Reader Space: A Marvelous Closet Turned Mudroom

It is no secret that I always give high fives and thumbs up when closets are treated like rooms and extensions of the home.  They not only boast storage, but they can literally transform into an office, a nook, or in today's case, a mudroom!

Today's reader is a fellow Wisconsinite and she had a typical builder's grade closet that just wasn't functioning the way she wanted.  So, she did something about it, got creative, and gave herself the cutest little mudroom.

Here is the super adorable Kate from Still Room to Grow now!

What is the main function of the space?

"I desperately wanted a mud room when we moved into this house and the cost to put one in this same space with custom lockers was $1000.  That was not gonna happen because my husband thought we already had a perfectly good closet to store all the same stuff.  I saw Jen's closet turned office and the wheels started turning!  I just knew I could create a functional space, that was easy on the eyes too.  This was a quick weekend project and I am loving the results."

Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?

"Bins at the top are great for holding stuff like hats and gloves and swimming items.  And then I have one that says, 'Stuff', it holds random items we use depending on the season.  Each kid has a basket and it holds their current shoes for the season, I tuck socks in there too so we don't have to run back upstairs to get them.  The basket to the side of the storage bench holds items that need to be returned, like library books and store returns.  I also only keep on coat out per kid.  The others are kept in another large hall closet in our front entrance."

What items did you find were essential when organizing the space, and why?

"Labels so everyone knows where stuff goes!"

What did you do to go the extra mile and "Make it Pretty"?

"Hand painted letters above each hook, a wall collage with a calendar and inspirational quotes.  I used an indoor/outdoor rug, that can take abuse of winter weather and I can hose it off anytime I need too.  A color combo I love, red, white and grey!"

What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?

"The bench was from Pottery Barn and did not have a cushion, we were using it initially in the playroom.  My hubby cut a piece of plywood and I added foam, backing and the faux leather fabric I had leftover from recovering the chairs in my kitchen.  It turned out perfect and wipes clean!"
 

How has it impacted your life for the better?

"It was a win-win for me and my hubby, he didn't think it was necessary to spend the extra money, but thinking outside the box, I was able to get what I thought was more aesthetically pleasing to the eye and a very functional space.  I love not having to dig around in a dark closet for items.  The kids can actually reach the hooks and know where everything belongs, so it stays fairly organized."

Seriously, this is what she started with....

And one more look at what she gets to look at every single day...

Isn't it amazing what a little creative thinking, paint and organizing can do?  I really heart this because by keeping it open, it really brightened things up, but it also gives a little extra motivation to keep it tidy and organized.  When we have closets that are dark holes, it is a lot easier to neglect the space and let it become an unorganized dumping ground that eventually spins out of control.  I also love that everything is clearly marked, and that it is easy for the kids to maintain as well.  When they are able to lend a helping hand in hanging up their items, or putting on their own socks and shoes, everyone smiles a little bigger.  And what a smart mama, keeping socks in the "mudroom".  Love that!

You can read all about Kate's mudroom makeover on her blog here.

Your turn!  Any other fans of turning a closet into a mini "room" in your home?  How do you make your closet an extension of your space vs. closing it off and letting it sit dark and unloved?

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life.  Please submit your story and photos here and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!