A New Family and Mudroom Design and Remodel Had Big Benefits

We recently completed a project in DeForest, WI, that showed how small remodeling changes could create significant lifestyle benefits! We first met Eric and Heisley. A professional millennial couple at several business networking events. They originally came to us for two interrelated projects that expanded as we got into the design process.

They came to us wanting a set of functional and aesthetic improvements to their family room fireplace. They wanted us to seal up the old chimney chase leaking air and water. They also wanted to replace the decrepit wood-burning fireplace with a new, energy-efficient gas fireplace.

Their primary goal was to convert their family room into a charming and cozy hearth room. They requested that the design reflect the warmth of the wood trim and cabinetry in the other rooms in their home. They also wanted to integrate bookshelves, a mantle, and a tile fireplace surround into the design.

The second project they wanted to tackle was improving the laundry room and small entry from the garage. The back entry allocated a quarter of the space to a hallway, but the hallway was too small to allow a proper mudroom design. It was basically just wasted space. Meanwhile, the laundry room was barely functional and had only one small closet with a bi-fold door obstructing the room.

Creating a Warm Gathering Space

Our clients wanted us to transform their bland, outdated, builder-grade hearth room. After meeting with Eric and Heisley, we began the design process. We took inspiration from the existing kitchen cabinetry by installing new cherry-stained Amish cabinetry and bookshelves handcrafted in Wisconsin, flanking the fireplace. We also installed a new cherry-stained mantle. Together, the elements accent the Heat & Glo Slimline energy-efficient gas fireplace and create a visual focal point in the room.

During the fireplace replacement, we discovered that the roof flashing and chimney chase had been done improperly. We needed to seal it to prevent air leakage. The siding was removed, the sheathing replaced, the house wrap reinstalled, and the flashing redone.

At the opposite end of the hearth room, we installed a beautiful and functional handcrafted Amish cabinet that has been placed next to the patio door to suit the owner's unique needs. On one side, it houses the perfect arrangement of shelving and hooks for grilling utensils. Facing the other direction, it has cubbies sized for baskets to hold their four-legged family member's toys, dog food, and other dog necessities. Completing the space, we added open shelving and more cabinetry for additional storage.

Adding a Beautiful and Functional Mudroom Design

After the hearth room, Eric and Heisley wanted to improve the laundry room and expand the minuscule garage entryway. The back entry dedicated a quarter of the space to a hallway, but it was too small to add a functional mudroom. It was just wasted space. The original laundry room also had one small closet with a bi-fold door that offered inadequate storage. The bi-fold door made the room even more obstructed and awkward.

Our solution was to open the laundry room to the hallway and make it a beautiful space. As you walk by the laundry room to reach the powder room, it's a beautiful feature rather than a cluttered mess. Beautiful cabinetry is part of the solution. The pocket door, bi-fold door, and two closet walls were removed. In its place sits a beautiful bench with shoe cubbies, coat hanging space, and cabinet doors to store gloves, hats, and seasonal items.

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Our overall mudroom design focused on function. We designed the storage cabinetry to meet the homeowner's specific needs. We talked with them about exactly what they expected to store in every drawer and behind every door and custom-sized everything to meet their unique needs. We included space to hang dry laundry and ensured that there was space to meet their needs. We kept the window in the laundry room. The result is a laundry room that is bright and cheerful and has plenty of cabinetry, drawers, rollouts, and doors.

There is the perfect place to store the vacuum cleaner and other cleaning supplies that were formerly kept in the coat closet. The homeowners specifically requested a fold-out drying rack so that clothes can hang to dry. We used cabinets of varying depths and heights to accommodate the large window. Every bit of storage, every square inch of space, and the homeowner's daily functions were carefully evaluated and laid out to make this laundry room and entryway mudroom design perfect!

Expanding the Scope of Work

Eric and Heisley were so happy with our hearth room updates and mudroom design that they decided to expand the scope of work. They asked us to replace all the windows in their home, the front door, and the interior doors throughout their home. We selected Hayfield vinyl windows. They are low maintenance and feature a vinyl interior that perfectly matches the original woodwork throughout their home.

The new Thera-Tru fiberglass front door updates the home and adds curb appeal. We used solid oak six-panel doors to replace all the hollow core doors throughout the house.

The New Mudroom Design Solved Problems

The results are a perfect example of how our design-for-your-life process and philosophy can solve clients' problems and change their lives by remodeling their homes. Function, beauty, and set for the future, Eric and Heisley's home is now better than it ever was functionally and aesthetically. Their home is now uniquely suited for the homeowners and their four-legged family members!

If you're considering a home improvement or remodeling project in the Greater Madison, Wisconsin area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can help you with anything from a new mudroom design to a whole home remodeling. We're always happy to answer your questions!