Ask A Designer™: Gillian Atkins’ Tips For Creating A Mudroom-Office Combo

In this Ask A Designer™ column, Gillian Atkins of LRDS shares advice for designing a mudroom-office combo.

Q: I need your help with my tiny back room, which is about 7½’ x 10′, with a low ceiling that’s just over 7′. It’s the entrance we use most, plus it also serves as our home office. How do I make it look nice while maximizing storage and functionality? — S.O., Toronto

A: Your back entry space calls for floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinets with an integrated workspace on one side and a combination of open and closed storage on the other. It’s always worth hiring a closet company to design and install components to fit your room.

However, if you’re working with a smaller budget, there are off-the-shelf components you can use to get a look that’s similar to the inspo shots. Keep the tall cabinets dark and use blond oak for the horizontal elements like the desk top, bench and shelf. Don’t forget about light fixtures: add one or two above the window and a low-profile task light on the desk. Use simple bronze hardware, lots of baskets to keep things organized, and add a low-pile indoor-outdoor rug. Keep your chair; it’s great!

Keep scrolling to shop elements of the look!

Large Place rack in Oak by Ferm Living, $270. Finnish Design Shop

Kelpo table lamp in Gold, $320. Must

15″ x 16″ Laundry Pantry cabinet with One Door in Blue by Jerco, $290. Home Hardware/Home Building Centres

Paulownia Veneer bench in Natural, $220. Bouclair

6″ Aspen Rounded pull in Light Bronze by Top Knobs, $113. ADH Fine Hardware

1⅜” Aspen Round knob in Light Bronze by Top Knobs, $47. ADH Fine Hardware

Neko 1-Light sconce in Aged Brass by Mitzi, $296. Robinson

Small Water Hyacinth Storage basket, $20. Simons