Functional & Pretty Mud Rooms

With fall whipping into town, rain deluging the east coast from Hurricane Sandy and kids sports kicking into high gear, you can guess that the mud, dirt and gear is making its way back into the house. I love a mud room with hidden storage and practical features that look good. I'm not a fan of seeing all the clutter. Here are a few inspirations.

I love how the cabinets have icebox hardware and bench has a couple decorative pillows.

I love a ladder to reach high storage. Building cabinets to the ceiling is a must to maximize space.

These are 'lockers' in an elegant form. I love matching baskets for warmth and extra storage.

Great idea putting a doggie bed in the mix. I don't think most dogs would lie there, but who knows!

Ingenious! A shallow tub and train to wash off your boots!

What I really want is for a mudroom/laundry room combo that looks like this!