards and cabinets, to a built-in bench and guest bathroom.
“As one steps inside, it’s easy to drop wet or dirty clothes into a basket or the washing machine, keeping the rest of the house clean,” says Rachael.
“It’s important to us that coats, bags, and keys have their own place where they’re easy to grab when you’re heading out. This space not only makes the mudroom more functional, but also improves the guest experience with thoughtful design.”
Short on space?
“For homes without a dedicated space, you could either consider setting up a freestanding mudroom in the garage or you could do it in a little front entryway section as an alternative,” Rachael says, adding any practical, unused wall space within your home can serve as the perfect backdrop for a mudroom ensemble.
