European Farmhouse Mudroom Design Ideas

It’s time to show off our finished European Farmhouse Mudroom reveal! Read on for ideas to help you create a rustic mudroom inspired by European design elements.

I wish I could go back 3 years ago and tell my naive, ambitious home-designer self that this mudroom was definitely needed – first and foremost.

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But no need to dwell on what could have been, when you finally have a finished mudroom space to drop all those jackets and shoes with ample storage for all.the.things.

I’d love to take you around each corner and view of the newly finished addition to our pole barn home, that we have built ourselves from the ground up. This mudroom space falls right between our kitchen/ living room area and the great outdoors.

I love a collected look, inspired by what I see in European homes. While I share some images with you, let me also share some design ideas if you wish to create a European Farmhouse mudroom space.

7 EUROPEAN FARMHOUSE MUDROOM DESIGN IDEAS

IDEA #1: Choose Flooring that is Timeless and Durable

The mudroom floor can take the biggest hit in the home. Opting for a genuine stone flooring that is both timeless and durable means it will age and wear well. I feel like the more beat up marble gets, the prettier it gets. (I know, not everyones cup of tea).

The checkerboard design we installed is a classic European style and I felt it brought in the perfect vibe for the rest of the space.

I did an entire 6 post series on checkerboard flooring, if you would like more inspiration.

FYI: The space beyond those unfinished sliding doors the hubs built will by my office and is yet to be finished. I’m excited to add another much needed space in our home!

IDEA #2: Lots of Color and Contrast

The European spaces that inspire me the most have both color and contrast. I decided to paint the trim and cabinetry this beautiful green/gray color called “Gettysburg Gray” from Benjamin Moore. I went for a bold contrast and painted the rest of the walls a warm white called “Olympic Mountains”, also by BM.

Mr. TIDBITS designed and built these inset cabinets for me (similar to our garage cabinets), and I am so excited about the storage and beauty they created in this space.

IDEA #3: Mix Wood Tones

If you are also fond of the collected European Old World style, a tip I have for you is to mix your wood tones.

You’ll see we have stained our beams and shelves with a walnut wood stain, but I also brought in other wood tones.

The bench is a tradition oak stain.

The hooks are mixed with natural pine wood shaker pegs and walnut wood strips.

The furniture I brought in brings a nice mix of antique and worn wood finishes, that you simply can’t create from any wood stain can.

I personally adore this collected look and it was a lot of fun for me to mix things around.

IDEA #4: Old with the New

I like to imagine if this was the first time you saw this space, you wouldn’t be sure if it was a new home or an older one.

New homes can lack some lived in character, so I like to bring that in by mixing in old and new.

We could have continued to add new built in storage on every wall. But I felt by leaving some white space for some old furniture pieces, I could create a space with more variety.

IDEA #5: Practicality and Functionality

I’ll admit I sometimes struggle with the desire to create a really beautiful space versus one that is super practical for our family. I didn’t want to make that mistake with our mudroom since it needed to be very functional.

The cabinets offer a beautiful backdrop, while also providing some much needed storage space. I’ve yet to fill up most of them, because I want to be very intentional about what I use these for.

However, one cupboard is already being filled to the brim with my new herbalism obsession.

I brought in the dresser that I scored at an estate sale, and knew it would be perfect for all seasons. It will get filled with swim gear, outside toys and all the snow clothes it can fit.

I’ve found that unless shoe and coat storage is extremely convenient, kids don’t tend to put them where they belong. I’ve been amazed at how this shoe cubby has FINALLY kept shoes in a place where we aren’t tripping on them and blocking the door. I had a gut feeling even a closed door locker here for each kid would have stopped them from being put away. Even if it might have looked a bit more tidy when all cleaned up.

The simple hooks provide a wonderful place for us all to hang coats, hats and bags.

The antique hall tree just adds to the beauty and functionality.

IDEA #6: Designated Pet Area

It’s almost guaranteed that a European farmhouse has a pet or two abiding in the home, just like us.

I wanted a very clean and clear space where all the doggy stuff would be stored, and it made perfect sense to use this space by his doggy door to coral all his belongings.

I even went as far as collecting some glass jars to store his fresh, freeze dried doggy food.

IDEA #7: Provide and Limit the Space for Seasonal Decorating

I figure, a mudroom is not the space to fuss over seasonal decorating – but a little bit can’t hurt either.

I have only placed a few items on the top of this dress for seasonal decor, which currently means I have all the Spring things on display.

As for the rest of the room, it will likely stay the exact same for as long as long as I can foresee. I don’t want to feel burdened by a need to spend much time, energy or money on decorating a mudroom.

But it is nice to have a little spot right when you walk into the home with just a few items that can welcome you, no matter the season.

I may even switch out the vintage art above this dresser from time to time. It is easy to do in this thrift store frame and with all the FREE digital art I can get my hands on.

I hope you enjoyed touring our newly finished mudroom! You can also watch the video to get more details.

I’d love to hear what ideas you have that create a mudroom that makes you happy!

Thanks for reading!

You may also like to see these other completed spaces in our pole barn home:

• Cottagecore Bedroom
• European Farmhouse Laundry Room
• European Farmhouse Bathroom