A Space Meant for Mess.
This is the studio of famed American artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner.
The barn turned studio still exists today. Tourists flock to see the paint-stained floorboards, imagining the years of masterpieces created there.
But let’s face it: Most house messes aren’t tourist-worthy.
At the Martin house, we don’t have an art studio. When Katrina brings out the finger paints, you wouldn’t believe how fast I can set up a drop cloth.
Carpets stained with the newest crayola set isn’t the whole-house decor I’m looking to create.
But who wants to miss out on the memories- and messes- of life? Not me!
The truth is a house needs to be a space for living as much as it needs to be a space for relaxing, entertaining, and ownership pride.
Paint, muddy boots and paws, or sports gear….you need spaces in your home that get the “ok” for mess. Why? With a dedicated space, you keep the mess contained. The cuts down on cleaning and creates clear boundaries for what spaces function for play vs. relaxation.
In this article, I’m going to break down some great ways to reconfigure your current home (or adapt your floor plan to remodel) for mess-containment. Have kids or pets? This is a must-read!
Mud In The Yard- Mud In The House.
You’ve tried everything to keep muddy footprints from being tracked around your house.
It started with boot trays and layers of old towels thrown down on rainy days. As you rent a carpet cleaner for the third time this year you’re starting to understand why your grandmother kept all her furniture sealed under the safety of plastic coverings. Ugh!
I get it. Keeping a clean house is a lot of work. Especially if
…you share a home with four-footed furry family members
…your husband works full-time on a messy job site
…and you have high-energy little kiddos running inside faster than you can say “wipe your feet!”
There’s no way to control the rainy weather, that’s just a fact of life in Pine Grove, PA.
But there are ways you can minimize the mud and make life easier.
Here’s how:
#1. Stop Mud at the Door
Imagine this:
You’re seven years old again.
Remember the excitement of the first snowfall? Do you remember suiting up for sledding, the layers and layers you put on to keep warm?
When it was time to come inside you’d shed your winter protection at the door. Your boots stayed on the porch or next to the fireplace overnight. You’d shake your coat and watch as a flurry of snowflakes fell off.
The reason why snow is easier to manage than mud are the steps in the process. Warm spring showers only require a light jacket. That means it’s easier to get in a hurry and start walking through the house to take care of something without leaving your coat at the door.
You know this: The easiest way to reduce indoor mess is to keep it outside.
Cubbies and coat hangers within easy reach encourage good habits for the whole family. But sometimes you need a larger solution. Some homes don’t have a foyer big enough to be a good “buffer” from spring mud.
Is this true for you? Consider converting your porch into a three season sunroom!
This conversion offers homeowner’s extra space, privacy, and is great for mess reduction.
Think of these benefits:
-
- Temperature control on chilly spring days
- Customized space for mess-making activities (wiping doggie paws or playing with glitter)
- Extra room for outdoor toys
Want to learn more about three season sunroom conversions? Read more here!
#2. Landscaping That Stops Mud At The Source
Your dog is so cute…until it’s time to clean up.
If you’re tired of scrubbing paw prints out of the carpet, here are three ways to keep your yard from becoming one big puddle this spring:
- Start Planting! Laying down new grass helps but planting trees is also a great way to control moisture. Weeping willows, cypress, and birch trees are great at absorbing water and dimension to your yard.
- Mulch! Add mulch to your landscape to boost curb appeal and stop mud at the source.
- Check Your Slope. A good slope to your yard not only keeps mud at bay- but keeps damage to your basement’s foundation from happening. Not sure how to check the slope? We cover that, and the importance of proper home landscaping here.
#3. Mudrooms: a Modern Solution to an Age Old Problem
Once a space for farmers to clean up after a day in the field, modern mudrooms are the perfect solution for a home with kids, pets, and messy breadwinners.
Mudrooms increase a home’s value, and for a good reason. Not only do they create a barrier between your home and outside, but they’re an attractive feature for a homeowner looking to keep a beautiful and functional home.
Want to reconfigure your home to create a barrier from outside mess?
These rooms can be placed next to any entryway. First, take a look at how your family currently enters/exits the home and decide the easiest way to work with your existing traffic flow.
Determining what room you’d like your mudroom to lead into can influence what decision you make. These homeowners turned their laundry room off of their garage into a mudroom to make cleanup faster. This is a great idea if you have kids in sports:
You can also place your mudroom next to your backdoor. These homeowners designed their mudroom to serve as a sitting area- complete with a bench and cubby for shoes:
Want your mudroom to be closed off from the rest of your house? A mudroom can be a great home addition.
Here at Martin, we specialize in home additions, big or small, and we’d love to help you design a great functional space for keeping your home clean.
Enjoy May Flowers Without The Mud.
Spring is a season of blessing: blossoming flowers, outdoor play, and finally a break from the snow.
This year you can enjoy spring without the mess.
Now that you’ve found a solution to mud, let the spring cleaning begin! And if you’re ready to get started on a new deck or a mudroom addition, we can help!
Call Vern at 570-345-0406 to start designing an outdoor space that’s perfect for your family.
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