When Jen and Erik sent us photos of their toddler-friendly entryway makeover, we knew we had to share their clever transformation. Their thoughtful, budget-conscious updates turned an underused hallway into a warm, functional mudroom that works for the whole family. Below is their note about the project and the details of how they brought the space to life.
I just wanted to let you know how much we love your site. You remind us of ourselves in many ways — friends and family sometimes think we’re a little crazy for all the projects we take on around the house. We thought once we had a baby we’d slow down, but our son actually inspires us to do more. That inspiration led to our new mudroom.
The space had been painted green, which wasn’t awful, but it clashed with the colorful artwork we wanted to display. We switched to a lighter shade, Glidden’s Quiet Light, to brighten and unify the area. The saying above the door came from our two-year-old — he frequently tells people “have a good day!” when they leave the house, and seeing that phrase now makes us smile every time someone walks out.
I’d fallen in love with Pottery Barn-style lockers but didn’t want to spend the retail price, so I asked Erik to build them. He built a set for about $250 total — a fantastic savings. The bench built into the lockers doubles as a pet bed and a convenient place to sit while putting on shoes.
We splurged a bit on the rug from Flor.com — it was about $150 — but the tiles lift off and can be washed individually if they get messy, which is perfect for a family entrance. Above the desk area we used a magnetic primer topped with two coats of chalkboard paint to create a magnetic chalkboard where Jack’s artwork is displayed. The bench cushion cost about $30 to make using fabric from JoAnn Fabrics and coupons from the Sunday papers. The canvas on the wall was a basement find; Jack and I painted it together with tempera using his feet, hands and even his nose for a playful personal touch. The blinds were inexpensive ones from Target (about $41 for the pair) that we upgraded by hot-gluing a simple fringe for a custom look. The pendant light is a recycled fixture fitted with a $15 shade from Walmart.
Our son Jack really enjoys the room, and so do we. Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the great work with the site!
– Jen and Erik
Here’s a look at the hallway before its two-year-old-inspired makeover:
And here’s the I-can’t-believe-that’s-the-same-space after the transformation:
This entryway makeover is a smart example of thoughtful design that balances style, function, and family needs. A few elements make it especially successful for a toddler-friendly mudroom:
- Light, neutral paint — Brightening the space with a neutral like Quiet Light makes it easier to integrate colorful artwork and gives the area a fresh, open feel.
- Custom lockers with a bench — Built-in storage keeps coats, backpacks, and shoes organized while the bench provides a place to sit and a cozy spot for a pet.
- Durable, washable rug tiles — Choosing modular rug tiles simplifies cleaning after spills and heavy traffic, ideal for a busy household.
- Magnetic chalkboard wall — Combining magnetic primer and chalkboard paint creates a display surface for rotating artwork and notes that’s both functional and playful.
- DIY accents — Simple, cost-effective tweaks like a handmade cushion, a repurposed canvas painted by the child, and a thrifted light fixture with an affordable shade deliver personality without breaking the bank.
We love how Jen and Erik let little Jack’s personality guide the design — the quote above the door is a sweet, personal touch that gives the space heart. This makeover proves that an ordinary hallway can be turned into a practical, welcoming entryway without a huge budget. Their DIY lockers, clever storage solutions, and family-made art all contribute to a mudroom that’s both attractive and kid-friendly.
What do you think of this entryway overhaul? Could a similar approach help you upgrade an underused hallway into a functional mudroom that suits your family’s needs?