Neither snow nor rain nor sleety nights can keep us from living our busy lives. But that doesn’t mean our entryways have to look like a hazard zone. Find out how to prep your foyer and mudroom for the seasonal onslaught of wet-weather gear.
Find the Right Flooring
This Montana bunkhouse on a sprawling ranch is surrounded by beautiful fields, which turn into lots of mud when it rains. Slate floor tiles stand up to anything that gets tracked in from the ranch, and the rough-hewn texture of the tiles is not as slippery as ceramic or porcelain.
First Stop: Boot Drop-Off
Whether you use a simple tray or a rustic reclaimed wooden bin, have somewhere to set dirty boots and shoes as soon as you walk thru the door. Not only does it help protect floors from scratches, but it also saves you major clean-up time.
Opt for Open Storage
It’s tempting to hide everything away — after all, who wants a cluttered entryway or mudroom? But your wet-weather gear needs plenty of space to dry out so it doesn’t develop mold and mildew. Built-ins allow air to circulate so items can dry while maintaining a well-ordered space.
Safety and Style Underfoot
Even if your flooring can stand up to wet-weather muck, an inexpensive rug will protect the floor from water damage, and more importantly, you from slipping. An umbrella stand right next to the door provides a handy place to stash your gear to prevent bringing the rainy day further into the house.
Take a Seat
If space allows, place a handy bench in the entryway for slipping boots off and warm slippers on. Plus, an open bench allows you to tuck shoes underneath so you won’t trip over them.
Hooks Are Your Friend
Make keeping up with wet-weather attire fun for kids with colorful hooks at staggered heights so they can hang up their rain and snow jackets themselves. Above the hooks, open cubbies are a great place to stash boots and bins, while drawers below the bench provide additional storage for shoes and accessories. Not only is the long bench perfect for slipping shoes on and off, it also provides a flat surface to let gloves and hats dry before putting them away.
Pare Down
Minimize what you keep in your entryway. You don’t have to store every single jacket, hat and glove in the foyer, especially if space is limited. Once your gear has dried, move it to a different closet or storage spot, and keep only your essential outerwear by the door.
Store Warm-Weather Gear
Another way to unclutter your foyer is to clear out all the off-season clothing and equipment. No need to dig thru beach hats, sunscreen and flip-flops when you’re bracing to brave freezing temps. Pack away all the summer gear to make it easier to find your smart-touch gloves and ear muffs.
Corral the Chaos
Your dog doesn’t care if the backyard is a muddy mess. Pups need play and what could be more fun than romping in the snow or mud?! A built-in pet gate will keep your furry friend corraled while you wipe off their feet before they track in mud and wet grass from outside.
Greetings! Let Me Take Your Mud
Keep a rough, coir mat outside the door to brush off snow, dirt and debris from your shoes before you even enter the house. A nearby additional boot tray is also handy for those really messy days.