The Most Overlooked Rooms in Your Home

When people think about renovating, they picture a shiny new kitchen. Or maybe a spa-like ensuite. We think about those, too! But some of the hardest-working spaces in a home are the ones that often go unnoticed. We’re looking at the real MVPs: mudrooms, entryways, laundry rooms, and powder rooms.

These areas quietly carry the load. They catch the clutter. Handle the mess. Keep the household moving. And too often, they’re cramped, lacking storage, and awkward.

Fixing them doesn’t just make your home prettier, it makes your life easier.

THE MUDROOM

If you have one, you already know. The mudroom is where chaos ensues or gets managed. Boots, bags, dog leashes, backpacks, sports gear, and the occasional rock collection from the backyard land here.

Too many mudrooms are a leftover slice of hallway. No storage. No seating. Nowhere to dry off or stash things in a hurry. In Calgary, where the weather shifts fast, a proper mudroom isn’t a luxury; it’s family survival. If the kids have an easy place to drop their things, it’s less likely they’ll go missing or end up strewn across the kitchen countertop. Fewer arguments + less grumbling = happy family.

Mudroom Considerations

In tight spaces:

Your grandmother’s hall tree storage is still a viable option for seating, hanging room, and storage in a tight footprint.

In larger spaces:

A bench for removing footwear with open storage or drawers below for everyday footwear.
Enclosed tall cabinets for sporting gear and off-season outerwear.
Enclosed shelving for occasional footwear.
Hooks for quickly accessible items like coats, backpacks and lunch kits.
Charging stations for devices and appliances.
A large sink for rinsing muddy footwear.

THE LAUNDRY ROOM

The laundry room, where form meets (a lot of) function. It’s not just about washer and dryer placement. A well-designed laundry room saves time and prevents mess. You shouldn’t need to set laundry baskets on the floor or balance detergent on the machines.

Most laundry rooms are tucked into forgotten corners. But with some planning, they can become a calm, usable space that works as hard as you do.

Laundry Room Considerations

Functional Solutions

Counter space for folding.
Pro Tip: If installing a counter above your laundry machines, leave some space between your current machines and the countertop. Your next set of laundry machines may be slightly larger than your current ones. If the gap bothers you, you can add some removable trim in the meantime.
Enclosed upper cabinets to hide laundry supplies (unless you’re a person who moves your detergent from the brightly coloured, jarring packaging to an aesthetic mason jar, opt out of open shelving.)
Both a flat lay and hanging rod drying racks.
Large laundry sink for hand-washing delicate items.
Pull-out hampers or sorting bins.

Tips for Mobility Constraints & Aging In Place

Deep pull-out shelves allow for laundry baskets to be placed at a level that reduces bending.
Place laundry machines on pedestals to reduce bending.
Plenty of other ideas >> here << for aging in place and mobility constraints.

FOYERS & ENTRY WAYS

Mud rooms are typically accessed by the family and require a lot of extra storage, but the entry closet is often ill-equipped to handle guests. These guests come with coats, handbags, and shoes that they don’t want to keep with them during their stay.

In every foyer, we suggest the following:

Console table to catch keys, sunglasses or paperwork.
A mirror above the console table to reflect light in a small space and, of course, to check those stray hairs.
A bench for guests to put on their shoes with open or closed storage below for guests’ footwear.
In small spaces where the above isn’t possible, add some wall-mounted sculptural hooks.

Every Canadian has played the “find my shoes” game at the end of a fun gathering. Or dig your coat out from the pile of coats on the bed in the spare bedroom. Some even brave the cold walk to the door coatless to avoid the journey to the centre of the coat pile.

If You're Renovating

Consider how much you entertain.
Is guest shoe and coat storage an issue for you during your gatherings?
Does entertaining make your entryway look like a clothing company threw up all over your floor?
If the above resonates, consider investing in a larger closet with shoe racks in your renovation plans.
Can a wall be moved just a little bit, stealing space from a dead area? Sometimes, as little as a few inches can make a big difference in storage.
The best-case scenario is storage that keeps mess behind closed doors and your home looking as intended.

If you’re not renovating, and enlarging a closet isn’t a possibility:

Consider collapsible shoe racks and garment racks.
They don’t take up much space in storage when not in use and will allow your home to remain orderly during entertaining.
It also tells your guests that they’ve been considered and are welcome in your home.

THE POWDER ROOM

It’s often the only bathroom anyone outside the family uses. And yet? It’s frequently overlooked. Builders toss in a pedestal sink, a mirror and a toilet and call it a day. Where’s the storage? The style?

As a small, enclosed space, powder rooms are the perfect place to take risks in design and show your personality. Bold wallpaper, sculptural lighting, or a unique vanity can safely be tested in this little design bubble.

Extra toilet paper rolls are not the sculptural element we’re thinking of in a bathroom. Style needs to meet function. Without storage for the functional aspects of a room, you’re taking yourself out of the mood and flow of the design. Powder rooms offer a storage challenge as they’re seldom generously sized.

Things to consider in a powder room

Opt for enclosed storage wherever possible.
Instead of a pedestal sink, consider a small vanity to store minimal cleaning and sanitary supplies.
Wall-mounted faucets can free up limited counter space.
Explore unique, fun finishes and lighting that may not fully match the rest of the home.
Dimmer switches for moodier lighting when entertaining, that can be brightened for a spotless clean.
Easy-clean surfaces like vinyl wallpaper or a full wall backsplash of artisan tile that can stand up to splashes.

ALL ROOMS CAN ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME

While most connection happens around the kitchen island, these spaces are functional workhorses that shouldn’t be overlooked. Renovating these rooms adds real value, not just for resale, but for daily living.

If you’re thinking long-term about your home, in addition to the big showstopper spaces, pay attention to the small ones, too. They hold more of your life than you realize.

As always, we can’t add all our thoughts in a small blog. Your space is as unique as you are. When you’re ready to renovate, let’s talk!