Do you ever have one of those projects that just seems like it keeps bugging you that it needs tweaking? Well, one of the best things about our home is the storage. Our home may be on the small side, but it is tweaked out for storage. A favorite feature is our mudroom. Today, I’m going to share (yet another) mudroom update. This is the third time around, but it’s high time we get it right!
Now, don’t go judging me, k? This mess is after I already took apart the stuff in here. To get a true view of where we started, head HERE to see what our first mudroom update looked like back when we moved in 16 years ago. Then, I did another update when I changed up the lighting added some decor and painted some more – take a peek HERE.
*post sponsored by HomeRight (see full disclosure)
This is the surplus of “stuff” we need to dress a family of 8 for four seasons. Just think about that for a minute…we’re talking play shoes, sports shoes, dress shoes, and work shoes for four seasons. Then we have all the gear: purses, backpacks, coats, hats, gloves, scarves, snow pants, rain coats, spring, summer, and winter gear for play and for “nice”. And even our dog makes this his dog cave. Yup, that’s a bunch of “stuff”.
DIY TIME
First, I take out the boxes that were stacked on the hat shelf. As you can see it’s not making my organizing heart pitter-pat. One of the keys to staying organized is having a crew that also has such goals. ahem.
When my kids were little I was able to use this basic plastic shelving to hold their tiny little shoes with one set in front of the other. Fast-forward a few years and now I have giant feet and lots of ’em!
As much as my kiddos would try to be neat, you can imagine how frustrating it would be to have to keep tucking in shoes and pulling them out. I had wanted this space renovated by last winter, but our kitchen remodel was still going strong. Since then we’ve also tackled our family room, which is nearly done too. However, we have sidetracked for a reason. (I’ll explain in a second)
ONE MORE TIME
This time around in our mudroom update, we’re focusing on replacing the floor that we put down in our first makeover. It’s not that old, but we had enough hardwood left over from our family room that it just made sense (hence the deviation from finishing the family room). Also, JC and I are aiming to up our shoe storage game and restore sanity to our mudroom.
Here we are with just the shoes left…see what I mean? Our shoe storage ain’t cuttin’ it. You can view our video tour below.
BARE MINIMUM
Then, I took out the shoes and shelves. We are starting with the floor demo first.
JC and I chose to divide up jobs to get this project done in a timely manner. Just for a second, imagine where all the mudroom stuff went. eep! It’s all over my family room and this mama wants it put back pronto. We even ended up getting nailed with a stomach virus mid-remodel that knocked us out for two weeks. Yeah, that was fun.
STARTING
First, my Sawzall comes in handy to chip off not only the tile we put down, but also the linoleum flooring we covered up. The video shows this process best.
Mind you, we only get one Saturday a week and maybe an evening during the week to get this work done. It’s slow, but we are steady and always working. Once the old floor was off, we were able to put down the underlayment and get the hardwood floors on.
HARDWOODS
While the flooring is going down, I focused on changing up the storage. The hat shelf needed to be a spot of less frustration for me. Dragging out boxes to dig through was a huge hassle. My goal is to create less fuss and add style too. I wanted to find wire baskets initially, but found they were over $12 a piece – too expensive for 8 of us. However, when I went into the dollar store to see what I could find. I was just about to succumb to buying plastic (I never do that – blucky!), when I looked up. Here is what I saw… {{angelic music playing}}
PERFECT!! Those galvanized buckets are durable, big enough for what I need, and have the vintage-y vibe I adore. Plus, they were only $5 a piece – less than half of the price of wire baskets. Needless to say, I did a happy dance right there in the store. Ain’t no shame in my game!
What’s even better is I headed to the thrift store after that to see if I could find anything else to help, and I got these for a couple of bucks. YASSSS!!!!
PAINTING
I ended up sewing reinforced ticking liners for the wire baskets, which I’ll show you in a bit. Meanwhile, the only thing the buckets needed were some personalized touches. With eight people, we needed to be able to tell whose was whose. I taped of a spot on each one and then used my paint brush and flat black paint to make a chalkboard-type look.
Then, after two coats cured, I added each of our names to the front using my transfer technique. Once done, I used a spray poly to seal it all in.
BUILT TIME
Okay, finally getting somewhere with our mudroom update. Next, it’s time to build the new shoe storage. That meant a whole lotta cutting with my miter saw. Even my Kreg Jig and drill definitely got much use.
Assembly of the shelf is simple and offers shoe storage. Meanwhile, my turn came to break out my sprayer. This beauty of a tool works for paint (you can see in these past posts) as well as stain and poly. I am in LOVE!
I’ve shared how easy it is to use in my video below, but also have this video tutorial on how to set it up and use it HERE.
SWEET
Now that’s some storage, isn’t it? We built two of these bad boys so two pair of adult shoes could fit toe to heel from front to back. Essentially, we will have 3 shelves this size if you count the floor. Yahoo!
Now…raise your hand if you would like to use a brush to tackle these beasts. {{the sound of crickets}}. See all those slats? Ain’t no way I’m going to spend hours brushing. I’m delighted to have my sprayer to help me knock each shelf out in 5 minutes…no joke, 5 minutes!!
I am using my favorite Early American stain to contrast the light hickory flooring.
Cleanup is simple. When done, empty the canister and fill it with a bit of mineral spirits and spray the head clean. Next, I wipe my stain down and allow it to cure. Then, I fill the sprayer up with a satin poly and apply two coats. Guys, I had these shelves done in a afternoon. The longest time was the cure time in between coats. You can’t beat it!
MORE PAINT
In between working on the shelving, I begin work on refreshing the paint in the mudroom. As you can see below, the original paint is a slightly different color, but now also looks much dirtier. eeewww.
Finally, it’s time to see it all come together. We used wall cleats attached to the studs to mount the first shelf. Isn’t it a beaut?
Then, it was time for the second tier of shelving to go in. See the wall cleats and the reinforcing spacers we were adding? Those are temporary for now but will eventually have a permanent spot.
At last, all is assembled and ready for our “stuff” to go back in. How would you handle having this laying about your living space for over a month? {{eye-twitching}}
Truth be told, this “mess” means I have my loves and if this is the worst thing we have to deal with, then bring it on. I love it!
FINAL REVEAL
Finally, it’s time to show you the end result before we load it up proper. What a difference!
My hat shelf now has those perfect galvanized pails to keep everything in its place and looking good too. I replaced the back upper shelf with a thicker board and then, of course, all got a fresh coat of paint. Also, we kept the lighting and are still enjoying the fresh feel it provides.
The highlight of it all for us is the shoe storage and new floor. Can you hear the angels singing? It all feels so fresh and SANE now. Yahoo!!
Even our game closet got purged and reorganized with those wire baskets I found at the thrift store. No more half-torn cardboard boxes for us!
If you’re wondering how I lined them, it’s pretty straightforward. I made a ticking liner for each one and used my industrial snap press (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that thing) to add snaps so I could remove the liner for washing. I have used my snap press for making cloth diaper covers and soooo many other projects. Remember my motto since a child: #toolsoverjewels. Also, for a supportive bottom layer, I cut hardboard as a base.
OTHER SIDE
If you turn back the other way, you’ll see we added extra wire hooks for bag and purses. The bench seat is a such a blessing because now we can have a spot to take off our shoes. Just envision 8 of us coming in and trying to work past each other to get our shoes off and put away. It can be chaos! No more.
Last, it’s time to load ‘er up! Reality has to set in some time, right?
We donated bunches, took out unnecessary stuff and it FEELS SO GOOD! Notice even my big footed folk now have 3 tiers of storage and can place shoes toe to heel again.
The slats afford easy wipe-down cleaning and keep dirt from building up too. Another bonus is the added hooks. Before our bags and purses were hung with our coats on the other side. However, now they are out of the way affording more space for coats. {{huge sigh of relief}}
BIT O’ FUN
One last feature of our mudroom update that I didn’t mention before was the louver door that kept this spot enclosed. Even when folded shut, it would stick out into our entry space so that when you came in the garage door you had to step around it. We all agreed to remove the door and add something easier to maintain.
No problem as I had the perfect rustic touch to add…a burlap coffee sack curtain! tee hee. It easily slides out of the way and ties back with the curtain tie I made from scrap burlap.
Since it’s normally open, the coffee sack makes for a fun visual when company is visiting. Funny thing is we don’t have a lick of coffee around here.
Now my crazy mama organizing heart is happy. I not only have my mudroom update complete, but my family room is emptied and back to GAME ON for our remodel completion. Yippee!
SHARE
Do pin and share our mudroom update to inspire others to give DIY a try. It’s easier and more affordable that most think.
Up next…What will this vintage washboard and old silverware box become? tee hee. See the end result HERE.
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More remodel projects like our mudroom update:
Too cute.
Love the slatted shoe storage.
Thanks! That was the best thing next to the new floor.
It looks great!
Thank you, Debra! 😀
I love the shoe storage shelving! Looks so fresh and tidy! I have so many projects that need a new coat of paint… I think I would begin with painting a stool and a dresser that has been primed (months ago) and now needs its final costs of paint. Thank you for the chance to win this paint sprayer!
You inspired me with all your creative projects.
Me too! It made such difference. You will love the HomeRight sprayer for sure. It saves me oodles!
Are you sure that is the same room? 🙂
That update/make over looks great. Love that bench seat/shoe storage unit. Great job
All neat and tidy with a place for everything, and everything in it’s place.
Right?! It was a much needed reno and we are delighted that it came together as we’d hope. Thank you, Colleen.
The make over looks great! You always provide so many inspirational ideas to keep in mind while we work on our home. And dang…so many shoes! Lol!
bwahahaha!! You made me LOL. Glad to hear you are inspired. Thank you for the smile. 😀
Wow!! Looks fantastic!! Great job!!
Yay! Thank you for saying so, Lavenna.
Very nice!
Thank you, Sherry. 🙂
You r one talented lady. I would love to win the sprayer.
Aww…thank you, Bonnie. We are so happy with it. Thanks! You will love it.
I love your creativity! Your style of updating is simple but at the same time adds the punctuations needed to make the statement understood. Thank you!
May you and your family continue to be blessed, happy and healthy.
Thank you for getting what we are after, Diana. Your sweet words mean so much. Thank you!
I have some chairs I would like to paint.
Sounds good.
Y’alls mudroom is beautiful!! I love the buckets. We keep socks in little buckets like that
Woot! Thank you, Lori! We are in love with the option we have and now even more because it’s sane. hee hee.
Looks amazing! Fantastic vision, planning and implementation. I would tackle my 3 sons area in the basement with these new tools ☺
Thank you! I am elated to have sanity restored. whew! You will love this HomeRight sprayer. 😀
It turned out great!
Amazing makeover. So pretty and functional! That slatted shoe shelf is a great idea. You are so creative!! I know your family loves the makeover and organization.
Thanks!! We are delighted with the outcome. 😀
Phheeewww Larissa, Look at all that work you guys have accomplished through these closet renovations! Sliced fingers, boob lights, viruses yet nothing stopped you for too long! I love everything about your new closet, especially all that shoe storage! We’ve got the same challenges here with shoes for every season and reason under the stars, lol!!! The buckets are super cute and so functional too!! Way to go guys!!!
When you put it like that it’s a whole new deal. hahaha!! Thank you so much for your encouraging words, Kaycee. Hugs!!
i so admire you! such an inspiration! and im totally stealing “tools before jewels” love it! thats me as well 🙂
You rock, Julie! I so wish I could teach a class on tools just for fun. #toolsoverjewels indeed!
Wow! Love everything about your mudroom! I’d spray the shelving units I’ve been building for sewing and craft storage – have been tediously painting by hand forwhat seems like forever!
Ugh…I feel ya! Cabinets are my least fave for sure.
Hi Larissa! Wow, that is a lot of shoes my dear. You are so creative in your organization. That could easily become one hot mess but it seems your children do try to help. I would absolutely love to win this sprayer but I have issues when i have to enter the URL or “Website”. I’m not sure what that means so could you please help me so i do have a chance at this?
You ain’t kiddin’! And they’re getting bigger…haha! They are much help indeed (though some are buggery, even the big kid…ahem)
Amazing how you manage to make storage for a family of 8 look so simple! I’ve managed finally now (only 2 of us!) to complete that task but back when my kiddos were still living with us I always struggled. Not only is your room organized it’s beautiful! I still haven’t managed that lol!
We’ve had lots of practice. tee hee! So glad you enjoyed our makeover. 😀
This looks amazing!!!
Awww…yeah! Thank you so much for the smile! 😀
I love the shoe racks! They are absolutely awesome for finding storing shoes! Also, when there are so many kids at home anymore, it will be a great place for mom and dad to take there shoes on and off. Great idea!
My favorite part is we can store off-season shoes in the back and current season in the front. Makes it so much easier. We are trying to design for us current, future, and for possible new owners. Kinda makes you think outside the mudroom. haha!
That job looked daunting and it came out wonderful! Beautiful mudroom–I’m jealous (but only a little–my four have moved out now, so I don’t have as much mess as I once did).
We kinda were like… “why are we pulling up a perfectly good floor” But, we had a 3/4″ gap from the new wood to the tile and we had enough left that it made sense. So glad you like it.
Those shoe racks are an awesome idea.
I thought my next project would be new floors in our home but as of a few days ago I discovered I’ll be turning a guest room into a nursery instead so that sprayer would definitely come in handy.
Thanks! and…CONGRATULATIONS!! How exciting!!
Awesome!! As usual!
You’re sweet to say so, Maria. Thank you!
Love a good organized space! I have lots of old furniture I would like to start redoing.
You and me both. I know you’ll love the HomeRight sprayer. I do!
Such awesomeness! Your DIY Mama skills and “go for it” attitude are mighty inspiring. Thanks for a chance to win.
Happy dance over here! We work well as a team. Thank you, Fran. 😀
That’s a lot of organization and I love the budget consciousness of your efforts!!
You have a great family and I love how you work together on projects, from the oldest to youngest throughout your blog posts. Family is Huge and brings joy! Thanks for you tutorials & and inspiration.
I told ya I’m a nut that way. hee hee! The messes around here during remodel have been all I could handle. I hope for sanity in the entire home soon and just have “normal” mess. ha!
Looks great!
Thanks, Diane! 😀
Looks great! The pails for hat storage are super cute!
My kids thought me nuts when I did a happy dance in the aisle when I found them. I am delighted!!
What a wonderful upgrade! There’s just two of us at home now and it feels like we stumble over that many shoes every time we walk into the house. Ugh! Thanks for the inspiration!
I totally know what you mean. haha! I’m happy to share. 😀
Very creative! You inspire me!
What a wonderful thing to hear. Thank you, Cindy.
Love your transformation!! I would have so many uses for a spray gun I couldn’t begin to list them.
No need to say more, Debbie. I love my HomeRight Super!
I’m so jealous!! Maybe this will give me a boost toward revamping my laundry/mudroom.
Aww…so fun! I waited almost 16 years for this final remodel. whew!
I need to get organized like this. Thanks for the update. I remembered your earlier post with the “Goodbye Boob” picture!
I’ve been dying. hahaha! I’m a nut and we’ll leave it at that. ahem 😉
Love the makeover! Great ideas! Thanks!
Thank you, Lisa. I’m happy to share. 🙂
I did not know you could use a sprayer for stains. That is awesome!
Yes!! For stains, paints, and polys…so many uses for this particular sprayer because of all the tips it comes with to make that possible. I love it! 😀
You did a great job! And I learned something about sprayers.
Thanks! I’m happy to hear it. Some feel so daunted by them, but really they’re easy to use.
I love what you and your husband did with the room…..great job!
Thank you, Terri. We are definitely happy with the outcome.
I love what you’ve done! I have an old wooden trunk that I would love to use this on.
Thank you, Ellie, Sounds like some DIY fun for you. 😉
Your mudroom looks fantastic. What a great job you guys did. If I won that HomeRight Super Finish Max Paint Sprayer and Spray Shelter, the first thing I would use it for it a tea trolley that really needs updating. I love it but I keep it covered with a cloth. How nice it would be to get it uncovered.
Thank you, Kelly. Glad we can enjoy it now. The sprayer would be perfect for that. Yay!
BEEEEautiful! I have 9 kids (all living at home) so i KNOW how much stuff if takes to keep a crew alive, haha! We deliberately don’t have extras (2-3 pairs of shoes per kid, one coat…) and the pile is STILL overwhelming! You’re right, I’m so blessed and happy to have them… and all their gear! ? We had a TINY attached garage that we were able to turn into a big beautiful entryway with a “stall” for each of the 11 of us. I tell you, we’re gonna have “stalls” like this in heaven some day. ? Life is SO much easier with space to put all the things! …and room to get in the door, haha!
Hey, you could probably use a sprayer to refinish a deck, right?!?! We’re not doing that again until we’re finished paying off the house (2 years, God willing), but still… I can make plans!
Your “new” mudroom is LOVELY!!! I’m sure you want to sing every time you pass it!
You are so on the same level…it can be crazy! But oh so worth it. We too, are on a debt mission and hope to be done soon. God is good! And yes…this is the perfect sprayer for most any project. I have videos to prove it! 😀
Fantastic job Larissa! You have the best ideas. Thank you for the opportunity to win the sprayer. I desperately need one to paint many pieces of furniture. ?
It would come in handy in so many ways, Dale. You will love it!
I love this storage idea and could definitely use this! I would paint my coffee table.
Thanks! I can’t say enough of how much we use it. Such a blessing. 🙂
Love this so much! I would love a mudroom for all my girls clutter! Sooo many projects in my future when we move, no idea where I’ll start!
Sweet! It sure makes a world of difference for us. I hear ya!
I love what you did, it’s a great use of space and very clean and bright looking even for a small space.
It makes it nice so I can see where I need to clean. I’m glad you like it too, Elle. Thank you!
So nice! It is so hard to stay organized! Papers are the worst for me. I would love to be able to spray paint instead of brush paint my projects!
It is nice to be able to see everything now and not be so worried about messes. I’m sure we’ll have to purge again at some point, but we are definitely better off now than before. You will love this sprayer for sure.
I have a closet with my grandkids Legos, matchbox , etc… you can only imagine the mess ! I would love to have a sprayer that would help me paint the closet and hopefully some cute shelving ! Btw, I love your posts about your projects and how cool that your kids are learning such great life skills !!!
I know the feeling, Jan. tee hee! I’m sure you will love this sprayer as much as I do. What a lifesaver!
I would use this on a nice dresser that is located in the garage.
Sounds like fun. I hope you like what we shared with you today. 😉
Love your projects! I need to paint my garage this summer. Would love to use the sprayer
Thanks!! I need to do that too…hmmm… 🙂
I really need to repaint wooden Adirondack chairs we have on our back deck. This would be great!
It will save you oodles.
I pinned this! Our mudroom is the bane of my existence…a space similar to yours long and narrow and 11 of us living on a farm using it. I will be using some of these ideas when we re-do it! Thanks for the inspiration!
That’s awesome to hear! It sure makes a world of difference. 😀
Quite simply, awesome!!!
Thank you for the smile.
This is exactly what my dtr needs and we will see if we can do it for them using your instructions Amazing transformation! You guys are pretty amazing! I would love one of those sprayers, I’m 70 years old and I’ve been saying I want one for years!
Carol, I wish I could send you one! You certainly deserve to feel the joy of using one. 😀 Thanks so much for the love. Feel free to reach out with questions if they come up.