Hi, I’m Clara Higgins, and I’m so glad you found your way to The Mudroom Nook.

If your front door area has ever looked like a tiny tornado of backpacks, muddy boots, dog leashes, and yesterday’s mail, you are in very good company. In my house, the entryway used to be the place where we set things down “for a second” and then somehow never picked them back up. That daily pileup was the background noise of our mornings, and honestly, it made the whole house feel messier than it actually was.

Then one hectic week, I hit my limit and built a simple mudroom bench out of necessity. I had never thought of myself as someone who was into woodworking, but I was determined to create one spot by the door that worked. One bench turned into better hooks, which turned into smarter shoe storage, which turned into figuring out how to make even awkward corners feel intentional. I haven’t stopped tinkering with entryways since.

A bright entryway beside a wood mudroom bench with coat hooks above and a few pairs of boots neatly lined underneath

Why I care about the space by the door

I believe a home’s entrance sets the tone for the rest of the house. When the drop zone is chaotic, everything else feels harder. When it is calm and functional, mornings move faster, afternoons feel less cluttered, and you can actually welcome people in without doing the panicked “kick the shoes behind the door” move.

I’m also a firm believer that you do not need a huge mudroom to have a great one. A narrow wall, a small foyer, or a weird little nook can still hold the essentials if you plan it well. I love the puzzle of it: where hooks should go, how high they should be, what actually belongs by the door, and how to make it look good while still surviving real life.

What you’ll find at The Mudroom Nook

The Mudroom Nook is where I share practical, beginner-friendly ideas to turn your entryway into a space that earns its square footage. Most of my tips are built for real life: kids, pets, small spaces, and the kind of busy days where everything gets dropped at the door at once.

You can expect:

  • Storage that works hard, like shoe solutions, backpack control, and basket systems that keep small stuff from spreading across every surface
  • Hook layouts that make sense, because the right number of hooks in the wrong place still becomes a mess
  • DIY projects and built-ins that feel doable, especially if you are handy-curious and want to learn as you go
  • Design tips that support function, like finishes that hide scuffs and ways to make small spaces feel welcoming instead of cramped

If you like browsing by topic, start here:

A tidy entryway with a row of sturdy wall hooks holding jackets and backpacks above a bench with woven baskets underneath

My approach: practical first, pretty second

I test ideas in a busy household, which means I care about what holds up to muddy shoes, rushed mornings, and the kind of “I’ll deal with it later” habits we all have. I’m the person who will happily measure hook spacing, try a couple of basket sizes, and swap hardware if it is not pulling its weight.

My goal is to help you build an entryway that:

  • has a clear landing spot for the daily essentials
  • makes it easy for kids, guests, and future-you to put things away
  • is simple to reset in five minutes
  • feels welcoming when you walk in the door

And yes, I love a beautiful space. I just want the beauty to come from smart choices, not from pretending nobody lives there.

Welcome, and come say hi

Whether you are mapping out a tiny apartment foyer or dreaming up a full mudroom wall, you’re welcome here. Start small if you need to. One solid hook zone or one contained shoe spot can change how your whole entrance feels.

If you have a question, spot something that needs correcting, or want to share what you’re working on, I’d genuinely love to hear from you. The best way to reach me is through my contact page.

For the fine print on how this site works, you can review the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. And if you want to explore from the beginning, head back to the home page.

A small foyer with a compact storage bench, two baskets tucked beneath, and a simple tray on a nearby shelf for keys