Since we did all our big renovations last year, I have been meaning to do an official reveal of the mudroom. The details of it took a little longer to come together, as we went through a few seasons using it, seeing how we fit into it.
I’m sure there have been glimpse in photos here and there because it’s an extension of our kitchen. But this morning, with the snow, and all the boots and coats and ski pants living in it – I decided it’s a well used snowy winter scene worth posting about. And it’s useful!
Pre-renovations a portion of the kitchen was a makeshift mudroom, to prevent everyone from dumping everything at the door. What is the mudroom now, was an underused screened in-porch with no direct access to the backyard. While it was nice when I needed to contain toddlers while I cooked, as they grew, the girls (and us) wanted more freedom to come and go outside. And more places to hang school bags as activities increase and the kids grow. Now the space works perfectly.
There’s an overflow of winter boots happening now. In the non winter months it is a different scene, with windows swung open, doors opened to the backyard and kids, dogs and cats coming and going. But for now, this scene of winter boots is perfect. 
All the coats and bibs hanging about are fun. As the snow melts, they’s stay, waiting, hoping for the next snow day. I do love winter. I love that we live somewhere with four distinct seasons. 
The coat hook rack that you can’t really see during winter, behind all the coats, is really cool. It’s this one from Anthropologie.
And for the littles, there’s a place for them to hang their coats and bags within reach. It was custom built to be that way, to fit the space and provide low hooks. It’s part of our routine when we come inside, that the girls are responsible for hanging their coats and putting their shoes/bags away. With this set up, even my youngest can be independent. The white ceramic bowl, if you are wondering, is the dog (and cat) water bowl. On most days there’s a towel there too, to wipe off muddy dog paws. 
Inside the bench, under the bins that hold old newspapers, dog leashes, and bags, is LOTS of space for shoes, socks, hats and gloves. Each girl gets her own drawer then one for mom. Dad keeps his stuff in a hall closet. Mainly because his shoes are so BIG.
The windows all overlook the backyard and were designed so I could have a panoramic view of the yard from the kitchen. They were handmade by our contractor to match other window styles on this 95 year old house. The ceiling and floors were original to the screened in porch. They were sanded, scraped and sealed with clear stain. The built in bench was made out of reclaimed barn wood, also by our contractor. 
A glimpse into the organization… Because I must have organization. If not I’ll go bananas. An orderly home makes me a more peaceful mom.
This is not organizational, just a photo I snapped this morning after the girls took off for school. The dog wanted out, the cat wanted in, and I am in my essential wool socks. Because in this old house that I love, it’s chilly this time of year with single pane windows. The cat was making her way in, to sleep on the heat vent – a popular spot.
Now for a little look back, at the porch before it was a mudroom.
I do SO very much love my new kitchen and mudroom. But if I could I would jump right back into these photos from days gone past. They are sweet times that I miss very much.
When the “mudroom” was in the kitchen.
And this was the scene in the kitchen, even before the “mudroom” was in the kitchen. 
