The Boss’s Daughter

Let me just say it: I have mad mudroom envy. You know those perfectly organized spaces with built-in cubbies, hooks for backpacks, a bench for taking off shoes, and maybe even a sneaky spot for the dog leash? Yeah, those. The ones you see in Midwest homes like they're just part of the plan. Meanwhile, here in California, we’re just dumping everything by the front door like it’s a free-for-all.

Growing up, I thought mudrooms were something out of a movie or HGTV. Then I married someone from Colorado, and every time we visit family there, I’m that guest asking, “Can I see your basement... and your mudroom?” I’m not even subtle about it.

So why don’t we have mudrooms in California? Our weather isn’t that predictable. We’ve got rainy seasons, garden dirt, soccer cleats, beach sand, dogs, and kids with enough stuff to start their own REI. The truth is, we need mudrooms just as much as anyone else we just haven’t made them a priority in design.

But at Toupin Construction, we think it’s time to change that.

What Even Is a Mudroom?

A mudroom is a drop zone. A buffer between the outside chaos and the calm of your home. It’s where shoes go to dry, jackets hang out, and mail doesn’t immediately become counter clutter. And with smart design, even a small hallway can become a beautiful and functional mudroom space.

We’ve helped East Bay homeowners add mini-mudrooms using clever cabinetry, built-ins near garage entries, and even converting awkward laundry room corners into stylish command centers. You don’t need a giant farmhouse to have one you just need a little vision (and maybe a good contractor).

Why We Love Mudrooms (and You Should Too)

They help keep the house clean. Especially if you’ve got pets or kids.

They organize chaos. Goodbye pile of shoes. Hello, designated baskets.

They’re beautiful. No, really. Think custom woodwork, tile floors, and color-coordinated bins.

They increase home value. Practical + pretty = smart investment.

How to Add One in a California Home

Even if your home wasn’t designed with a mudroom, you probably have the space it just needs to be reimagined. Think:

That little hallway from your garage

The side entrance that no one uses

A corner of your laundry room

A wall near the front door

At Toupin Construction, we can help design a custom mudroom solution that fits your lifestyle (and doesn’t look like it was squeezed in as an afterthought). We’ll guide you through cabinetry options, flooring that's up for the challenge, and functional layouts that actually work for real families.

Final Word from The Boss’s Daughter

I may live in California, but my heart and my Pinterest boards are full of Midwest mudroom dreams. It’s time we stopped pretending we don’t need these spaces. Let’s normalize shoe cubbies in suburbia. Let’s make benches by the back door a thing.

Let’s bring mudrooms to the West Coast.