10 Hard-Working Rooms That Make Life Easier

Mudrooms

Photo by Eric Roth

These helpful buffer zones allow an orderly exit—and reentry—with a place for everything.

Must-Haves

• Open hooks for airing out damp outerwear

• Shelves with bins for corralling accessories

• A seat for pulling footwear on and off

• Resilient surfaces that dirt can't hurt

Room 1: Floor-to-Ceiling Cubbies

Photo by Eric Roth

This one-wall mudroom can handle a season's worth of athletic gear and outerwear.

Tip: Cheer up a utilitarian space with a colorful indoor-outdoor runner. To clean it, just shake it out or hose it down.

Open Storage

Photo by Eric Roth

Ample 16-inch-deep cubbies mean each family member has places to stash footwear, sports equipment, toys, and more.

Neat Catchalls

Photo by Eric Roth

Metal bins, fabric-lined baskets, and color-coded boxes organize small items and store off-season goods.

Easy-Care Surfaces

Photo by Eric Roth

High-gloss paint resists scuffs, and stone-look porcelain floor tiles won't show scratches. Both are a snap to clean.

Room 2: Locker-Lined Stair Wall

Photo by Eric Roth

A furniture-grade storage unit mounted alongside stairs turns a front foyer into a mini mudroom.

Curvaceous Compartments

Photo by Eric Roth

Open lockers with hooks have handsome curved frames that make the unit formal enough for a front entry. The oak, chosen to match the stairs, is finished with water-shedding polyurethane.

Tip: Lockers should be at least 2 feet wide so that there's space for each person's bags and outerwear.

Closed Cabinets

Photo by Eric Roth

Rarely used items, like binoculars, are tucked up top behind flip-up doors.

Stable Seating

Photo by Eric Roth

The 10-foot bench projects nearly 2 feet from the wall to provide a safe toehold for reaching top cabinets. Arched supports echo the locker frames and divide the slate-tile floor into landing spots for shoes.

Room 3: Open-and-Shut Storage

Photo by Eric Roth

Exposed hooks and discreet closets and drawers create a high-functioning, clutter-free drop zone.

Extra-Tall Closets

Photo by Eric Roth

Eight-foot-high doors hide away baskets of balls and outerwear not worn every day.

Oversize Hooks

Photo by Eric Roth

Jackets and bags practically hang themselves up on generous hooks above the bench.

Handy Pullouts

Photo by Eric Roth

Small, clutter-creating items, such as dog leashes, gloves, and sunscreen, are concealed inside large drawers. Roomy cutouts offer a glimpse of what's inside and a comfortable handhold.

Flip-Top Bench

Photo by Eric Roth

Along with providing a spot for slipping shoes on and off, this perch's lid opens up to stow baseball bats and lacrosse sticks.

Tip: Make cleaning up after muddy feet (and paws) a cinch by sealing porous bricks with a clear coat for masonry.

Pantries

These kitchen offshoots keep supplies centralized and out of the cooking zone.

Must-Haves

• Open shelves for quick access and slide-outs for heavy items

• Fuss-free surfaces in case of spills

• Good lighting for easy hunting

Room 4: U-Shaped Closet

Photo by Greg Hursley

Warm finishes keep the look as polished as the adjacent kitchen, inspiring a sense of order.

Adjustable Shelves

Photo by Greg Hursley

These shelves can be raised or lowered to accommodate everything from canned goods and recipe binders to candlesticks and centerpieces.

Tip: To amp up lighting in a closed pantry—and add a style boost—hang a pair of pendants instead of just one.

Specialized Storage

Photo by Greg Hursley

Rods flanking the center unit allow table linens to hang wrinkle-free, while slim, felt-lined drawers keep silverware from tarnishing.

Spill-Proof Surface

Photo by Greg Hursley

The granite countertop looks luxe, complements the richly hued wood, and wipes down easily.

Room 5: Sunny Nook

Photo by Courtesy of California Closet Co.

Lots of light makes this pantry alcove a practical dishware-storage and food-prep station.

Deep Drawers

Photo by Courtesy of California Closet Co.

Full-extension hardware ensures access to every inch of these pullouts.

Tip: Stash heavy and frequently used items at waist height.

Well-Placed Prep Space

Photo by Courtesy of California Closet Co.

A 25-inch-deep laminate countertop provides a convenient work surface.

Easy Access

Photo by Courtesy of California Closet Co.

Serving items sit at the ready on open shelves—and double as decor.

Closed Cabinets

Photo by Courtesy of California Closet Co.

Small appliances and bulk grains can be kept cool, dark, and dust-free behind closed doors.

Room 6: Shallow Space-Saver

Photo by Robbie Caponetto

A fully loaded grid of open shelves and cabinets can disappear behind a functional piece of salvage.

Strategic Sliding Door

Photo by Robbie Caponetto

The weathered bank-vault door, mounted on a heavy-duty track, adds character, hides clutter, and—unlike a swing-open door—won't block traffic.

Tip: Chalkboard paint can turn a wall or door into an erasable shopping list and message board.

Low-Profile Lighting

Photo by Robbie Caponetto

A small, nickel-finished ceiling fixture reinforces the kitchen's vintage look while illuminating items at the back of shelves.

Backup Power

Photo by Robbie Caponetto

Outlets allow for stashing a wine cooler and other small appliances to clear space in the cooking area.

Potting Rooms

First-class finishes and a fun hit of color make for a pleasant gardening place.

Must-Haves

• A deep sink with a raised faucet to fit pots and watering cans

• Tall shelves and roomy cabinets for tools and containers

• An easy-care work surface and floor

Room 7: Open to the Outdoors

Photo by Courtesy of Mannington

A Dutch door blocks pets while inviting air and light into a workstation for potting plants and filling vases.

Rustic Sink and Counter

Photo by Courtesy of Mannington

Soapstone has an earthy, traditional look, and chips and wear only add character.

Quick-Clean Vinyl Floor

Photo by Courtesy of Mannington

Water and potting soil mop up fast when there's no grout to catch them.

Tip: Line a deep drawer with a heavy-duty plastic bag to serve as a soil bin.

Room 8: Plumbed Hutch

Photo by Charles Walton IV

A furniture-like potting center combines glass-front and solid cabinet doors for display and storage.

Rugged Rimmed Sink

Photo by Charles Walton IV

An extra-deep (nearly a foot) cast-iron basin with a raised lip helps contain splashes.

Waterproof Backsplash

Photo by Charles Walton IV

Classic subway tile gives this cottage-inspired setup a pretty-yet-practical backdrop.

Eye-Catching Shelf

An open shelf mounted on corbels is a showcase for cloches, colorful containers, and potted plants.

Tough Work Surface

Photo by Charles Walton IV

The nonporous Corian countertop mimics wood but stands up to assaults from liquid fertilizer, thorny rose branches, and heavy ceramic pots.

Tip: Keep track of drawer contents with bin pulls that have apothecary-style label holders built right in.

Laundry Rooms

Photo by Peter Rymwid

These well-organized, well-lit rooms help take the dread out of wash day.

Must-Haves

• Countertop space for folding

• Cabinets for containing detergent and other supplies

• Sink for hand-washables

• Rods or racks for air-drying

Room 9: Bright and Spacious

Photo by Peter Rymwid

The U shape offers space for sorting, washing, folding, and hanging.

Kitchen-Worthy Cabinetry

Photo by Peter Rymwid

Custom cupboards painted a vintage green—complemented by a tall beadboard backsplash with a plate rail for displaying artwork—look inviting and accommodate every laundry necessity, as well as ironing and sewing supplies.

Ample Counter Space

Photo by Peter Rymwid

A long run of solid surfacing holds stacks of folded clothes.

Tip: Create an under-counter spot for a laundry basket so that it won't be underfoot.

Air-Drying Stations

Photo by Peter Rymwid

Charming hinged wood wall racks latch at the top when not in use. A shower-curtain rod in front of the window allows damp laundry to get a full dose of fresh air. A coated-metal mesh rack set into the countertop keeps knitwear flat for drying.

Room 10: High Efficiency

Photo by Mark Lohman

Everything is within easy reach in this compact, light-filled laundry center.

Low-Care Counter

Photo by Mark Lohman

Front loaders topped with a quartz slab create a space-saving folding area.

Over-the-Sink Rod

Photo by Mark Lohman

Laundry on hangers can drip-dry over the sink.

Tip: Install under-cabinet lighting to make treating stains easier.

Pull-Down Faucets

Photo by Mark Lohman

An adjustable spray helps with rinsing out hand-washables.

Slide-Out Drying Racks

Photo by Mark Lohman

Slatted wood pullouts, a generous 27 inches wide and 20 inches deep, can handle bulky wet sweaters.