We’ve officially reached the point in our renovation where small spaces are making the biggest impact. Today, I’m sharing the full reveal of our mudroom—a project that came with its fair share of trial and error but turned out to be one of the most functional rooms in our home. If you’re looking for mudroom ideas that blend form and function, I hope this inspires you to create a space that truly works for your day to day.
What I love most about this space is how it fits seamlessly into our daily rhythm. It’s where backpacks land, mail gets sorted, and shoes finally have a home. But more than anything, it’s a space that works hard and feels beautiful.
I know calling this a “DIY project” might sound ambitious, especially if your idea of weekend fun doesn’t include tiling floors or building cabinets from scratch. But I promise, I didn’t start here. It’s taken me years of practice (and plenty of trial and error) to feel confident tackling projects like this. The money we’ve saved by learning these skills has been a huge perk—and getting to share it all with you makes it even more rewarding.
If you’ve been following along with the Basement Kitchenette Renovation or the Living Room Reveal, you’ll see how this space connects with those beautifully—the mudroom is just down the stairs off the living room, and it flows right into the kitchenette.
Let’s take a look at where it started and how we brought this small but mighty space to life.
The Mudroom Before: A Tight Entry with Big Potential
When we first moved in, the mudroom was… nothing special. Just a narrow hallway near the garage that didn’t serve much of a purpose beyond getting from point A to point B.
But I saw potential.
I envisioned a space that would work like a mini command center: part drop zone, part storage, part catch-all for our family of seven. I started pulling together mudroom ideas that prioritized function like built-in cabinets, clever storage solutions, and a layout that could handle it all.
A DIY Tile Job That Didn’t Go as Planned
Let’s just say…this part of the project was humbling.
I started by laying the flooring, thinking I’d come back the next day to finish the edges. But once everything was in place, I realized the pattern was completely off and the tile was crooked. So… I ripped it all up and started over from scratch.
Round two went much smoother. I used tile spacers to keep everything even and made sure to cut and place the edge pieces first, which helped the layout feel more intentional. Once the tile had cured, I finished it off with grout—and that’s when it all finally came together.
If you’ve been here for a while, you know I have a soft spot for black and white tile (we even used it in our entryway!). For this space, I went with a straight-lay pattern and mixed three different 12×12 tiles to add depth and dimension:
- 12×12 Marble Stone-Look Tile
- 12×12 Black Porcelain Tile
- 12×12 White Marble Tile
The subtle veining gives it a more elevated look which I just LOVEEE!!
To see more of my obsession with black and white tile, you can check out this post.
How We Built Custom Cabinetry
For storage, I used cabinets from RTA Cabinet Store—something we’ve used throughout the Monarch Revival. If you’ve seen our Kitchen Renovation, you’ve probably noticed how much I rely on RTA for both budget and flexibility. I’ve gotten pretty comfortable building and customizing these over time.
We installed cabinetry on both sides of the mudroom to make the most of the layout. I stacked the upper cabinets to give us more vertical storage without making the space feel heavy. Using a laser level helped keep everything aligned, and I trimmed the gold handles to fit just right.
One little detail I love: I lined up the tops of the cabinets with our kitchenette cabinetry. It’s such a small design decision, but it completely changes the feel of the space. By keeping that line consistent, the cabinetry looks custom and the transition between rooms feels seamless. It’s one of those things you might not notice right away, but you’d definitely notice if it wasn’t there.
I go into more detail about how I’ve made custom-looking cabinetry possible on a budget in this full review of RTA cabinets.
The cabinets are in the mudroom are Florence Honey—the same tone we used in the kitchen. I love how the warm wood plays against the green paint and black tile.
The cabinets in the basement kitchenette, which flows right into the mudroom, are Florence Midnight Blue.
5 Mudroom Ideas That Just Make Sense:
- I went with brass cabinet hardware that should develop a pretty patina over time. The super shiny look isn’t really my vibe, so I love that these will wear in a bit with use.
- This space doesn’t get any natural light, so I added a bubble light fixture that brings in just enough personality without being too bold.
- We also installed two can lights to brighten the hallway and stairs. It’s a small upgrade, but it made the whole space feel lighter and more inviting.
- I also had a few outlets added inside the cabinets, which has been so helpful for tucking away chargers and keeping counters clear.
- Inside the cabinets, I organized everything by function: backpacks, mail, crafts, shoe cubbies, and deeper storage for seasonal gear. Everything has a place now, which makes it so much easier to keep this space running smoothly.
What I Love Most About This Mudroom
This space may be small, but it made a big difference in how our home functions. It’s practical, pretty, and works hard for our family every day. I’ve always believed in making every inch of a home count—and this mudroom is proof that smart design doesn’t have to be complicated.
Mudroom Sources
Cabinetry- Cabinets: RTA Cabinet Store – Florence Honey
- Wall Paint: Benjamin Moore “Trailing Vines”
Flooring
Lighting + Hardware
Tools + Extras
I’d love to know what you think! Would you go bold in a small space like this? Have you tackled a mudroom of your own?
And if you love a good before-and-after, don’t miss these other projects:
What do you think of the Monarch Revival Mudroom Reveal? Please let me know in the comments!
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