What Is a Mudroom — and Why Central New York Homeowners Love Them

If you live in Central New York, you know just how unpredictable the weather can be. Rain, snow, mud, salt, leaves—it all ends up at your doorstep. That’s why mudrooms are more than just a trend around here. They’re a smart, functional space that helps keep the rest of your home clean and organized. But what exactly is a mudroom, and how can you turn this underrated area of your home into a highly functioning room for your family?

What is a mudroom in a house?

A mudroom is a dedicated space near the entrance/exit of a house—usually near the garage or back door—where you can kick off shoes, and drop off items like wet jackets and hats, bags, pet gear, and anything that might bring dirt or clutter into the rest of the house. It acts as a transitional space between the outdoors and the clean, cozy indoors, effectively housing essential and daily items typically used outdoors, including garden supplies and sports equipment.

Why is it called a "Mudroom"?

The name says it all—it's the spot where the mud (and everything else from outside) stops. A mudroom is designed to catch dirt, moisture, and everyday messes before they make their way into the rest of your home. It’s like a hardworking buffer that keeps things cleaner and more organized inside.

What’s the Difference Between an Entryway and a Mudroom?

While both serve as entrances to the home, an entryway is typically part of the main room where one enters the house. It may be more formal and is often part of the home’s main design flow,  complete with décor, lighting, and limited storage. A mudroom, on the other hand, is built for functionality first. It may be its enclosed area or room, usually includes benches, cubbies, cabinets, hooks, drawers, and easy-to-clean flooring—everything you need to manage the mess that comes with daily life.

What is another name for a mudroom?

Mudrooms are sometimes referred to as utility entryways, drop zones, or even family foyers. Regardless of the name, the goal is the same: to create a dedicated area to transition from outside to in.

Why Mudrooms Matter for Central New York Homeowners

Living in Central New York means dealing with all four seasons—sometimes in the same week. From muddy boots in spring to snow-covered shoes in winter, it’s no wonder more homeowners are making space for a mudroom. Around here, it’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer.

Here are a few reasons why our clients have come to us to upgrade their mudroom.

• Keeps the mess in one place: Snow, rain, salt, and mud get left at the door, not tracked through your hardwood floors or rugs.

• Helps everyone stay organized: Built-in cubbies, hooks, and benches give every family member a place to stash their stuff. We’ve also added shelves and multi-purpose furniture to make the most of smaller spaces.

• Perfect for pets: More and more of our clients are asking for dog showers and pet storage so their furry friends can clean up before heading into the house.

• Works overtime: Mudrooms can do more than just store shoes. We’ve helped families turn them into laundry areas, storage zones, or even spots for the kids to do homework.

Mudroom Design and Layout

Designing a mudroom that meets the needs of your whole family involves thoughtful planning and smart use of space. Here are some mudroom ideas to help you create a functional and organized area.

Incorporate Multiple Storage Types

Use shelves, cabinets, and hooks for more storage

A well-designed mudroom should cater to the needs of the whole family by incorporating various storage types. Shelves, cabinets, and hooks are essential for maximizing storage and keeping the space organized. Shelves can hold baskets, bins, and other containers, making it easy to store and access everyday items. Cabinets are perfect for stashing away items that need to be kept out of sight, ensuring your mudroom remains tidy. Hooks are ideal for hanging your keys, coats, purses, and other accessories, providing easy access and helping to keep the space clutter-free.

Consider a mudroom bench for additional storage and seating

Adding a mudroom bench is a good mudroom idea that combines storage and seating. A bench can store shoes, baskets, and other items, while also serving as a convenient place to sit and put on shoes. To make the bench more comfortable, consider adding a cushion or upholstery. This detail not only enhances the functionality of the bench but also adds a cozy touch to the space.

Laundry and Mudroom Combos Make Everyday Life Easier

It’s not unusual to see mudrooms and laundry rooms combined into one hardworking space—especially in Central New York, where messy seasons are a given. Whether you’re coming in from a day of gardening, wrangling muddy sports gear, drip drying from a dip in the pool, or tossing in your little one’s soaked socks, having the washer and dryer just steps from the door makes cleanup easy and efficient.

By blending laundry functionality with classic mudroom features like cubbies and benches, you create a room that keeps messes contained and helps the whole household stay on top of day-to-day routines.

Two McClurg Mudroom Projects That Transformed Daily Life with Built-In Storage

Reclaiming Space: A Thoughtfully Designed Mudroom in Manlius, NY

For a recent project in Manlius, New York, we worked with homeowners who had an underutilized stairwell going into the basement just off their garage. Because there was another basement access point on the other side of the house, our team was able to reimagine the space entirely.

We bumped the wall out into the garage by two feet, reclaimed the stairwell area, and created a beautiful and functional mudroom/laundry room combo.  Now, as guests or family members come in through the garage, they’re greeted by a welcoming space with built-in cubbies, a bench, and laundry convenience, making transitions into the home cleaner, easier, and keeping the mudroom organized.

🐾 Dog-Friendly Mudroom in Auburn, NY

In Auburn, we teamed up once again with longtime clients we’ve worked with on everything from their kitchen to their basement. This time, they had an underused three-season sunroom that wasn’t serving much purpose, so we gave it one.

We turned it into a functional and inviting mudroom with cubbies, storage, and a custom dog shower. With a couple happy pups in the family, having a spot to rinse off muddy paws made everyday life a whole lot easier. It’s become one of the most-used spaces in their home—and as you can see, the dogs are loving it too.

Thinking About the Best Mudroom Ideas for Your Home?

If your entryway is always cluttered with shoes, coats, and bags—or you’re just tired of dirt getting tracked through the house—a mudroom remodel might be exactly what you need. Whether you're thinking about a full laundry/mudroom combo or a simple drop zone with practical storage, we can help you create a space that feels organized, welcoming, and built for everyday life.

Want to discuss your Mudroom Goals?
We’d love to hear what you have in mind. Reach out today to start the conversation and schedule a consultation.

-

We are a design-build contractor, proudly serving Syracuse and CNY homeowners for over 40 years. If you are a Central New York homeowner and would like to discuss a home improvement project, we're just a call or message away. Contact us today!

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates and inspiration.