Mud Room Must-Haves for Rural Homes
- Brainz Magazine
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Aspen Lou is an Entrepreneur, a Rural Interior Design Specialist, and the Founder of Herbie Home Interiors [launching soon]. She creates stylish and functional homes that are cohesive with her clients' rural lifestyles.
When you live in the country, your home works just as hard as you do, and no space works harder than the mud room (except, maybe, the kitchen!). From muddy boots to bulky jackets, dusty hats to dripping raincoats, a mud room is your home’s first line of defence against the dirt, dust, and weather that come with life on the land.
But it’s not just about function. A well-designed mud room can also bring a sense of calm and organisation to your day. Here’s how to get it right:
1. Hardy, easy-clean flooring
When you’re tracking in mud, red dust, or wet boots, carpet is a no-go. Choose flooring that can stand up to rural life and clean off easily. Our suggestions are:
Tiles, textured or matte, but avoid high gloss as they show dirt
Brick pavers (a personal favourite!)
Sealed concrete
Timber flooring (if it’s already existing in the home, ensure you have it polished or sealed)
Avoid heavy floor rugs in this space, as they tend to trap dirt and can quickly become more hassle than they’re worth. If you want something underfoot, go for a low-profile mat that’s easy to shake out or hose off.
2. Plenty of hooks for bulky jackets
In the country, you’re not just hanging up a scarf or a light jumper; you’ve got oilskins, work coats, wet weather gear, and winter woollies, so you need ample hook space.
Install sturdy hooks at different heights for hats, coats, bags, and dog leads. Spread them out so bulky gear doesn’t end up squashed together and harder to dry.
3. Cupboards & drawers for extra storage
A mud room is the perfect place to store all those bits and pieces you don’t want cluttering up the house, such as work boots, gumboots, hats, gloves, dog supplies, or garden tools.
Consider a mix of open shelving for the things you need every day and closed cupboards or drawers to tuck away seasonal gear or messier items.
4. A drop zone for keys, bags & mail
Now, this is a favourite of mine because there’s nothing worse than coming in with your arms full and having nowhere to put things down. Design your mud room with a dedicated spot for the essentials:
A small shelf or bench for the mail
A tray or bowl for keys
Hooks for bags
That way, you can get sorted when you first walk in the door instead of dumping everything on the kitchen bench (a pet peeve of mine!).
5. Keep it practical, but make it feel good
Ultimately, keeping things practical is key, but we all love to make a space feel homely, not like a back shed. A few suggestions on styling are:
Wipeable or easily washable bench cushions (outdoor cushions are good)
A pop of pattern on cabinetry or tiles
Woven baskets for loose items
Farmhouse hardware or vintage hooks for a bit of charm (we enjoy a little pop of vintage!)
In a rural home, the mud room isn’t an afterthought; it’s essential. With the right mix of durable materials, smart storage, and simple organisation, your mud room can help you keep the mess in check and your home feeling calm and ready for whatever the day brings.
If you need help planning a hardworking rural home, we offer tailored design services to suit life on the land.
Read more from Aspen Quick
Aspen Quick, Entrepreneur & Rural Interior Design Specialist
Aspen Lou is a country girl, having grown up on a farm in rural Victoria, Australia. Interior Design has always been her passion, and she believes in creating homes that are not only stylish but also functional and cohesive to the rural lifestyle. Living remotely, she has developed an understanding of the challenges of accessing interior design services rurally and has a passion and drive to make interior design accessible to all rural corners of Australia.
