Mudroom Full of Storage

An organized space close by will give your kitchen breathing room.

With all the events and commitments that families juggle, extra workspace is essential. An orderly area that provides extra room to perform household tasks can help eliminate clutter.

Convenient and Colorful

With a rather large family of grown children and grandkids, Libby and Jim Miller often see their kitchen turn into the hub of a hundred different activities, all occurring at once. To keep an upper hand on the situation, Libby retreats to an adjacent combined laundry and mudroom for extra maneuvering.

Because of the room's close proximity to the kitchen, along with an exterior door leading to the side porch, the couple realized that hiding or closing it off from guests would be futile. So, taking an approach that's not usually associated with such a space, they decided to make it as attractive as possible.

To this end, color and trimwork proved crucial. "I chose bright yellow for the countertops and matching trim due to its warmth, particularly because this room is located on the north side of the house," Libby says. Surrounding her work sink, a series of open upper shelves stores an array of vases, platters, and dishware. To keep things light, the base cabinets are painted white and reflect the lines of the kitchen cabinetry. Opposite the countertop, a handy recess contains a shelf and hooks for hats and rain gear.

Great for a Gardener

During those rare less hectic times, Libby heads to this spot for some well-earned personal pursuits. An avid gardener, she relies on the sink and counterspace to create flower arrangements and to pot indoor plants. The open shelves allow easy access to items, serving Libby's needs better than conventional cabinets would. (For sources turn to page 160.)

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jun 2004
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