HOME & GARDEN Making Peace with Mud Season Spring invites renewal — and the mudroom is often where it begins.

Welcome to springtime in New England, where mud becomes the real welcome mat. It doesn't take long to coat every surface despite best efforts. And if you have a dog or kids, you might as well just throw in the towel — or maybe not, if you have the right transitional space. &emsp;"Mud season is very real, and a well-designed entryway begins with intention," says Katie Rainey, who specializes in interior design for waterfront and mountain-view homes. &emsp;When it comes to mudrooms, she believes they're pivotal for any home in New Hampshire or Vermont, and "You have to make sure it works for the family," she says. &emsp;What that looks like is different in every home. Professional organizer Hannah Johnston explains, "My biggest thing when working with clients is to really see how they live their lives." &emsp;The systems that follow are key. "You can create this magazine-worthy mudroom that looks beautiful, but say you're a busy family with young kids and they can't reach to hang up their jackets," Johnston says. &emsp;Figuring out how each household member will realistically use the room can be a game-changer. "Thoughtful storage prevents the space from feeling overwhelmed, even during the messiest months," Rainey notes. &emsp;But before digging into furnishings, let's think of functionality from the bottom up. There's one aspect of mudrooms that should always come first: "Flooring is the true workhorse here; it must withstand moisture, grit and daily wear," Rainey explains. &emsp;One piece of advice she always shares with clients is to avoid darker floors: "They tend to show every footprint, grain of sand, and water mark," she says. In contrast, mid-tone or naturally varied surfaces are more forgiving yet still feel elevated. &emsp;While it might not be your first instinct to consider design details in a transitional space, Rainey likes to treat it as a "design moment." Patterned cement, ceramic tiles, textured and natural stone are all surfaces she relies on to add character without dominating the home. &emsp;"Natural stone remains a favorite," she notes. "Marble, travertine and limestone age gracefully and develop character over time, performing beautifully under heavy traffic and seasonal moisture." &emsp;Thoughtful patterns, like a checkerboard, can also add personality while remaining enduring. &emsp;Once your flooring is spot-on, opportunities for other thoughtful design choices abound throughout the space. &emsp;"Layered lighting, warm wood accents, and a well-placed bench or piece of art can elevate the experience," Rainey says. Even small touches, like seasonal greenery or a simple flower arrangement, can instantly make a mudroom feel inviting. &emsp;Fortunately, spring offers many delights beyond mud. Think about how to draw them in during this special time of year. Even just letting in a little more light can do the trick. &emsp;"Updating window treatments to allow for longer days and increased natural light, while still maintaining privacy, can completely change how a home feels," Rainey says. &emsp;Of course, you'll also need some practical elements in place. &emsp;"If you live in an area with mud season, you need a heavy-duty boot tray," Johnston says. It's also smart to create space for each household member's belongings. Cubbies or shelving systems can neatly handle this. &emsp;"For example, for a family of four, each person has a bin. In the winter, it's hats and gloves, and in the summer, it's a running (or walking) belt," Johnston says. &emsp;"For families like my own, where outdoor recreation is central, we design mudrooms that support that lifestyle," Rainey says. &emsp;She focuses on daily rhythms, children, sports and pets. "Does a child come home with a backpack and basketball gear? Are they part of a ski team? Those details matter," she emphasizes. &emsp;Keeping all that gear under control is often the real challenge. "A lot of times, we have too many things for the space that we're in," Johnston says. Paring down can be a critical solution for a mudroom that feels like it has a life of its own. &emsp;She suggests tackling this chore when you're shifting from one season to the next. "You might say to yourself, 'I haven't worn this hat in three years because every time I go to put it on, it's itchy,'" she says with a laugh. Sayonara hat! &emsp;"This stage of decluttering is often very vital," Johnston notes. It's about really identifying what you don't need and what's taking up extra space. In her business, Rooted + Organized, she begins most projects this way, typically working side by side with the homeowner — unless the homeowner prefers to tackle decluttering on their own. &emsp;"Oftentimes, people just need someone else with them to keep them on track, to not get bogged down and feel overwhelmed. It really is an individualized process. No two clients are the same," she says. &emsp;For families with children, decluttering can be especially challenging. "Kids are tough because they're growing, they're changing, and they've got so much stuff," Johnston says. She reminds parents that everyone thrives when there's less clutter around. &emsp;She encourages communication in advance and notes that kids don't need to be present when organizing shared spaces like mudrooms. &emsp;Johnston tries to undertake a general round of decluttering in her own home about every six months. If something hasn't been used, she likes to ask, "Don't you think another child could use this, and wouldn't it be nice to share with them?" For her daughter, that framework has made a big difference. &emsp;Johnston does advise against forcing kids to get rid of things they're strongly attached to. "They're little; their world is small. If there's a stuffed animal that they love, hold onto it." She uses this same practice with adults, too. Part of decluttering is honoring what's truly important to the person, even if it's not to someone else. &emsp;But "overall, it's about being aware of how much stuff you have so we're not just trying to cram too much stuff into a small space or holding onto things out of guilt or overwhelm," she says. "For me, clean space really allows my brain to function better." &emsp;Spring invites renewal, and the mudroom is often where it begins. With thoughtful design, smart storage, and a seasonal reset, this hardworking space can support everyday life while still feeling intentional. &emsp;If you need a little help making your mudroom shine, contact Katie Rainey at katieraineydesign.com; or email Hannah Johnston at hannah@rootedandorganized.com.