Organizing your mud room

COUNTRY ESSENTIALS
Historically, the functional mud room was the family entrance, where muddy shoes, work boots, mackintoshes and wet wool socks were out of public view. This room goes one step further, with narrow locker-style cupboards lining the walls to tuck away day-to-day gear. Some cupboards contain shelves, others are for hanging. There's also lots of light pouring into this room from all the windows, a bonus for adding fresh decorative appeal. A vintage chest provides a place to sit and pull on your boots, while lending some rustic flair.

ORGANIZING TRICKS
Tall cupboards are the obvious asset to this room, installed to divide and conquer clutter, but utility shelves from an organizing store would achieve the same result. Towels for wet dogs, boots, flashlights and blankets have a spot to call their own.

THE MATERIALS
A flagstone floor is quintessentially country, as is the use of beadboard and rustic hinges-all have a timeless farmhouse appeal. A clean neutral palette reflects the light while a splash of colour in the carpet keeps this space from appearing flat.

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