From Clutter to Custom: Our $0 Garage Mudroom Makeover
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If you’ve been following along at House by the Preserve, you know I’ve been dreaming of a proper mudroom. Since our floor plan doesn’t include one inside, our garage entrance has become the catch-all for everything from muddy sneakers to beach towels.
I really wanted to buy paint and fancy built-ins, but I challenged myself: Can I create a functional, welcoming mudroom using absolutely zero dollars?
The answer is a resounding yes! With some elbow grease and a little shopping in my own house, I turned this corner of the garage into an organized hub. Here’s how I did it.
1. From Hook Wall to Functional Entry
Before this makeover, this space was essentially just a bare wall with a few hooks. There was no place to sit, no shoe storage, and no way to keep things organized. To solve this, I pulled an extra Billy bookcase from IKEA from a room makeover I’m currently working on in my son’s bedroom (stay tuned for more on that later this year!).
I also added a wooden cubby bench we’ve had for years. Funnily enough, I actually had this bench listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace! I’m so glad it didn't sell before I realized it was the perfect fit for this faux mudroom.
2. The Power of a Deep Clean
Never underestimate the power of warm water and Dawn dish soap. I desperately wanted to paint these walls, but since I didn’t have any leftover paint on hand, I stuck to the $0 rule. I scrubbed the walls and the entry door until they looked bright again. It’s amazing how much garage grime hides the potential of a space!
3. Strategic Storage (The Sweat Shelf)
We go through a lot of sweat towels (you know, for those humid days or quick workouts, or just plain old Florida living), and they used to just pile up. I found this wooden shelf and some white corbels in storage and mounted them to the left of the electrical box.
Art that I wouldn’t normally hang inside our house but made when we first got married :)—I figured the garage is the perfect place for it for a little styling moment!
The Pro Tip: I added small hooks to the bottom of the shelf to hold our sunglasses and the keys to our electric bikes. It’s the perfect grab-and-go spot right before we head out.
4. Secret Storage Hacks
Storage is at a premium in our house, so I’ve started getting creative:
The Wreath: I keep my out-of-season wreath hanging right on the entry door. It saves box space and makes for a pretty entrance when we come home.
Rug Layering: I use the large entry rug to hide my out-of-season small rugs. I simply stack them flat underneath the main rug to keep them out of the way and wrinkle-free!
5. Embracing the Imperfections
I really wanted to hide that grey electrical box, but I didn't have any art long enough to cover it safely. Instead of stressing, I decided to leave it for now. A real $0 makeover means working with what you have, even if it’s not Pinterest-perfect yet!
The Lesson: You don’t need a contractor or a credit card to improve your home. Sometimes, all you need is a Saturday morning, a bucket of soapy water, and a second look at the furniture you were about to sell.
What do you think of our faux mudroom? Have you ever shopped your home for a makeover? Let me know in the comments!
I’m a mom of two and wife to a seriously supportive hubby, living our best life in our forever house by the preserve! I'm all about helping you create a stylish, Pinterest-worthy home on a budget. Let's obsess over interior design, home decor, DIY, and home improvement projects to help you create your best home. Follow along and say hello! I love hearing from you.
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