In houses of a certain era, the existence of a front hall closet was often a luxury. A mud room, however, was an essential part of a home, whether urban or rural. Today we've taken these utilitarian spaces to new heights, devising well-organized areas ranging from tiny row house vestibules to sizable farmhouse back rooms. Here, the best ideas for wherever you hang your hat.
CITY ESSENTIALS
In an urban environment like this one designed by Eros Greatti of Maison Eros Greatti & ‘M,' room for spreading out might be at a premium. Replace space-claiming cupboards with rows of hooks, one high, one low, tailored to your needs, e.g., Mom's purses out of reach up high, children's raincoats underneath. Add shelves or cubbies to corral hats and shoes. While you carry in groceries, keep little hands busy with a chalkboard, or use it to list messages. Seasonal items can be packed away in pullout drawers that double as bench seating.
ORGANIZING TRICKS
Without doors to hide behind, outerwear and sports equipment need a grand scheme. Here, shoes find a tidy home on built-in shelves on a bench, while storage baskets and metal trays work as holdalls, and a pinboard keeps family calendars in order.
THE MATERIALS
An entry door with a window is a must in a dark space. Flooring should be waterproof, easy-care and warm underfoot, like the sisal rug here, placed over tile. Local hardware stores and organizing outlets carry fun products for every room and budget.
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