Over three years ago, we started the home building process. Josh and I started drawing floorpans in a little notebook I keep my “to-do lists” in. At the time, we were dreaming of a forever home our family could grow in and praying it would all work out. We weren’t sure if it would ever actually happen, but the pieces just started falling into place. And now, we’re here!! It’s beyond surreal and to say we’re grateful is an understatement! We know we are beyond blessed to be where we are and are so, so thankful that we have been able to build our dream home.
If you follow along on Instagram, you have probably answered a poll or watched stories about our build. We have loved sharing our journey and it’s safe to say you guys have liked following along too. Eventually, I plan on writing more about the actual building process and some of our “hacks.” So stay tuned for that! For now, I’m just going to focus on room-by-room reveals, so its not overwhelming for you – or me. So without further ado, the space we have named “The Mudroom.”
This room is right around the corner from the garage and right next to the main guest bathroom (which leads outside and is the main bathroom we use during the day). We wanted a space in the house that served a lot of purpose that you didn’t necessarily see all day. Where we could leave unfinished projects and paperwork out, and not worry about it for a day or two. We wanted mudroom cubbies, a place to house our washer and dryer, tons of storage, and “office” space. We also wanted a table or island for crafts, homework, and a general place to put crap on top of that wasn’t our kitchen island. Know what I’m sayin’? I also wanted a big window so I could see in to the backyard while the kids are playing and let in as much natural light as possible. A tall order for sure, but this space delivers, to say the least!
During the build, this room was our biggest headache and went through the most changes. We ultimately cut the built-in island, partly for budgetary reasons and partly because we decided a table and chairs would be more functional and give more character. We added these floating shelves made from reclaimed wood. I love the warmth and character they add to the space.
We also decided to stack our washer and dryer and hide it in a cabinet. Otherwise, we would have had to raise the counter height to accommodate them under counter and it would have had a break in the countertop heights somewhere along the way. I’m ALL about symmetry, so that was a no for me. I also added this sink for hand washing laundry, washing up after craft projects, etc. I’m in love with it! We also left open space under the cabinet for this rolling laundry cart, and let me just tell you, that thing is GENIUS!! If you don’t have one, get one. Thank me later!
The lighting we chose has the “farmhouse feel” we were going for without being FARMHOUSE, ya know? They didn’t get adjusted before this photoshoot and to be honest, it kind of drives me nuts.
We also added “gift wrap storage,” AKA super long and short drawers and we’re so glad we did. It houses all of our wrapping paper, bags, tissue paper, tags, etc. For the wall space above the counter, we plan on doing some kind of family calendar or “command center” of sorts, Still undecided on that. we love having the counter space there and will add some kind of organizer for mail and the like down the road.
For the cubbies, we didn’t want to add doors, because we didn’t want them getting destroyed by our kids since they will see heavy use. The cubbies are also on the same wall as the door, so they aren’t an immediate eyesore when you walk in the room, so leaving them open worked in our favor. We plan on storing shoes below the bench. I still need to find hooks for backpacks, jackets, etc. I like this sleek black hook or this striped one. Each person has the smaller cubby up top to put their devices, keys, sunglasses, etc. The large cubby up top will eventually house a basket with each person’s name. I’m thinking this basket or this one, for a more modern option. I’m sure this space will evolve as the needs of our kids do, but for now it’s perfect! Somewhere along the way, I had the idea to add outlets to the back of the smaller cubby holes up top, but we didn’t want to keep adding changes (read: spend more money), so we skipped it. If you’re building, DO IT!! It would be a great way to have kids dock their devices for the night to keep them out of their room. (Not relevant to our family yet, but soon enough, I’m sure.
The desk space is big enough for two office chairs (not completely pictured here). We ordered this chair and its the perfect cognac leather! They were inexpensive but you’d never know once you see them in person. We also made sure to have extra outlets under the desk for all the devices with USB ports. An inexpensive “upgrade” that makes the space much more functional, and you don’t have to use an outlet space just to charge a device using a USB port anyway.
Last minute, we also added a plug to the back of a cabinet to the right of the desk space and added a pull out drawer for our printer and shredder. Ingenious, I thought. I’m really glad we did. I wanted the space to be functional but pretty. I am still on the search for a table and chairs for the middle of the room. Maybe even a cool, vintage rug!
The flooring is the same throughout the house and it’s WATERPROOF, but looks like real wood! You can find it here. We searched high and low for what felt like forever for flooring. I think it’s the perfect mix of rustic yet modern, warm but not too warm, and light but not too light. The countertops are leathered Indian Black Granite and they are perfection. We wanted black countertops without all the marbling or fragility of soapstone, which is what you see a lot when people use black countertops. This material is so rad and feels amazing under hand.
So there you have it! Let me know what room you’d like to see next. Be sure to follow us over on Instagram and Subscribe so you don’t miss any of our other room reveals. As always, thanks for following along!!
MASTER SOURCE LIST:
Paint Color // Benjamin More Chantilly Lace
Countertop Material // Indian Black Granite (leathered)
Flooring: Coretec LVP // Here
Long Arm Sconce // Sconce // Shade // Round Knobs (here + here) // Long Pull // Appliance Pull // Cabinet Latches // Sink // Faucet // Shelves are reclaimed wood (similar here.)
