The key to a happy household is an organized household, and we've been trying to figure out the best way to get our model homes to work for busy families.
We hit the nail on the head with our innovative mudroom idea.
It incorporates many key features including:

• Four individual lockers with organizers and shelves inside for shoes, hanging coats, and bag storage.
  
• Window seat for putting on/taking off shoes, as well as a comfy place to hang out and read.
  
• Drop-off zone for with a corkboard message center.
  It's a great place for storing mail and the inevitable "junk drawer".
  
• We also added electric in the drawers so phones/Ipods can be charged out of site!

Many design elements were used to make this space comfy and inviting including:

• 1x4 Trim painted white - We typically use a fancier door casing, but this plain casing made a better statement in the mudroom.
  
• Beadboard Wainscot throughout the ares - Protects the walls and gives it a true mudroom look.
  This beadboard was about 6' high with a 1x4 trim piece at the top.
  We added hooks to the trim piece for coats/pet supplies!
• Window Seat - This comfy spot was finished off with beadboard and a painted seat with cushions.
  
• Tile Floor - A durable floor that is easily cleanable is a key component to this space.
  Use your imagination when picking tile.
  Choose a nice light color, then make a tile "rug" with a mosaic border and tiles on the diagonal inside the border.
  
• Ceiling Treatment - We attached these tin squares to think piece of plywood then nailed it to the beams in the ceiling.
  A little chair rail border around the edges, and you have a beautiful ceiling treatment!
• Paint Color - Choose a warm color that highlights the tones of your tile - This color from Benjamin Moore is called Onandaga Clay (1204).
  

The most important function of this to room is organization, so keep that in mind when designing your mudroom.
Identify the items that you wish you could eliminate from view everyday and find a way to store them in this out-of-the-way spot!