We tried several configurations before we got it right. First, we removed the sliding closet doors and added some hooks so the kids could just hang their coats and bookbags. Hubby built me not one, but two storage benches on two separate occasions. The first one opened on top. That didn't work, because as people came in through the garage, everything just got thrown on top of the bench, which meant every time I needed to get something out, I had to take everything off. The second one was really cool - it had wheels and rolled out. That was nice, but I still knew it could be better. That's when I came up with the idea for lockers. No, that's not true, I didn't come up with the idea, I first saw it in my dear friend Marie's home and then copied it!
This is hubby patching the walls after removing the closet.
I had so much fun doing this project with hubby. In fact he did most of the hard labor. For my part, I came up with the idea (with a little help from Google Images) and the hardest part for me was the painting. Before, the color in our Mud Room was a dingy brown color that works well in my Family Room, but here, it just looked gloomy. So I decided to use some leftover paint I had in the basement that I had used to paint my upstairs hallway, and then decided it was too bright, so I only used one coat, which meant I had plenty left over for the MR. It's a cheery yellow color. Then all of the lockers had to painted white. Hubby hung beaded board against the back wall and actually built the lockers outside then carried them in (with the help of a friend). With some molding and wood caulk, they look like they were built right into the wall!
A full view looking in from the kitchen.
Hubs left me some space at the top for knick-knacks (this was HIS idea!!)
I decided to go with open shelving at the bottom for easy access to shoes. Each person has their own locker (hubs and I share one) for coats, jackets, purses and bookbags. Over the lockers, each person has their own cubby where I've used baskets to store hats/gloves/scarves.
One more set of cubbies stores my seldom-used-but-need-access-to appliances like my crock pot, large coffee maker, griddle and some baskets. I decided to cover these with some valances I made from fabric I purchased at Walmart. I used stitch witchery to make the valances and hung them with tension rods.
I wanted a small accent table by the door to throw my keys and mail when I come in through the garage. This table was perfect! I picked it up for $2 at a flea market and painted it black. The tassle was made by Nancy at Southern Lady. Isn't it adorable??? I got the white urn from a yard sale for $1 and added some mossy thingies. The vintage books came from my mother.
These prints I purchased off of Ebay - they are Southern Living At Home prints that I had to buy frames for. I think they look nice against the yellow walls.
I like keeping my filing cabinet in this room so I have easy access to all of my important documents. However, it looked kinda drab so I added some pretty linens and a nice plant to make it look like it belongs there.
I also have a cabinet for keeping my cleaning supplies close at hand.
This room is also where Chloe sleeps at night so I got her a night light (Kirkland's).
Finally, this is the family lifeline - the bulletin board. It's ginourmous, taking up most of this large wall. It stores everything from permission slips to registration forms, school artwork, photos of friends, and other paperwork. You know the saying, out of sight out of mind? Well that rings true for me. If I don't see it, I forget about it. This way I am forced to see these things each time I enter or leave the house - a constant reminder - that's what I need!
So that's it! My pride and joy. The mudroom of my dreams. It doesn't take much to excite me does it! HA! Hope you enjoyed this post - now go enjoy more Met Monday posts at Susan's blog!
