Mudroom and Front Entry Ideas

Okay, next up in the organization blitz is the mudroom and front entry.  Our "mudroom" is really just a little hallway in the laundry room.  This is where the door to our garage is located so it is the most common place for the kids and I to come into the house.  Our other main entry is through the front door.  We don't have a whole lot of storage there except for a closet off the hallway.  So, my plan for this weekend is to finish organizing these two areas.  Anyone want to join me?

There are so many beautiful pictures of mudrooms out there for those of you who are looking for a little inspiration.

Although this would definitely not fit with the style of our home, I really love this room.

{Banks Designs Associates}

One of my favorite features that I am drawn to is some kind of board and batten or wainscotting on the walls. It's not in the plans for this weekend but definitely on my future "to-do" list.  From everything I have been reading, it is quite an easy DIY project.

{Stagetecture}

Again, this is definitely not something that would work in my house, but it is oh so pretty!  I do really love the floating shelves.

Great orange and green combination {unfortunately I don't have an orange coat or green boots though}

Ah, backpacks...this is starting to look a little more familiar.

I love the funky numbers on these bins.  

{Pottery Barn}

{Pottery Barn}

As gorgeous as these are, there are a few reasons why our mudroom will never look quite match up:

1. We actually have mud in our mudroom {along with soggy boots, wet leaves, and doggy slobber}
2. Pillows would never, ever stay on the bench.  {The kids would quickly have them on the floor where the dog would promptly get his muddy little paws all over them.}
3. For some reason, all of our coats, shoes and bags do not coordinate.  

Okay, so my mudroom is not going to look like the inspiration photos.  But, there are definitely some ideas that can be pulled from them.  So what do I need?

1. Easy storage for the kids to hang their coats, backpacks and store their shoes.  The more the kids can do themselves the better!
2. Bins for extra storage items {gloves, hats, dog leash, etc.)
3. Somewhere to store keys {this is especially needed for my hubby!}
4. Some kind of bench.  

Everyone ready to organize?  I hope to show you by the end of the weekend what I've done {and maybe throw a few Valentine's in there too!}  

Have a great weekend!

l