Mudrooms: the new cool room that’s a must have in your home

Despite being found in far flung places across the globe, these super handy rooms have never really featured strongly in Australian homes – until now.

Mudrooms are growing in popularity across the country. Picture: Anson Smart

While mudrooms have long been considered an essential part of home design in freezing and far flung places like Michigan or Massachusetts, they have never really been part of the Australian property psyche until now.

This year, Aussies are creating their own mudrooms in order to build better organisation into the home.

Kmart influencer Helen James said Australian iterations were starting to pop up across the country.

“People pick up on ‘insta’ trends and want to replicate,” she said.

“Front foyers and laundries are now being doubled up into these sorts of spaces.”

Kmart influencer Helen James says mudrooms are the in thing. Picture: Kmart

Home organisation was the driving force, she said.

“Storage solutions are always welcome in a busy household and mud rooms are a clever way of using space,” she said.

MORE: Biggest mistakes DIY home painters make

Huge home storage mistakes driving you crazy

While not many Australians needed a “wet area” to remove snow laden boots and coats when arriving home, having a space to unload day to day stuff, like school bags, shoes and hats was helping to keep the family organised while reducing clutter in living areas and bedrooms.

Kmart’s Adjustable Storage Solution, $29. Picture: Kmart

“This keeps items that you look for daily all together and away from other high traffic areas,” she said.

Kmart Divisional Merchandise manager – Home Meryn Serong agreed that the need for better home organisation was behind the growing trend.

“It’s a common problem area for busy families, so the mud room iterations create a destination for all those bits you need quick access to on a daily basis,” she said.

“Not only does it calm the chaos of the day, with early morning meetings and school drop offs, offering easy access to what you need, it removes clutter from other already busy areas of your home.”

Palm Wall Hook, $7. Picture: Kmart

The Home Key Hook is $3.50. Picture: Kmart

She said those looking to create a mud room of their own should start by thinking about the needs of each family member.

Vertical space should be configured so that smaller or younger members of the family can reach their items.

“Start by thinking about the things you need every day and the best way to store or access them easily,” she said.

Mudrooms like this, have long been a feature of homes overseas, now Aussies are making them their own.

“We would recommend baskets and hooks, which are an easy starting point and something that you can easily tie into your personal interior style aesthetic.

“Space permitting, cube units and slimline shelving can be used to gain additional storage and lift everything from the floor.

“Adding a mirror is not only functional, but will bounce light throughout the room to create an illusion of more space.”

Baskets are a simple yet good-looking solution. Picture: Kmart

ROTATE STORAGE IN THE SPACE EACH SEASON

She said rotating what is stored in the space each season could help to prevent any unnecessary clutter, making it easier for family members to find what they need.

“Focus on the most used items of the season,” she said.

“For example, rotate your winter coats and boots for hats and a picnic blanket in summer.

“We find, if it is too hard to put items away when you walk in the door, you won’t use it.”

Ms James said those with more space could include pet-related items like beds and feeding bowls while those with less wriggle room could streamline with a clever mix of furniture and wall space.

The Boucle Wave Bench, $79. Picture: Kmart

“Low ottoman benches are great for the kids to sit on to take off their shoes and cubed storage and hooks allow the kids to hang up school bags, sports bags and hats,” she said. “Everything is accessible as you’re walking out the door.”

LATEST in home prices from PropTrack

MORE: Billionaire fashion guru’s new record-smashing Bondi home

Bachelorette winner’s stunning transformation

Reno queen’s urgent message to desperate renters

Originally published as Mudrooms: the new cool room that’s a must have in your home