Mudroom Built-In
Designed for a newly built home, this mudroom built-in transforms an open area just off the garage into organized, everyday storage. A full-height wardrobe, open cubbies, a built-in bench, and upper and lower cabinets provide a practical place for clothing, shoes, baskets, and items the homeowners prefer to keep out of sight. Soft green cabinetry, darker green back panels, and natural ash from the family farm give the finished piece warmth, contrast, and character.
Project Design and Layout
The project began with a detailed SketchUp plan designed around the available space and the homeowners’ storage needs. The layout combines concealed cabinets with open cubbies, a comfortable bench, and a central coat rack. As the project developed, several details were refined, including the drawer and lower cabinet on the left and open cubbies beneath the bench.
The updated design shows the combination of concealed cabinets, open cubbies, bench seating, and natural ash accents planned for the finished built-in.
Milling the Materials
The cabinet components were measured, cut, and prepared in the shop before assembly began. Birch plywood was used for the cabinet boxes, hard maple for the face frames, and 1¼-inch ash for the bench top, counter top, and coat rack. The ash was sourced from the family farm, adding natural character and a personal connection to the finished piece.
Painting and Details
After fabrication, the individual cabinet components were painted Sherwin-Williams Leaflet green in the shop. The doors, drawer, open cubbies, back panels, and molding were finished separately before installation. Natural ash from the family farm was used for the bench top, counter top, and coat rack, creating a warm contrast with the painted cabinetry.
The Completed Built-In
Installed in its new home, the built-in makes full use of the previously open wall while keeping the mudroom practical and uncluttered. The full-height wardrobe and enclosed cabinets provide concealed storage, while the upper and lower cubbies keep frequently used items within easy reach. Dark green back panels add depth behind the softer green cabinetry, while the natural ash surfaces and matching coat rack bring warmth to the completed space.
The completed built-in combines concealed storage, open cubbies, bench seating, and natural ash accents in a piece designed specifically for the mudroom.
