Designing your own pantry mudroom combination can be a fun combination room to have everything you need as a landing space for both your family and your food. 🥙
So, how can you create a pantry-mudroom combination that you and your family use and love? Let’s get right into it!
The Basics of Pantry Design
Let’s break this down into two parts – the pantry, and the mudroom, starting with the pantry portion.
Shelving Solutions
Shelves are the backbone of any well-organized pantry. We’re huge fans of adjustable shelving because it allows you to change the height between shelves based on what you need to store even after we’ve customized your space.
Because we know your family, your habits, and your lifestyle if constantly changing — so why stick you with something that can’t change with you?
When it comes to the aesthetics of your shelves (whether adjustable or not), consider wood for a warm, homey look or metal for a more durable, industrial vibe.
We usually suggest arranging your custom closet organizers or shelves to keep everyday items at eye level while less frequently used items can go up higher or down lower.
This setup helps keep your pantry tidy and saves you time when you’re cooking.
Pull-Out Drawers
If you ever feel like you need an extra hand in the kitchen without having to bend over and reach for things, pull-out drawers are your answer.
They slide out so you can see and reach everything easily, which means no more rummaging through the back of a cabinet to find what you need. These drawers are perfect for storing gadgets and tools that don’t get daily use but are still important to store in your pantry.
Plus, you can use drawer dividers to keep things like spices, baking ingredients, or snack bags neat and organized!
Door Racks (Or a Sliding Door to Save Space)
When every inch of space counts, door racks can be your best friend in your pantry. These racks attach to the inside of your pantry door and are fabulous for keeping smaller items organized. Instead of stuffing your spices, condiments, and snacks into a crowded shelf, you can have them neatly arranged on the door where they're easy to grab. This is especially handy in smaller kitchens where maximizing space is crucial.
if your pantry needs a bigger space-saving solution, consider installing a sliding door. Unlike traditional doors that swing out, sliding doors slide parallel to the wall, so they don't take up any extra space when opened.
This can make your kitchen feel bigger and make it easier to access your pantry without having to maneuver around an open door. Plus, sliding doors can look really sleek and modern, adding a stylish touch to your space!
Lighting
Good lighting in your pantry is more important than you might think. It helps you find what you need quickly, makes your pantry look bigger, and keeps you safe from tripping over something on the floor. Plus, when working with food especially, it’s important you’re not overlooking anything that has an upcoming expiration date!
For the best lighting, LED strip lights or puck lights are pretty easy to install, and they do a fantastic job at lighting up every shelf and corner of your pantry.
Tip: If you’re doing this yourself, install your lights at the front edge of your shelves. This way, the light shines directly onto the items in front and doesn’t get blocked by things stored on higher shelves. And don't forget about the corners — adding a small, extra light there can help you see everything, so nothing gets lost in the dark.
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The Basics of Mudroom Design
Designing a mudroom that’s both functional and stylish can transform how you enter and leave your home every day.
Here are some essentials that make a mudroom work hard and look good.
Durable Flooring
Mudrooms are the gatekeepers to your home—they catch all the dirt, moisture, and debris from the outside to make sure they keep the rest of your home clean.
That’s why the flooring needs to be super tough. Ceramic tile and vinyl are top choices because they can handle a lot of foot traffic and are easy to clean.
When choosing tile or vinyl, think about not just how it looks, but also how well it can stand up to wet boots and muddy paws.
Darker colors or patterns that mimic nature (like stone or wood looks) are great because they hide dirt and stains really well. This means your mudroom will look cleaner, even when you haven’t had a chance to mop up the day’s messes.
Crafty Storage Solutions
One of the keys to a great mudroom is having a place for everything. You want to walk in and have a spot to drop your coat, shoes, and bag without everything piling up on the floor. Built-in cubbies are perfect for this.
They give everyone in the family a personal space for their things. Overhead storage is another smart idea — great for keeping seasonal gear out of the way until you need it.
Using labeled baskets and bins can also make it super easy to grab what you need and go. For example, have a basket for each person’s sports equipment or a bin for winter hats and gloves. This not only keeps things organized but also makes it easy to put everything back in its place.
A Seating Area
Imagine coming home with a bunch of grocery bags—where do you sit to take off your shoes? That’s where a good seating area comes in. A bench in the mudroom isn’t just a place to sit; it can also be a great storage solution. Consider a bench with hidden storage underneath where you can stash shoes, boots, and more.
For a touch of style, add a storage ottoman. It’s a chic way to add extra seating and keep things looking tidy. Plus, you can pick one that matches the décor of your home to make the mudroom feel like a natural extension of your living space, not just a catch-all area.
Utility Sink
A sink right in your mudroom means you can wash up muddy boots, gardening tools, or even paintbrushes without ever spreading the dirt into your living space.
When choosing a utility sink, look for one with a deep basin, because it’ll be great for soaking and scrubbing larger items. Some sinks come with built-in scrub boards, which are super handy for getting tough dirt out of clothes or off shoes.
For the plumbing, you'll want to make sure your mudroom is set up for water supply and drainage. It’s usually best to place the sink near existing plumbing lines to keep installation simple. If you're not sure about how to handle the plumbing, it might be a good idea to consult a professional to get things set up without any leaks or issues.
How to Integrate a Pantry & Mudroom
Plan Your Layout
Planning is crucial when for your pantry mudroom combination. Start by measuring your available space and think about how you'll use each area. You don’t want your mudroom clutter spilling into your pantry, so it’s important to think about how the flow of the space will work.
Use design software, graph paper, or a custom home organizer to help plan out this part of your space. This helps you visualize how everything will fit together and ensures you use every inch effectively.
Use Multi-Functional Furniture
Multi-functional furniture is perfect for a space that needs to serve several purposes. A bench with storage underneath, for instance, can provide a spot to sit and take off shoes in the mudroom, and it can also store non-perishable groceries or larger kitchen gadgets in the pantry section.
You might also consider foldable shelving that can be rearranged as your storage needs change, or repurpose a bookshelf to hold both outdoor gear in the mudroom area and bulk food items in the pantry.
Make a Cohesive Design
To make your integrated pantry and mudroom feel like one cohesive space, pick a color scheme and materials that work together harmoniously. If you use wood shelving in the pantry, consider wooden hooks or accents in the mudroom for a unified look. Using the same flooring throughout can also help connect the two areas smoothly.
Don’t forget about adding decorative elements to your pantry mudroom combination! Choose artwork or wall hangings that can include practical features like hooks or small shelves, blending form and function beautifully!
Optimize Wall Space
Maximizing your wall space is crucial when integrating a combination mudroom laundry room pantry. Vertical storage solutions like wall-mounted racks and shelves can be incredibly effective. They not only save floor space but also keep essential items within easy reach.
Consider installing modular storage systems that can be customized to fit both pantry items like cans and boxes, and mudroom necessities like coats and bags. These systems allow you to adjust as your storage needs change over time.
Hanging organizers are another great option. They’re perfect for tools, accessories, and even non-perishable foods. You can hang them on the back of doors or on the wall. This way, everything has a place, and you can see what you have at a glance, making it easier to grab what you need and go.
Add in a Clean-Up Station
Having a clean-up station when you combine mudroom and pantry is incredibly beneficial, particularly if you enjoy gardening, and have kids, or pets that might bring in dirt. A utility sink in this station makes it easy to wash up without bringing the outdoors inside.
Consider adding a mini spray nozzle to power off mud and dirt, or a built-in soap dispenser for quick hand washing. These features make the clean-up process smoother and more efficient.
For the plumbing, ensure that the utility sink is connected properly to both water supply and drainage. Placement is key—locate your clean-up station near an entry point from outdoors for easy access. If you're unsure about the plumbing requirements, it might be wise to consult a professional plumber to ensure everything is set up correctly and efficiently.
Start Your Plans Right with Closet World!
Transform your pantry, mudroom, and every other space in your home with the expert touch of Closet World's professional designers. Our team provides personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs, whether you're envisioning custom walk-in closets or a functional home office.
Schedule your free in-home consultation with Closet World today!
