Mudroom, Laundry & Half Bath
Remodel for a 1920s Home
This renovation transformed an outdated sunroom addition into a fully functional mudroom, laundry room, and half bath tailored to the needs of a busy family living in a 1920s home. Because the original house lacked first-floor storage, a powder room, and a true entry drop zone, this space became the ideal candidate for a multi-use redesign.
The goal was to create a hardworking entry that feels calm, cohesive, and historically appropriate, while quietly handling daily demands like laundry, shoes, coats, and guest use. Thoughtful layout planning, custom storage, and careful material selection allowed this once-overlooked room to become one of the most functional spaces in the home.
Before:
Why This Space Needed a Redesign
While the original house is from 1920, this sunroom was likely added in the 80's. Our vision was to transform it into a versatile space, linking the driveway and garage to the core of the home.
Additionally, since the original house lacked first-floor bathrooms and closets, this room was an ideal choice to become a functional mudroom.
After:
A Functional Mudroom, Laundry & Half Bath
We matched the palette for paint, cabinetry, and hardware to the rest of the house to reinforce a cohesive, flowing, and open floor plan.
To add a contemporary flair and contrast, we introduced striking walnut countertops and floating shelves.
Design Goals for the Remodel
• Create a functional mudroom connecting the driveway and garage to the main living spaces
• Add a first-floor laundry room without sacrificing circulation
• Incorporate a discreet half bath for guests
• Improve storage for coats, shoes, and everyday items
• Maintain natural light and compatibility with the home’s original architecture
How We Planned the Layout:
The layout was carefully planned to allow each function to operate independently while still feeling connected. The laundry zone was positioned along the exterior wall to take advantage of natural light and simplify venting, while custom cabinetry provides concealed storage and a clean visual backdrop.The half bath was tucked just out of direct sight from the main entry, allowing it to function comfortably for guests without disrupting the flow of the mudroom. Circulation paths were kept clear and intuitive, ensuring the space works equally well as a daily family entry and as a secondary guest access point.
The way this space connects to the rest of the home is shaped by larger layout decisions, including whether a house is single-story, multi-story, or hybrid—something we explore in our post on ranch vs. multi-story homes in New England.
Mudroom, Laundry & Half Bath FAQ:
Can you combine a mudroom and laundry room?
Yes. Combining a mudroom and laundry room is a common strategy in older homes where square footage is limited. With proper layout planning and storage, the space can function efficiently without feeling crowded.
Is it a good idea to put a half bath in a mudroom?
A half bath in a mudroom can be very effective when placed thoughtfully. Keeping the bathroom slightly separated from the main entry and laundry zones helps maintain privacy while adding significant functionality.
How big should a mudroom laundry combo be?
There is no single rule, but many successful mudroom laundry combinations range from 80–120 square feet. Prioritizing circulation, door swings, and storage is often more important than overall size.
What should be included in a functional mudroom?
A well-designed mudroom typically includes closed storage for coats and shoes, durable flooring, seating or a bench, and hooks or cubbies for daily use.
How do you keep a mudroom from smelling like laundry?
Proper ventilation, regular airflow, and keeping laundry appliances clean all help prevent odors. Separating clean and dirty zones within the space also makes a big difference.