Make a lasting impression on your guests by designing a warm and inviting entryway in your cottage mudroom. Discover the essential elements and design principles that will ensure every visitor feels instantly at home. So, let’s get to it!
The Design Timeline
Farmhouse Neutral
Our mudroom was a blank slate when we moved into our house. We didn’t finish the space on purpose because I knew I wanted a place to hang coats and purses and a place for shoes that was out of sight. But still a cute little space for decor. Ya know? So, we left the mudroom blank and our dog, Mollie used it as her kennel room. Then in 2019, my husband added shiplap, a bench, lights, and a shelf. He painted the whole wall white. It was all very Farmhousey and I was really into all the Farmhouse things. I still love the farmhouse style. But I also want to add some more color and charming elements.

Moody Neutrals
I initially went with neutral colors, but with a moody edge. I painted the whole bench wall Copley Gray and then the rest of the walls were painted Stone Hearth. Both Colors are by Benjamin Moore. I loved the moodier colors, but there really wasn’t much contrast between the two colors. In most light, the walls and the bench wall looked the same color. That was not the look I was going for.

Cottage Colors and Wallpaper
I found a beautiful blue color by Farrow and Ball, called de Nimes. I knew this would be the perfect color for our mudroom. I decided on a cottage style wallpaper with similar tones of blue. Check out this post for more cottage style wallpapers. In hindsight, I could have left the bench wall Copley Gray and it still would have given me the contrast and cottage vibes that I wanted, but I love the blue too!

Optimize Functional Storage
Our mudroom is not very large. There really is not space for the very popular locker storage. I love the look, but we don’t have any room for that. We do have space above the bench and under the bench. I have baskets under the bench for shoe storage. The hooks also provide accessible storage for coats and bags. We have an umbrella holder in the corner, which I love because if it’s raining, I can just grab the umbrella and head out the door.

Add Charming Accents
Mirrors
I feel like darker, warmer woods are having a moment right now. Did they really ever go out of style? Several years ago, I collected some antique mirrors for a gallery wall in our entryway. I love vintage mirrors! After taking down the gallery wall, I still want to incorporate those vintage mirrors throughout our house. I added two to the mudroom. The mirror on the shelf is from an old buffet. I turned it upside down. I love how the light reflects in it. But you still need a mirror to be able to check yourself before you leave. I added a smaller vintage mirror for just that purpose. It has beautiful details.

Baskets
I love the texture of baskets and they are also functional decor. I have two baskets under the bench for shoe storage. Do they get used as often as I’d like? No. I also have a cute little basket on the shelf. The umbrella holder has a woven texture, adding that warmth in the corner. I love using a market bag in the mudroom. I used my market bag every day when we went to the beach in Florida. It worked so well and a bonus: it’s pretty.


Art and Decor
I love finding vintage art and when it comes in an ornate frame…it’s even better. I found this amazing vintage watercolor at an antique mall, and I knew it had to go in the mudroom. The detailed frame even has velvet trim! I saw a modern piece of art on a luxury brand’s website, and I wanted to create the look for less. I added a vintage mailbox, hoping that would be a place for the bills to be out of sight. I add greenery in almost every space and the mudroom has a faux maiden hair on the shelf. I also have a magnolia wreath on the barn door that goes into the laundry room.


Create a Cozy Seating Area
Of course, I would love the seating area to be clutter free at all times. But that is not realistic. I do tend to have a throw blanket and some pillows for added texture and comfort. I plan on adding a bench cushion that I will make on my own. I will be doing a “no sew” option. I think a neutral stipe will look lovely.

Conclusion
By incorporating color, cozy seating, functional storage, and charming accents, you can transform your mudroom into a welcoming sanctuary. Follow these design tips and make your guests feel at home from the moment they step inside. Let me know if the comments what you think about adding wallpaper. Would you, do it? You know I love to hear from you. Until next time Treasure Hunters!

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