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When I first walked through our house, I instantly envisioned the entryway closet as a beautiful mudroom—lockers, hooks, drawers, baskets, all of it! Buying a fixer-upper meant a lot of projects. The first was removing the popcorn ceiling, and when we were quoted $16,000 to remove our popcorn ceilings (more on that here), I knew we were going to be DIYing a lot of our home improvements, including major renovations like this closet-to-mudroom makeover. Bless my husband and his ability to learn and bring my visions to life!
After Renovations VS Before VS Old House Entryway
My husband and I both wanted something functional, but for me, it needed to be pretty too, and not create a ton of visual stimulation. Since moving into our home, our entryway closet has always been a catch-all space—a cluttered mix of jackets, shoes, and who-knows-what-else. But as our children continue to grow, the need for a more organized, functional space became even clearer. We decided to tackle a simple yet impactful DIY project: converting our entryway closet into a mudroom.
A mudroom isn’t just a trendy feature; it’s incredibly practical. It provides a designated spot for all the items you grab as you leave or enter the house—coats, shoes, bags, and more. By transforming our closet into a mudroom, we aimed to streamline our daily routines, reduce clutter, and make our home more functional.
Planning & Designing the Space
The first step was to assess our needs and plan the layout. We measured the closet and made a list of what we wanted to store. Our main priorities were:
Coat Hooks: We wanted easy access to jackets and bags, along with extra hooks on the interior for when we would have guests over.
Shoe Storage: A place to store shoes neatly, rather than having them pile up on the floor.
Seating: A small bench or seating area to make putting on shoes easier.
Drawers: For easy access to toques, mits, and scarves to make school mornings seamless, and to hide the visual clutter that comes with these items.
Storage Baskets: Bins or baskets up top for additional and seasonal items like rain pants, snow gear, and you guessed it -- hidden storage.
After taking the measurements and figuring out our wants and needs, it was time to
go to the drawing board. My husband did the drawing and it was perfect!
Starting with an empty slate
Clearing Out and Prepping
Once we had a plan, it was time to clear out the closet. We removed everything—which was just our temporary bench from our last house. There was no rod or anything major to remove, making this job pretty easy.
We started with a blank slate, as we had previously patched up any holes, sanded down rough spots, and given the space a fresh coat of paint when we first moved in, months prior to tackling this DIY project makeover. We opted for a light, neutral color to keep the space bright and inviting.
Installing the Essentials
1.) Bench Seating We added a small bench for sitting while putting on shoes. The bench was stained to match the color of our refinished hardwood floors for a cohesive look. The bench also has built-in drawers, providing extra space for all of our gloves, hats, and other accessories.
2.) Shelving
We installed a shelf. I took into consideration the "recommended" height and then eyeballed it—because that’s how I DIY. This is where our wicker storage baskets now sit, perfect for organizing bigger items and keeping them out of sight.
3.) Shiplap
We wanted to add some detailing and ended up choosing shiplap. It added texture and a bit of coastal charm to the space, as it is a beach house!
4.) Coat Hooks We installed a row of sturdy coat hooks at a height that works for both adults and kids.
5.) Shoe Storage
For shoe storage, we built a simple, open shoe rack at the bottom of the closet. Everyone has their own spot, this keeps shoes organized and off the floor, making it easier to clean and preventing tripping hazards. We even cut some heavy duty waterproof matting to place at the bottom, so we don't ruin our hardwood floors.
The Final Reveal
Our new mudroom has made a world of difference. It’s pretty, practical, organized, and has transformed what was once a chaotic space into an area that truly works for our family. We love that everything now has a designated spot, and everyone has their own space, making our morning and evening routines smoother.
If you have an underutilized entryway closet, I highly recommend considering a mudroom conversion. It’s a relatively simple DIY project that can significantly enhance the functionality and aesthetic of your home. Plus, it’s a great way to maximize small spaces and bring order to the everyday hustle and bustle.
SHOP THE MUDROOM
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