By: Jessica Dodell-Feder, This Old House magazine
Photo: Eric RothMudrooms
These helpful buffer zones allow an orderly exit—and reentry—with a place for everything.
Must-Haves
• Open hooks for airing out damp outerwear
• Shelves with bins for corralling accessories
• A seat for pulling footwear on and off
• Resilient surfaces that dirt can’t hurt
Photo: Eric RothRoom 1: Floor-to-Ceiling Cubbies
This one-wall mudroom can handle a season’s worth of athletic gear and outerwear.
Tip: Cheer up a utilitarian space with a colorful indoor-outdoor runner. To clean it, just shake it out or hose it down.
Photo: Eric RothOpen Storage
Ample 16-inch-deep cubbies mean each family member has places to stash footwear, sports equipment, toys, and more.
Photo: Eric RothNeat Catchalls
Metal bins, fabric-lined baskets, and color-coded boxes organize small items and store off-season goods.
Photo: Eric RothEasy-Care Surfaces
High-gloss paint resists scuffs, and stone-look porcelain floor tiles won’t show scratches. Both are a snap to clean.
Photo: Eric RothRoom 2: Locker-Lined Stair Wall
A furniture-grade storage unit mounted alongside stairs turns a front foyer into a mini mudroom.
Photo: Eric RothCurvaceous Compartments
Open lockers with hooks have handsome curved frames that make the unit formal enough for a front entry. The oak, chosen to match the stairs, is finished with water-shedding polyurethane.
Tip: Lockers should be at least 2 feet wide so that there’s space for each person’s bags and outerwear.
Photo: Eric RothClosed Cabinets
Rarely used items, like binoculars, are tucked up top behind flip-up doors.
Photo: Eric RothStable Seating
The 10-foot bench projects nearly 2 feet from the wall to provide a safe toehold for reaching top cabinets. Arched supports echo the locker frames and divide the slate-tile floor into landing spots for shoes.
Photo: Eric RothRoom 3: Open-and-Shut Storage
Exposed hooks and discreet closets and drawers create a high-functioning, clutter-free drop zone.
Photo: Eric RothExtra-Tall Closets
Eight-foot-high doors hide away baskets of balls and outerwear not worn every day.
Photo: Eric RothOversize Hooks
Jackets and bags practically hang themselves up on generous hooks above the bench.
Photo: Eric RothHandy Pullouts
Small, clutter-creating items, such as dog leashes, gloves, and sunscreen, are concealed inside large drawers. Roomy cutouts offer a glimpse of what’s inside and a comfortable handhold.
Photo: Eric RothFlip-Top Bench
Along with providing a spot for slipping shoes on and off, this perch’s lid opens up to stow baseball bats and lacrosse sticks.
Tip: Make cleaning up after muddy feet (and paws) a cinch by sealing porous bricks with a clear coat for masonry.
Pantries
These kitchen offshoots keep supplies centralized and out of the cooking zone.
Must-Haves
• Open shelves for quick access and slide-outs for heavy items
• Fuss-free surfaces in case of spills
• Good lighting for easy hunting
Photo: Greg HursleyRoom 4: U-Shaped Closet
Warm finishes keep the look as polished as the adjacent kitchen, inspiring a sense of order.
Photo: Greg HursleyAdjustable Shelves
These shelves can be raised or lowered to accommodate everything from canned goods and recipe binders to candlesticks and centerpieces.
Tip: To amp up lighting in a closed pantry—and add a style boost—hang a pair of pendants instead of just one.
Photo: Greg HursleySpecialized Storage
Rods flanking the center unit allow table linens to hang wrinkle-free, while slim, felt-lined drawers keep silverware from tarnishing.
Photo: Greg HursleySpill-Proof Surface
The granite countertop looks luxe, complements the richly hued wood, and wipes down easily.
Photo: Courtesy of California Closet Co.Room 5: Sunny Nook
Lots of light makes this pantry alcove a practical dishware-storage and food-prep station.
Photo: Courtesy of California Closet Co.Deep Drawers
Full-extension hardware ensures access to every inch of these pullouts.
Tip: Stash heavy and frequently used items at waist height.
Photo: Courtesy of California Closet Co.Well-Placed Prep Space
A 25-inch-deep laminate countertop provides a convenient work surface.
Photo: Courtesy of California Closet Co.Easy Access
Serving items sit at the ready on open shelves—and double as decor.
Photo: Courtesy of California Closet Co.Closed Cabinets
Small appliances and bulk grains can be kept cool, dark, and dust-free behind closed doors.
Photo: Robbie CaponettoRoom 6: Shallow Space-Saver
A fully loaded grid of open shelves and cabinets can disappear behind a functional piece of salvage.
Photo: Robbie CaponettoStrategic Sliding Door
The weathered bank-vault door, mounted on a heavy-duty track, adds character, hides clutter, and—unlike a swing-open door—won’t block traffic.
Tip: Chalkboard paint can turn a wall or door into an erasable shopping list and message board.
Photo: Robbie CaponettoLow-Profile Lighting
A small, nickel-finished ceiling fixture reinforces the kitchen’s vintage look while illuminating items at the back of shelves.
Photo: Robbie CaponettoBackup Power
Outlets allow for stashing a wine cooler and other small appliances to clear space in the cooking area.
Potting Rooms
First-class finishes and a fun hit of color make for a pleasant gardening place.
Must-Haves
• A deep sink with a raised faucet to fit pots and watering cans
• Tall shelves and roomy cabinets for tools and containers
• An easy-care work surface and floor
Photo: Courtesy of ManningtonRoom 7: Open to the Outdoors
A Dutch door blocks pets while inviting air and light into a workstation for potting plants and filling vases.
Photo: Courtesy of ManningtonRustic Sink and Counter
Soapstone has an earthy, traditional look, and chips and wear only add character.
Photo: Courtesy of ManningtonQuick-Clean Vinyl Floor
Water and potting soil mop up fast when there’s no grout to catch them.
Tip: Line a deep drawer with a heavy-duty plastic bag to serve as a soil bin.
Photo: Charles Walton IVRoom 8: Plumbed Hutch
A furniture-like potting center combines glass-front and solid cabinet doors for display and storage.
Photo: Charles Walton IVRugged Rimmed Sink
An extra-deep (nearly a foot) cast-iron basin with a raised lip helps contain splashes.
Photo: Charles Walton IVWaterproof Backsplash
Classic subway tile gives this cottage-inspired setup a pretty-yet-practical backdrop.
Eye-Catching Shelf
An open shelf mounted on corbels is a showcase for cloches, colorful containers, and potted plants.
Photo: Charles Walton IVTough Work Surface
The nonporous Corian countertop mimics wood but stands up to assaults from liquid fertilizer, thorny rose branches, and heavy ceramic pots.
Tip: Keep track of drawer contents with bin pulls that have apothecary-style label holders built right in.
Photo: Peter RymwidLaundry Rooms
These well-organized, well-lit rooms help take the dread out of wash day.
Must-Haves
• Countertop space for folding
• Cabinets for containing detergent and other supplies
• Sink for hand-washables
• Rods or racks for air-drying
Photo: Peter RymwidRoom 9: Bright and Spacious
The U shape offers space for sorting, washing, folding, and hanging.
Photo: Peter RymwidKitchen-Worthy Cabinetry
Custom cupboards painted a vintage green—complemented by a tall beadboard backsplash with a plate rail for displaying artwork—look inviting and accommodate every laundry necessity, as well as ironing and sewing supplies.
Photo: Peter RymwidAmple Counter Space
A long run of solid surfacing holds stacks of folded clothes.
Tip: Create an under-counter spot for a laundry basket so that it won’t be underfoot.
Photo: Peter RymwidAir-Drying Stations
Charming hinged wood wall racks latch at the top when not in use. A shower-curtain rod in front of the window allows damp laundry to get a full dose of fresh air. A coated-metal mesh rack set into the countertop keeps knitwear flat for drying.
Photo: Mark LohmanRoom 10: High Efficiency
Everything is within easy reach in this compact, light-filled laundry center.
Photo: Mark LohmanLow-Care Counter
Front loaders topped with a quartz slab create a space-saving folding area.
Photo: Mark LohmanOver-the-Sink Rod
Laundry on hangers can drip-dry over the sink.
Tip: Install under-cabinet lighting to make treating stains easier.
Photo: Mark LohmanPull-Down Faucets
An adjustable spray helps with rinsing out hand-washables.
Photo: Mark LohmanSlide-Out Drying Racks
Slatted wood pullouts, a generous 27 inches wide and 20 inches deep, can handle bulky wet sweaters
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