Thursday, August 30, 2012

On My Mind: Small Space Mudrooms and Family Launch Pads




Since school started almost two weeks ago, I have been feeling inundated by school papers, notices, backpacks, homework, band instruments, lunch boxes and all of the other stuff that comes home from school each day.

I've been considering ways to corral the clutter, and of course, I dream of having a huge mudroom with everything perfectly organized.  Since this isn't happening in my home, I've been looking at ways to turn a small, unused hallway into a mudroom/family launch pad area.

I've rounded up some of my favorites from Pinterest. 

I originally thought about building a bench with storage underneath.  I had never considered putting bins on a low shelf.  I like it!!!  And, so much less work than figuring out how to build a storage bench.



With the amount of paperwork that comes home from school, file folders are essential.  I'm thinking one per child that can hold their homework for the week and other important notices.


Each child will need a place to hang her backpack and coat.  Rather than bulletin boards above each hook, this is where I will put the file folders.
Source: via Suzanne on Pinterest


I'm picturing an Ikea Billy shelf for the wall as well.  The girls can stash their gloves, library books, instruments, etc.
Source: ikeahackers.net via Amy on Pinterest

Other elements I want are:
  • A calendar.
  • A chalk board (I already have one I can use) - this can be for meal planning, grocery lists,  and important reminders.


Here are a couple of other nicely organized spaces.


Source: bhg.com via Suzanne on Pinterest



Source: bhg.com via Suzanne on Pinterest


I'm sure you've seen these Ikea hacks, but I still love them and think they are so smart and stylish.

Source: bhg.com via Suzanne on Pinterest




I think a trip to Ikea is in my future!  Unfortunately, the closest Ikeas are both 5 hours away.  Luckily, I have a trip planned to Denver (but not until the end of September).  My oldest daughter, the gymnast, and I are going to see the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions - a performance by this year's gold-medal gymnastics team as well as former Olympians.


5 comments:

Ange said...

Looks like you have some great ideas for the space! We are going to be working on our mudroom soon as well because like you, I think the school stuff is going to drive me nutty! We are twins afterall, right? :)

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

I can't wait to see where all these inspirations of organization lead you! Have a wonderful weekend with your daughter!

Tiffany said...

I'd like to have a small area like these for our mail with a calendar and some other organizational stuff. I don't have to even think about homework for another year or so, luckily. These are great inspiration pics!

A room with a view said...

So many wonderful inspiring spaces. You can make it your own to ensure it works for you and your kids.My closest Ikea is 18 miles away and I have not been in 13 years - would love one closer. Sounds like a fun trip coming up.

Holly Gruszka said...

I'm going to need to pin some of these too - these are great ideas. We've got the hooks covered and I love having hooks to throw stuff on, but we need some bins or shelves to corral shoes. I feel like there are shoes everywhere. I think I have a new project.