Countertops amp up the efficiency and practicality of this “rustic-chic” Colorado
mudroom by Faye Crowe Architect. Photo courtesy of Jon Eady Photographer.
While the kitchen or the bath may be the first areas that come to mind when you hear the word “countertops” there are plenty of other spaces in the home that can benefit from having a flat working surface. In fact, one of the hottest rooms in renovations is the mudroom. This multi-use space has come a long way from its original use (catching mud/dirt) and today’s mudrooms are jam-packed with useful elements, including hardworking countertops.
The mud room started out as a necessity in more rural areas of the country where a place to shed dirty footwear, outwear, and wet clothing before entering the main house came in handy. But today, the mudroom is pretty much a requirement in any suburban home. It’s even a highly desired element in more urban areas, when space permits. More than a “catch all” for all of the items we carry inside on a daily basis– shoes, coats, bags, keys, backpacks, sports equipment and more—today’s mudrooms have evolved into highly specialized utility rooms that perform many tasks. In fact, many designers and homeowners are now, when space is available, combining the mudroom with the laundry room. They’re designing bedroom-sized spaces to serve as the ultimate efficient workspace.
The key to an efficient mudroom is customization. There is no cookie-cutter standard that will fit every family. Besides countertops and a washer and dryer, some of the most popular mudroom features today include:
- Storage cabinets, cubbies, lockers, or shelves
- Family message boards
- Charging station
- Mail organizing station
- Sinks
- Pet washing stations
- Pocket doors to conceal the space when not in use
- Key organizer/hanger
- Rugs, mats, and runners
- Lighting, both decorative and task
To determine which elements are vital for your customers, ask them questions to help assess their needs and habit. For example, how dirty do they expect the room to get? Does anybody in the family come home dirty from a job on a regular basis? Do they garden? Are there pets that might enter with muddy paws? Do they plan to store shoes there? What about cleats, golf shows, snow boots, etc.? Do these live in the mudroom? What other items do they plan to store in the mudroom? Is there anything else they hope to be able to do in the space?
When it comes time to select materials for the mudroom, the most important question you can ask is: How do they feel about maintenance? How often do they typically clean? The answer to these questions will help you determine which materials to consider for the mudroom. However, in general, you can assume that durable made-to-last materials are always the best selections. Mudrooms have the potential—by their very nature—to get very dirty. They require materials that can withstand the everyday wear and tear. The most effective mudroom designs are made with materials that can be easily cleaned, mopped, washed, or even hosed down when needed.
Choose materials that are made to last and easy to maintain. When choosing flooring, make sure it is properly weatherproofed. For example, porcelain tile is a great low-maintenance option. Choose cabinet finishes that won’t show as much wear and tear, such as distressed or weathered styles. And for paint, stick to satin or eggshell, which can sometimes help to camouflage nicks and scrapes on the walls (or go with beadboard or another kind of wainscoting for more protection.) When it comes to countertops, again be sure that the focus is on durability over anything else. Here are a few tips on selecting the best material for a mudroom countertop:
- Marble and granite are beautiful, but remember that this is a mudroom. Keep the “centerpiece” surfaces for the kitchen and bath. But if your customers are set on stone, just be sure they are familiar with the cleaning requirements—or that they are okay with a surface that could potentially stain or dull with the use of heavy-duty cleaners and other chemicals that may be used in the mudroom.
- For clients who insist on stone, show them a few options they may not be familiar with such as quartz materials that closely mimic the look of marble and granite. Products such as DuPont™ Zodiaq®, The Marble Collection from QuartzMasters, and various options available from ColorQuartz surfaces very closely resemble marble yet offer the scratch, heat, stain, and chip resistance that quartz provides.
- When planning your mudroom, visit local stone yards and see what remnants might be available. Remember that mudroom countertops don’t necessarily have to match the kitchen, bath, or any other area of the home. This could offer significant savings for those who insist on the luxurious look of natural stone.
- Durable solid surface materials are an excellent option for the mudroom. They’re typically more affordable, plus they offer scorch-resistance—a feature that’s useful for mudroom/laundry room combinations where you might do the ironing. Plus, many manufacturers of solid surface offer integrated sinks—an easy-to-clean feature ideal for a hardworking mudroom. Corian®, Staron®, and Wilsonart® all offer great integrated sink options.
- While they’re typically an inexpensive choice, laminate countertops might not be the best fit for all of the action seen in the mudroom. They’re not quite as durable as other stone and stone-like products and over time they can show obvious wear.
- Don’t overlook task lighting above countertop workspaces. Be sure to include enough light above countertop work areas, but don’t forget decorative lights to add a little “bling” as well.
Although it’s a workspace that’s meant for dirt, the mudroom should also have style. Decorate it as you would any other space by adding a fun piece of art or framed family photos. Infuse some color with bench pillows, drapes, rugs, etc. Just remember to keep it simple. Avoid anything that’s fussy or difficult to clean and the mudroom/laundry room combo can be one of the most efficient spaces in the home.