There was a time when spaces like the laundry and mudroom were treated as afterthoughts – purely functional areas concealed behind closed doors, designed to get a job done and little else. They’re still some of the hardest-working rooms in the house, but now, homeowners are paying attention to them in a new way, and it’s easy to understand why.
Life is busy, and sometimes it’s messy. Kids pile in with backpacks, lunchboxes and homework. The dog tracks dirt across the floors. Sports equipment seems to multiply. Online shopping brings convenience – and boxes. Most people don’t necessarily need more space. They need more ways to organize and store their things.
When it comes to designing a utility space, instead of dedicating separate rooms to individual tasks, I find opportunities to layer functions together in ways that feel intuitive. Rooms that once served a single purpose are now being reimagined to do much more. A combination mudroom and laundry room is one of the best examples.
Creative combo
In a recent project, what had been two disconnected utility areas became one cohesive, well-organized space located near the home’s main family entrance. The redesign wasn’t about making a statement, although it accomplished that. Rather, it was about making everyday routines less chaotic.
Built-in hooks and cabinets provide space for coats, shoes, bags and seasonal gear. Closed fronts help contain the visual clutter that naturally comes with daily life. A countertop over the washer and dryer creates a practical surface for folding laundry, sorting school “stuff,” or unloading groceries. It’s not the kind of transformation that immediately draws attention, but it quickly became one of the most appreciated spaces in the home because it solves problems people encounter every day.
It’s all in the layout
When combining multiple functions into one space, layout matters. Before selecting finishes or choosing cabinet styles, it’s important to think through the small routines that happen there. Where do people naturally drop their keys and bags? Where do wet boots go? Is there somewhere to sit while taking off or putting on shoes? What happens to the sports equipment after practice? The answers often come in the form of custom cabinetry, which shape the design and make the space work so well. Deep drawers hold laundry supplies and seasonal accessories. Tall cabinets conceal brooms, vacuums and cleaning products. Pull-out baskets keep smaller items contained, while open shelving provides quick access to everyday things. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s creating a system that’s easy to maintain.
Material choices deserve just as much attention. Mudrooms and laundry rooms take a beating, so durability should guide the decision-making process. Porcelain tile is a favourite because it stands up to moisture and constant traffic. Cabinet finishes should be practical enough to handle fingerprints and the occasional scuff. Countertops need to tolerate everything from folding towels to sorting through grocery bags.
Another design detail is finding ways to hide the less attractive necessities. Integrated hampers, pull-out drying racks and cabinetry that conceals the washer and dryer can make a room feel calmer and more considered. The functionality is still there, but it doesn’t immediately announce itself.
The value of efficiency
These spaces may never be the rooms guests compliment first. They aren’t designed to impress at a dinner party. But they do something equally valuable. They make mornings run smoother and evenings feel less frantic. They catch the muddy boots, the forgotten permission slips and the endless loads of laundry that come with sharing a home.
Spaces need to be created to reflect how people want to live. Sometimes, that means a beautiful kitchen or a welcoming living room. Other times, it’s designing the spaces in between with just as much care and attention. While a well-designed mudroom or laundry room may not be what people notice when they walk into a home, it’s often the space that makes the people living there happy.