Blueprint for Improvement:  Efficient mudroom in Westfield

THE CHALLENGE:

This Westfield home was built in 2010 in the Long Ridge Estates neighborhood.  Previously, the mudroom entry through the garage offered a small bench and a coat closet, with the laundry room just beyond.  It wasn’t an efficient use of space for this family of four, who wanted a more open and accessible place to store coats, backpacks and other essentials.

THE SOLUTION:

• The closet was eliminated in exchange for open shelves and cubbies for each member of the family. The incorporated bench provides more seating than the previous version.
• Each top cubby has an integrated USB charging port so family members can charge their devices as soon as they get home.
• Cabinetry above the cubbies and a built-in dresser with granite countertop provides ample concealed storage for a variety of household items that need to be quickly accessible.
• Slate tile laid in a herringbone pattern connects the new mudroom with the adjoining laundry room.

Larry Greene is the owner of Case Design/Remodeling; email him at lgreene@caseindy.com. Visit caseindy.com for more remodeling inspiration and advice.