It may only be June, but now is the perfect time to reflect on the past school year and figure out what worked and didn’t work in your home. This way, you can tackle projects during summer break and be prepared to start a new school year off on the right foot. One of the main areas in your home that sees wear and tear during the school year is your mudroom. Between the backpacks, winter attire, and sports equipment – not to mention your everyday purse and shoes – your mudroom can see a beating during the school year. Now is a great time to do a little DIY to improve your mudroom area. From custom storage solutions to a quick paint job, anyone can update their mudroom this summer. Here are five ways our designer Michaela Sedlak suggests you go about a mudroom update:

1. Add Combination Storage.

Combining open, closed, and drawer storage visually creates interest and keeps the possibilities open to store whatever you need with ease. You can go high-end with custom cabinetry from a place like Braemar Cabinetry or go DIY with off-the-shelf storage solutions. For beautiful off-the-shelf storage needs we recommend fellow Stylebooker The Neat Method, not only are they a great local company that can help you get your life organized, they provide high-end styling products. Here are a few of our go-to additions: Rope Bins, Every Day Drawer Organizers, Grid Baskets, and Perforated Acacia Baskets. 

2. Create Cubby Spacing.

Individual cubbies make it easy to store personal belongings per each member of your family. This is a great idea for smaller spaces in a hallway where you still want to keep it light and open. Pro tip: Consider adding decorative hooks to your cubbies. It is an easy addition to spruce up your cubbies. We love Nellie, Hexagon, and Demeter from Anthropology. 

3. Add in Etched Vents. 

When you have closed storage cabinets, adding etched vents is a great update, especially with active families. Just think of all that sports equipment that can now breathe! You'll thank us later for this cute detail that usually goes overlooked. 

4. Install Tile Flooring. 

Tile flooring is easy to clean up and adds a nice texture to the space. Try a herringbone lay or even pattern tiles to make this a fun space you want to visit. Right now, we are loving the clé collections. They have a beautiful natural texture, which is great for an exterior space to transition into an interior. Our design favorites include Star and Cross in flemish black, Jacobsen in metal leaf, and any two-tone checkered pattern on a diagonal like the Natural Duo in charcoal. 

5. Enrich your mudroom with color.

Rich color tones help to hide natural wear and tear from a high-traffic space. It is a great opportunity to add in your favorite color to spark joy. Some great options for a high-traffic area include Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme, Poetry Plum, Rose Embroidery, and Granite Peak.