Mud Room Makeover
And now for the continuing story of the mud room…
Instead of getting treated like a tired old maid who was constantly being bogged down with all my kids’ junk, I thought I’d rescue the old mud room. Give it a new personality. One that was a little more dignified. Like a distinguished English butler, ready to welcome our guests. And so I came up with this…
I even gave it face to match its personality. (Mustache and Monocle Pillow how-to coming soon.)
My design plan started with the paint color–this is Calypso Blue by Benjamin Moore, and it really causes you to take notice of this small room. The lack of natural light made it a hard color to photograph, but take my word for it–it’s the perfect shade of peacock. It’s also one of Ashley and Jamin’s favorite paint colors listed in their new EBook, Handmade Walls. If you haven’t downloaded your copy yet, what areyou waiting for? Click on the button in my sidebar to get yours!
A black and white houndstooth (found at Hobby Lobby) seemed like the perfect fabric for the bench cushion, and the gold velvet pillows from Pier 1 help give it the distinguished English butler air.
The small mirror and key were both from Hobby Lobby on 50% off week, so I got them for $7 or $8 each. After a light spray-over with Krylon’s Gold Foil spray, they were up on the wall.
The old cabinet hardware was not much of a contrast with the wood, so I switched those out with these awesome ceramic and brass ones, also from Hobby Lobby. (Have I mentioned how much I LOVE that place?)
And for a little something extra, I added black vinyl numbers. Be still my heart. It really is the little things…
And for more interest, we switched out our can lights for a couple Ottava pendants from Ikea using a recessed light converter kit from Home Depot. Both HD and Lowes carry these kits in the stores, but they’re made for different types of recessed lights, so check them out first. We ended up having to order this one online.
I’m really happy with the new personality of the room. Even though it’s small, it’s the perfect space for guests to hang their coats and bags. And since we’re hosting 22 people for Thanksgiving, it will definitely be put to good use next week.
So, good-bye, poor tired old maid. You may go rest in peace and let the kids’ new lockers deal with all their stuff.
The butler has taken over in the mud room and has everything under control. I think I’ll name him Mr. Carson. We could use a Mr. Carson around here.
Hope you like this little update! I’m sharing it with a few of these friends.
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions
November 15, 2012 @ 10:18 pm
Very nice, Julie! That is such a great storage/bench piece, too. I love the dark wood.
NanaDiana
November 15, 2012 @ 11:26 pm
Julie- What a grand makeover of a small space. It looks elegant and lovely. I really like the color and how rich the wood looks against it. Cute knobs, too. xo Diana
A Thrifted Market
November 16, 2012 @ 1:12 am
Looks great, love the knob numbers. Did you buy them or make them on a cricut?
Mandi@TidbitsfromtheTremaynes
November 16, 2012 @ 3:54 am
Very, very pretty Julie! Love.
Jenny
November 16, 2012 @ 11:50 am
Love the color and the lights are fantastic! I'm all about bold colors in small spaces – just painted my bathroom Gentleman's Gray, a deep indigo blue.
Anna
November 16, 2012 @ 3:17 pm
Gah! I love it! My house is full of whites and neutrals with little splashes of color, but that deep blue/green is killing me! What a great job 🙂
Maria Morley
November 17, 2012 @ 12:14 am
Oh, my! I am IN LOVE! You did an amazing job. And how wonderful to have a space this lovely to use for the Holidays! So happy for you! 🙂
Rea T
November 17, 2012 @ 5:38 am
i really love how it turned out…very polished and have a personality :))
my favorites are the pillow with the mustache and the key on your wall…
dropping by from frugal friday, come and visit me back at:
http://homefor4sweethome.blogspot.com/2012/11/diy-rope-basket.html
huggies***
rea
madeforreal.com
November 17, 2012 @ 4:47 pm
Wow!! Great redo!
Ashli Herself
November 19, 2012 @ 4:21 pm
Love this space, so fun and full of personality! Especially love the numbered knobs 🙂 I'm your newest follower by the wall!
-Ashli
Thegrayhouseontheleft.blogspot.com
megan {homemade ginger}
November 20, 2012 @ 3:23 pm
wow, I LOVE it! And I'm a little jealous. 🙂 I would be honored if you shared this at my Ginger Jamboree Link Party!
Kelly
November 21, 2012 @ 6:47 pm
So pretty…and very distinguished!! I love the numbers on the knobs, and the little cubbies for the shoes. Great colour too.
Sarah @ 20 State
November 23, 2012 @ 8:04 pm
Mr Carson, Love you, please move to my house you distinguished thing you!
Diane Cayton-Hakey
February 15, 2013 @ 5:33 pm
Prettiest mudroom I have ever seen. The combination of dark cabinets with the dark paint color on the walls, well… I completely fell in love with this room. And I am sooooo tired of white tile on the floors and have decided my next house will have dark floors. We are just now selling our current home so guess this next one I should have what I REALLY want. xox
Beth @ Free Stylin'
February 15, 2013 @ 8:34 pm
I absolutely love this room!!! LOVE It! Thank you for naming the wall color…it is exactly what I am looking for in my bedroom. Beautiful job!