It's all about channeling English country style.
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Welcome to Day 12 of VERANDA’s 12 Days of Chicmas. In this series, our editors offer a dozen elegant, uncomplicated upgrades for all your favorite spaces, from front door to master bath (and nope, we didn’t forget the bar). Call it the happier hosting, sleep-like-you’re-on-holiday, serenity-first guide for the year ahead. And did we mention these projects are easy? Give the designer the day off—you’ve got this.
The mudroom is the unsung hero of the home. It bravely accommodates dirty shoes from a day in the garden, soaked jackets from a drizzly walk, and the muddy paws of our cherished pets. A mudroom must prioritize functionality—but there's no reason it shouldn't also be a beautiful space where you enjoy spending time.
Nicole Salvesen of London-based design firm Salvesen Graham notes that the most brilliant mudrooms—or "boot rooms," as the English affectionately call them—strike a balance between practicality and aesthetics. Salvesen says, "Although we ultimately do love for the boot rooms we design to be beautiful, fundamentally they are functional spaces that should be primarily hard-wearing—capable of withstanding muddy boots and dogs coming through from the great outdoors. A boot room should also have brilliant storage solutions and most importantly somewhere to sit!"
The mudroom should never be an afterthought when it comes to the design of your home, especially since it usually sits near an entrance. Designer Sarah Peake, founder and creative director of Studio Peake in London, adds that the utilitarian space should leave a lasting impression and ultimately embrace your unique design style. "All the rooms of the house should be part of the same choir—they should be in harmony, if not singing exactly the same tune. The boot room is often an entrance and so needs to set the tone for the whole house," Peake notes.
Investing in a few key pieces—or repurposing items you already own—can elevate your mudroom from a single-purpose space to a multifunctional area. We consulted Peake and Salvesen to uncover their secrets for infusing the hardest-working room in the home with style—and some English flair.
Here, simple ways to transform your mudroom into the most charming spot in your home.
Add baskets for storage.
Smart storage solutions are essential for keeping everything organized in a bustling mudroom. Peake and Salvesen frequently incorporate baskets into their designs, as they provide a simple yet elegant alternative to conventional storage bins.
"I particularly love including pigeon holes for baskets—each family member gets one to store their gloves and hats," says Peake. "Then, a wellie tray with a removable rubber base (to deal with the mud) is key—it needs to be a simple place to keep clean."
Salvesen also notes that baskets are ideal for tucking away gloves and hats during winter, yet she encourages you not to feel the need to hide all your items away.
"If everything is hidden out of the way you can risk losing the soul of a room like this," says Salvesen. "Design the room so the inevitable coats and boots become a welcome element of the design rather than just a messy part of it"
Bring in functional lighting.
Don't underestimate the importance of lighting fixtures in your mudroom, as Peake notes that "lighting is key given the space is not going to be the largest." Functional lighting is essential, especially within cupboards or illuminating the general area for nighttime entries, but adding a decorative sconce or chandelier can also enhance the room's design.
Peake recommends exploring Hector Finch's selection for contemporary fixtures, whereas Salvesen often uses antique pendants in mudrooms to add an element of surprise and decorative charm.
Visual Comfort Parkington Single Library Wall Light
Infuse the space with personality.
Infuse your mudroom with decorative accents that showcase your style; functionality doesn't have to be the sole focus. Salvesen says, "A pretty and generously proportioned blind can add a much-needed decorative flourish to a boot room, and we always add antique details—a mahogany chest of drawers or a center table, for example."
Consider introducing select pieces of art from your collection or perhaps a beloved antique bench or trunk to the room. The objective is to craft a mudroom that feels like a charming retreat, not merely a utilitarian passageway.
Sarah DiMarco
Associate Editor
Sarah DiMarco (she/her) is the associate editor at VERANDA, covering all things design, architecture, art, gardens, jewelry, travel, wine and spirits. She also manages social media for the brand.
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