Coat Closet to Mudroom | DIY
Form & Function
We started with a decently large coat closet that wrapped around under our staircase. This space was collecting boxes and dust. For such a decent storage space it felt really underutilized in its potential. This is where the mudroom idea came into the picture. We transformed this space into a fully functional mudroom with a secret door for additional storage under the stairs landing.
Design Concept
Inspired by one of the colors of the year from Benjamin Moore Antique Pewter, I started the design process. I knew we had leftover vinyl flooring from a previous job that we could utilize in this space and it was an ivory wood look. Not something I would typically go for, but I knew I could design around it to really make the space unique. I wanted to bring in the ivory on the wallpaper not only because the ceiling was slanted and I did not want it to feel super low over our heads, but because I wanted to bring in the ivory from the flooring. I love the vertical nickel gap boards and in a mudroom design I figured this would be the perfect element to incorporate into the space.
Peel & Stick Wallpaper Decision
The wallpaper I chose was from previous experience with peel and stick, this one actually was like a big sticker. Wallpaper is always tricky, so I knew by only putting it on the ceiling it would make it a lot easier to do ourselves with only one seam overlap that needed to be considered. The wallpaper was inspired by nature with the same tones as the paint color with olive, sage and ivory.
Using the Storage to its Fullest Potential
Our shoe bench we carefully designed to ensure we would be able to easily roll in the stroller to the back of the space. This closet is right next to our front door, so instead of us rolling the stroller into our office like we had been doing, I knew I wanted a place to easily tuck it away out of site. Consider your depth of your bench thoroughly so that way you can make sure you have the space you need to sit, store shoes, walk in and use to store additional items you want out of your way. A shelf or multiple shelves and cubbies are always nice to consider, if the space allows. We maxed out the amount of hooks we could use on both sides of the walls, which looking back I am pleased on my decision to go back and order more, as we use at least 80% of the hooks all of the time.
DIY Coat Closet to Mudroom Step Break Down
Remove Everything - We cleaned out the closet; It still had moving boxes in it… embarrassing. It is optional to redo your flooring, but we pulled up our old carpet and removed the existing shelf and pole that felt like it took up too much headspace.
Lay the Flooring - We used snap in luxury vinyl tile that we had leftover from another job. It is a very DIY friendly flooring and is a quick installation. If you want the steps on how to install LVT find my Instagram highlight that shows video DIY steps.
Skim Coat & Wallpaper - I did a light layer of joint compound to smooth out the texture on the ceiling. This not only makes it easier for your wallpaper to apply, but now you will not have texture bumps coming through the wallpaper. Unless your walls are already smooth, in which case you can skip this step.
Nickel Gap Vertical Boards Install - You will need a nail gun and potentially a saw depending on where your boards will land at the back of your space. Nickle gap boards just slide nicely into each other to create a beautiful visual design element.
Horizontal Board, Hooks & Shelf Install - We ran a horizontal board lined up with where I wanted our shelf installed. The purpose of this flat horizontal board was so that we could drill all of our hooks into it.
Creation of the Shoe Bench - The trick for the shoe bench is to just measure the length of your space you intend to use and to make sure your depth allows easy access for you to walk in and store other items in addition to your shoes.
Hinge Door for Hidden Storage - If you have a space under your staircase landing, you can add a hinge door made of plywood and adding your nickel gap boards to the front so that the door opening lines up with the existing gap at the boards.
Hardware, Lighting & Baskets Finish Out - I sourced my hooks from H&M Home. The final touches with the sconce and the switch plate cover are in my Studio Madeline Design Decor Shop and the storage baskets are from Target.
Final Thoughts…
If you have an underutilized closet that is not meeting any real daily function, then this is the DIY for you. Adding a mudroom to your home is a great way to create a fun space that is not only easy for your whole family to use, but your guests as well. It truly helps minimize the clutter from your main living spaces and that makes it all worth it.
