Small Entry Makeover with a DIY Mudroom Storage Bench

When it comes to maximizing small spaces, combining a laundry area with a back entryway is a popular and practical solution. If your home shares a similar layout, let me take you on a journey of how we transformed the mudroom in our Little Lake House into a functional, stylish haven. Get ready to be inspired by our small mudroom makeover with a DIY mudroom bench!

In 2020, we purchased a dilapidated lakefront cabin and transformed it into a cozy vacation rental. You can read more about our lake house renovation adventure here.

The small mudroom BEFORE

Before the makeover, our mudroom was a cramped, uninspiring space. It served as a combination mudroom and laundry room, complete with a utility closet. This narrow entryway needed to accommodate guests’ coats and shoes, all while housing the washer and dryer. The space was far from functional, and even further from beautiful.

Beginning the small mudroom makeover

To kick off the renovation, we stripped the room down to its bare bones, removing old drywall and insulation. This gave us a blank slate to reconfigure the layout. By removing walls, we created an open storage nook instead of a confined laundry closet. After re-drywalling, we added shiplap and crown moulding to the ceiling, giving the space a fresh, cohesive look. Plain white shaker cabinets provided clean, functional storage.

Cheerful paint colours

Our lake house features a neutral color palette, with all trim, ceilings, and doors painted in Behr Ultra Pure White—a bright, clean shade that reflects plenty of light. For the mudroom walls, we chose Silky White. While an IKEA HEMNES TV stand initially served as an entryway bench with drawers for storage, I wanted to inject more personality into the space. We opted for earthy, cheerful colors like yellow, green, grey, and white, all in durable Behr paint.

Creating the hook wall & DIY mudroom bench

The real transformation began with creating a built-in look for the hook wall and bench. Replacing the single line of hooks, I used MDF trim and bead board wall paneling to craft a more structured hook wall. I cut baseboard trim to size, and used brad nails, my brad nailer, and wood glue to apply it to the wall. Then, I used more nails to add the paneling. Above it, I mounted a pine shelf supported by wooden brackets to add additional storage with storage baskets. Sanding both made them look smooth and ready for paint. This not only enhanced storage but also added a decorative touch.

Finishing the IKEA hack DIY mudroom bench

To achieve a polished, built-in appearance, I trimmed out the IKEA HEMNES TV stand we’re using as a mudroom bench. This not only hid the imperfections of our old house’s uneven floors but also allowed the bench to remain movable for easy cleaning. Every seam was caulked with paintable latex caulk for a professional finish, and the entire assembly was painted in a vibrant Corn Stalk yellow. I used a paint brush and a foam roller for a smooth finish. I reinstalled the black coat hooks onto the trimmed area with my drill and wood screws. The transformation was remarkable—paint truly works wonders!

To tie everything together, I created a modern art piece using all the paint colors from the mudroom on a canvas with a wooden frame. This artwork brought a cohesive, artistic flair to the space. Additionally, I painted a terra cotta pot with a green round design, which looked lovely on the bench with a plant inside.

A seagrass basket, painted with one of the neutral tones, was placed next to the bench to hold blankets—combining functionality with style. With the addition of a few accessories like rugs and a mirror, the space was complete.

The finished mudroom exceeded my expectations. The yellow paint added a cheerful, inviting atmosphere, making the space feel larger and more vibrant. The DIY mudroom bench and hook wall provided much-needed storage and organization, ensuring the entryway remained tidy and welcoming for our guests.

Transforming this small mudroom into a functional, beautiful space was an easy project and a rewarding experience. With a little creativity and some DIY spirit, even the most challenging spaces can become both practical and stylish. Whether you’re dealing with a small mudroom or any other tight space, remember that thoughtful design and a splash of color can make all the difference. Happy decorating!

Check out the video for even more details about how we transformed this entryway/laundry room and what products we used:

Now tell me: What do you think of this cheerful small mudroom makeover?!