Budget Friendly Mudroom Makeover
Well the day has finally arrived. After much anticipation, the big solar eclipse is here. Are you just beside yourself with excitement? Maybe headed to a big eclipse party later today? Sadly I have no eclipse parties in my future. None. Zip. Nada. No friends, I won’t even be looking at the skies when the eclipse happens because I refuse to pay some outlandish amount for “certified eclipse glasses” that I will never use again in my life. I’m just not going to do it. Instead I’ll probably be inside, drinking coffee and watching it on some live feed. Thank you technology! Surely that will be just as good, right? I think so. And then I’ll be celebrating that it’s over because I’m honestly tired of hearing about it. Call me crazy, but I’m just not that into it. But you know what I am excited about today? My budget-friendly mudroom makeover. Yesssssss! You guys, I’ve been wanting to do this project for soooooooo long. Up until now our mudroom has been a sad, dark little hole that I ignored. And I don’t think I’ve ever even shown it here on the blog. But no more! We finally spent some time working on this space and it’s so much better than it was before. But the best part of all is this makeover cost us less than $100 and it was super quick. Just a little effort made a huge difference and I can’t wait to share it with you guys. Ok, here’s the way our mudroom looked before:
As you can see it’s a pretty small room, so there’s not much space to work with, but my main goal here was to open it up and add more storage. This is definitely a drop-zone for all the things, so I needed lots of practical storage options. Here’s how it looks now:
The first thing we did was remove the lower shelf. Taking that out really helped this room feel bigger. You wouldn’t think one shelf would do that, but it really opened it up. Plus it made the seating area much more comfortable and useful. Now we actually have room to sit back comfortably and not be squished by that low shelf.
We also removed the old coat rack and replaced it with this new fancy schmancy one. I actually picked this up from Michael’s and I think it works perfectly in here. And with the lower shelf gone we were able to put this rack higher on the wall, which is actually much more practical for hanging up coats and the kids’ backpacks.
Lastly we added faux shiplap to give this space a bit more character and charm. You can see my full tutorial here if you’re curious about how we did that, but it’s crazy easy and super affordable. It’s definitely a must try DIY project if you’re into that farmhouse/cottage look.
We also reinforced the seat here with an old spindle from my parent’s house. See it there on the lower left? We just cut it down to size, painted it white and screwed it into place. This seat has always been a bit weak, so that little guy really helped make it stronger. Plus it’s kinda cool to repurpose that old spindle and put it to good use.
I picked up several new baskets and cubbies to give us more storage since this is our the drop-zone for all the things. It’s always so messy in here and all that extra storage has really made all the difference. I mean, we still have tons of stuff crammed in this room, but you’d never know it thanks to all the baskets. It’s like magic! And I have to say, this little makeover has totally changed the feel of this mudroom. It seems so much more open and spacious now and the room actually has some character and charm to it, which is was majorly lacking before. And best of all we were able to do this for less than $100 between all the new baskets, shiplap and updated coat rack. It really didn’t take much to give this room a whole new look and feel. That’s a major win in my book.
I’d love to hear what you think of our little budget-friendly mudroom makeover. And be sure to let me know if you have any questions–I always love chatting with you guys. Now go enjoy that eclipse, but don’t look at the sun! It’s not recommended.
Mudroom Sources:
Baskets & Crates: Michael’s
Pillow: HERE
Greenery: HERE
Purse: HERE
Paint Color: Sharkey Gray by Benjamin Moore
Other posts you might enjoy:
The Comments
Linda at Mixed Kreations
I hear you about the eclipse, life goes on here as normal. I will not be purchasing the outrageous glasses either.
I love your mud room, so pretty and organized. Looks like you have quite a bit of storage in a small space. You did a lovely job!
Sarah
> Linda at Mixed KreationsRight there with you Linda, high five girl!
Kellie
Absolutely beautiful, Sarah! It looks so functional! I have the same feed and grain crate 🙂 I thoroughly enjoy your blog and admire your talent. You have helped and inspired me in my own journey of transitioning to farmhouse style 🙂 If I may ask what shelving unit did you use in this room? Thanks a million!
Sarah
> KellieOh Kellie, thank you so much. I really appreciate that sweet comment! And as for those shelves, they were actually just custom built by the previous owners. Let me know if you’re looking for something more specific, I’d be happy to help!
glenda LaFont
Love you neat, lovely home.
Sarah
> glenda LaFontThank you so much Glenda!
Marilyn S.
So cute, inviting and functional! And all that for less than $100??? I love it. It definitely has the Sarah look.
Sarah
> Marilyn S.It turns out you can do a lot for $100. And it really helps when you have a great coupon for all those goodies at Michael’s! 🙂
Beth Levenstein
Mud rooms are the hardest to keep tidy, we all just drop stuff in there and move on. I think you nailed it, looks lovely and the baskets will help hide things. The hooks will be great for backpacks and jackets. Have a great week!
Sarah
> Beth LevensteinYou are so right Beth, mudrooms are the hardest to keep clean and organized. Fingers crossed we can keep all the things tidy in here from now on!
Faith
Too cute! Great rework!
Sarah
> FaithThanks Faith!
Tanya Orr
Love it-nice and light and airy-but functional too. That’s a magic combo 🙂 I too, am over the eclipse. I kind of wished I would have planned ahead to fully experience the eclipse by taking the day off from work. But, alas, it’s me and a live feed today. I think I would rather have this Friday off to go to the Friday evening festivities at the Old House Vintage Market in Loveland this upcoming weekend 😉 That’s the kind of thing that makes me excited. I did want to know how long ago you found that super cute hook at Michaels-this would be perfect for our small but necessary walk through from the garage. It’s not too long before coats will be back on those hooks!
Sarah
> Tanya OrrWell I think you have the perfect plan–take Friday off instead and give yourself a long weekend. It definitely wouldn’t have been worth it to take the day off here around here, it wasn’t that impressive if you ask me. But that’s just my opinion! Anyway I just found that coat rack at Michael’s last week. I bet you can find one if you hurry!
Lori Miller
Love it! I’ve been looking for ideas for our mudroom, and this definitely gives me some things to consider!
Sarah
> Lori MillerOh perfect Lori, I’m glad this got a few ideas rolling for you!
Suzi
I really love the amazing $100 transformation! I love projects like these!
Have a blessed day! 😀
Sarah
> SuziAren’t they the best, Suzi?! There’s nothing better than an affordable makeover that makes such a big difference.
Annie
Good morning Sarah. First of all I just want to tell you much I love you blog. It just always makes my day. You are such a sunshine!!! Your mudroom is amazing. I just redid my laundry room and it also feels so much more spacious and user friendly. Loving it. Thanks for sharing you happiness and family.
Sarah
> AnnieOh my goodness Annie. You are so darn kind! I’m so glad you enjoy my blog–that truly means so much to me!
Donna Bergthold
Your mudroom looks great! You have so many great ideas! Looking forward to your next makeover! Have a great day!
Sarah
> Donna BergtholdThank you so much Donna!
Lynn
It looks lovely! You make it look so easy to put together but you are a truly talented designer! I am curious as to what brand and colour of paint you have used in your mudroom, hallway and livingroom (which I admired from a previous post). Love your work!
Sarah
> LynnThank you Lynn, I seriously appreciate that! And as for the colors, the mudroom is Sharkey Gray by Benjamin Moore (you can also get it in the Martha Stewart line) and the creamy color in the hallway/living room is Autumn Blonde by Sherwin Williams! xoxo
Helen Moore
Lovely makeover Sarah, has your design stamp firmly on it!x
Sarah
> Helen MooreThanks so much Helen!
Teresa O'Connor
Love this Sarah , I’ve got similar space and I’ve no idea how to tackle it. You did a great job here.
Sarah
> Teresa O’ConnorThanks Teresa, I’m so happy with how it turned out. Tiny but cute for the win!
Ellen
Haha, thank you for being real about the whole eclipse thing! I’m over it too. Now my Facebook is flooded with the cell phone pics 😛
I love the way the mudroom makeover turned out! I really need to get some faux shiplap going on in our house. So many projects, so little time…
Sarah
> EllenRight?! Facebook is swamped with those right now. And it turns out looking at photos of the sun isn’t all that exciting.
Pamelar
Writing from Portland, OR and the eclipse was wonderful here…99.2%! The quiet stillness and change in air temperature was something to behold for our entire family, kids to adults. Nature seemed to understand as well. Dusk during the day. Glasses here were about $3.00. Lovely!! Mudrooms are the most difficult rooms to design as useful pretty space in cold, wet climates. Very nice transformation. Enjoy your blog.
Sarah
> PamelarWow, $3 is a total bargain for eclipse glasses! They were crazy expensive and hard to find around here. So glad you dropped by today Pamela!
Brenda Johnson
Once again the cuteness is top notch! The ship lap really makes it!
Sarah
> Brenda JohnsonThanks Brenda. I love how that shiplap really added some charm to this tiny room!
Sherri
I LOVE this Sarah! I know, you are probably getting tired of me saying that about..Well, EVERYTHING you redo 😄 I can’t help it, your house is just Perfect!! It has so much character the way you guys have done everything, it’s hard to remember that it’s a newer house rather than an OLD one!
I look at things now and say to myself…”wonder if Sarah would by that” or “wonder what Sarah would do with that” I just have no vision of my own..😂
Sarah
> SherriSherri you just put the biggest smile on my face with that comment! You are seriously too sweet. I’m so glad you enjoy my blog and ideas. Thank you for all your kindness!
Sherri
> Sarah😘 Awwww, thanks Sarah 😊 I really enjoy your blog & look forward to reading it! (Matter of fact..I have browsed a lot of blogs, but yours is the ONLY one I follow) 💖
Sarah
> SherriWow Sherri, I’m seriously so appreciative. Thank you and BIG hugs to you friend!!
Sherri
> Sarah😙
Becky
I think your mudroom looks amazing. Love the shiplap back and love those hooks too. I do disagree about the esclipse though. I welcome news of this sorts over what is normally in the daily news lately. Give me something positive to think about any day.
Sarah
> BeckyThat’s a great point Becky, I hadn’t thought of it that way! I completely agree with you.
Alyssa Hampton
Love this makeover!! I’m a college student right now, so your blog gives me so much inspiration for my future house. For the next eclipse (2024) you can make an eclipse viewer out of a cardboard box. I’m sure your kids would love that and it’s a great science project (and free!) Hope all is well with Miss Ava Pearl!
Sarah
> Alyssa Hamptonhaha I will keep that in mind when the next eclipse rolls around!! My kids would have loved that. 🙂 Thanks so much Alyssa!
Dianne Gingrich
Love your mudroom makeover. So organized and pretty!
Pam
Love your style! I couldn’t wait to order that bag unfortunately unavailable for shipping, also unfortunate no target within 50 miles of me…..😩 I know right. Anywho in Florida for a few days first stop target… one bag left $11.98! One happy girl, it’s fabulous ❤️
Sarah
> Pamyay, that’s great Pam!! I’m so happy you were able to snag it and at such a great price too!
Jane
The eclipse was not seen very much here as it was so overcast and raining. I thought the excitement was pretty cool but a bit much!
Love your mudroom. Ours is pretty large, but try as I might to make it decorative, I really need each shelf and hook!
BTW, I found this bag at Target a few weeks ago! Like minds!
Jane
Chels
Sarah, that space looks so dang good! I love that crate at the top!
Chelsea @ Making Manzanita
Love love love it 🙂 What a great transformation. I’d give anything for a little mud room like this in our house.
Beth
This is so pretty! Love how you styled it 🙂
Sarah
> BethThank you Beth!
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