When Dana and her husband Steve sent photos of their mudroom makeover, we were excited to share the beautiful results. This compact space is equal parts practical and stylish, and the cost is almost unbelievable. Here’s the story in Dana’s own words:
First of all, I love YHL. I’m inspired by your hard work, DIY spirit, financial responsibility and overall aesthetic. My husband, our two young boys and I recently moved into what we hope is our “forever” home. The challenge was an underused short hallway between the garage and the kitchen, crowded with three doors (garage, bathroom and closet). Our solution was to remove the closet door, widen the closet opening, and convert that area into a functional mudroom we now call the “MODroom.”
We were on a tight budget. The shoe bench and floral pillows were repurposed from other rooms where they weren’t working. I painted the bench white (it had been black with a black leather cushion) and recovered the seat with linen fabric. After widening the doorway, we patched a vinyl floor tile using an online tutorial. My husband shortened a lengthwise wire shelf with a bolt cutter and rehung it front-to-back in the corner to hold daily jackets. He also wired in two recessed ceiling lights for better visibility.
The result is a small but highly functional room for our family: a place to take off and put on shoes, unload backpacks and lunchboxes, and set out items on the bench as a reminder when we’re heading out. We’re frugal, and the total cost was tiny for how much utility and style we gained. Much love — Dana & Steve.
The Budget:
Shoebench — FREE (repurposed from the front entry)
Pillows — $8 (white rosette pillow on clearance; other pillows were already on hand)
Artwork — FREE (a handcrafted family-name photo piece given as a gift)
Hooks — $25
Shoebench fabric — $13
Baskets — $20 (on sale)
Vinyl floor tile repair — $16
Electrical supplies — $30
Paint supplies — $40 (paint color: Gentle Tide)
TOTAL: $152
This mudroom — or MODroom — is a great example of how thoughtful redesign and a few smart DIY moves can turn wasted square footage into a highly useful, attractive space without a big expense. Practical features like a bench, hooks and baskets make mornings and evenings smoother: kids have a designated spot for shoes and backpacks, and the family can use the bench as a staging area for items “to go.” The added recessed lighting brightens the space, and the fresh paint and reupholstered bench give the area a cohesive, polished look.
Key takeaways from this makeover that other homeowners can use:
- Look for furniture and accessories you can repurpose from other rooms before buying new pieces.
- Simple structural changes — like widening a doorway — can significantly improve flow and usability.
- Inexpensive storage solutions, such as hooks and baskets, add function without breaking the bank.
- Small electrical upgrades and good lighting make compact spaces feel more intentional and finished.
- Following a clear budget and doing the work yourselves keeps renovation costs low and satisfaction high.
We love how this transformation balances style and utility while remaining budget-conscious. Thanks to Dana and Steve for sharing their photos and the details of their project—proof that with a little creativity and effort, even a tiny hallway can become an indispensable family hub.
Update: Dana now documents her home projects and updates on her personal blog; she shares additional photos and information about the mudroom and other areas of her ever-evolving home.