So. Much. Rain.
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10 mins
Light LockBenchesHard SurfaceHow Much Does It Cost?Light GapsMudroom IdeasNew LaminateSide PanelsTax CreditsWindow Covering

So. Much. Rain.

It's raining, it's pouring!



If you have a mudroom, we know you have really put it to the test lately. But what if you don’t have a mudroom? Here are some tips to better utilize your entry points:

Wipe your feet  

The top reason why outside elements don’t stay outside is your shoes. Here a few solutions that can keep the muddy mess at bay:



Doormats 

Decorative doormats are cozy, welcoming accessories, but they usually don’t offer a ton of protection and are mostly for show. Consider placing an initial decorative doormat followed by a durable runner rug through your entryway or mudroom. This way, your shoes won’t touch as much of the floor.



Shoe trays 

Muddy, wet boots can wreak havoc on your hardwood or carpet. Instead of storing them outside in the cold, keep your boots warm and dry by creating a tray for them to drain onto. You will need a rubber or plastic boot tray, smooth stones, and a poly cement adhesive to glue the stones to the base of the tray. As an added bonus, the tray adds a fun and natural decorative touch to this space.



Benches

Place a bench against the wall in your entryway or mudroom, where you can take off shoes and unpack bags after a long day of fall activities. Choose one with a lift top and cubbies to maximize your storage space.



Keep it organized 

When you’re in a rush, the tendency is to leave items strewn about in the mudroom or entryway. Take time to devise an organization plan that suits you and your household’s needs. By doing so, you’ll be able to find things faster and keep everything looking presentable for guests.



Baskets 

One of the simplest organization tools you can use is baskets. Separate them by person or type of item. For example, you could have a bin for hats, another one for gloves, and one for scarves—and label them accordingly using a label maker or stickers. Avoid using tape and paper since the baskets may get wet from outside items. If you opt to organize by person, have everyone label and decorate their bin for a personal touch.



Additionally, consider using an opaque material for your bins. Options like canvas and wicker can withstand the elements and have a clean, aesthetically pleasing look. This way, your guests can’t see through to all the items inside the bins.



Hooks 

Hooks are essential for any mudroom or entryway. Hang hooks vertically so that each person in your household has a column for multiple clothing options. Closer to the entrance, have a separate set of smaller hooks and a tray for your keys, wallets, and phones so that they don’t get lost in the chaos of taking off your layers. As an added protection, place a rubber mat underneath the hooks to catch any drippage from rain jackets.



Umbrella storage 

Don’t lean your wet umbrellas against the wall; instead, give them a dedicated space where they can stay upright to drain. You can purchase an umbrella stand, or you could fashion your own with PVC pipe and a glued-on rubber base. If you decide on the latter, paint it a color that matches your interior.





Over-the-door storage 

If your mudroom has an inside door, create an over-the-door storage system to keep smaller items compartmentalized. Accessories such as masks and sunglasses will be easily accessible but out of the way. Choose a storage system with clear pouches so you can immediately find what you need.

Dry and clean it off

Before taking off your layers and storing them back in your baskets or cubbies, let them dry. Not allowing your items to dry before storing can lead to musty smells and mold and mildew, and will prevent your belongings from drying properly. Here are some tips to ensure you effectively dry the items in your mudroom or entryway:



Clothing 

Implement a hanging system for wet clothing before storing it back in baskets. Clothing like hats, gloves, and scarves can be left to dry using special hangers. Be sure to use a space that you can place rubber mats beneath. You can also invest in a wall-mounted drying rack, which can come in handy in all seasons for wet snow gear, spring rain jackets, and summer bathing suits.



Mats 

Any mats that you place down should be rinsed and washed at least once a week. If you notice leaves and debris becoming an issue, mount a broom to the wall, and sweep any materials back outside into a dedicated pile for removal. Just make sure leaves and dirt aren’t left on the porch or steps where they can be tracked back inside.



Hard surfaces 

Keep a small towel handy to wipe down any debris that gets onto your entryway seating and hard surfaces, and be sure to wash it regularly. You may also consider keeping a basket of supplies nearby to clean and disinfect.  



The right floor

You may be wondering what the best floor is for a mudroom. A medium to dark tile with a nonslip texture and a stain resistant grout is your best bet. Color variation is a plus, and choosing a tile that blends with what is being tracked in (dirt, leaves, etc.) is smart.  



Design Tip

Bored with your bathroom? But not ready for a full reno? Go shopping for a new shower curtain. Trading a tired, blah curtain for a new pattern or bold color is the bathroom equivalent of putting on a bright lipstick. Instant upgrade! It’s also a great way to try out a new color scheme or overall aesthetic. While you’re at it, retire the threadbare towels for plush new ones for that luxe hotel vibe and throw in a fresh floor mat in a contrasting color. 

Wonderful World of Window Treatments

Light Gaps



While natural light streaming into your home offers a whole host of benefits, including boosting your mood or helping you be more productive, at times, too much light can be disruptive or distracting.



For instance, light sneaking in around the sides of blinds or shades first thing in the morning can keep you from catching a few extra winks, while the glare on your TV screen from evening rays can dampen that movie theater feeling.



The spaces that let in this extra light are called light gaps. They’re common to all blinds or shades that are mounted on the inside of window frames, and are needed in order for the blinds or shades to operate smoothly. If the blinds or shades were mounted tightly against the frame, their edges would rub on it when raised or lowered, damaging them.



You don’t need to live with light gaps, though. Consider these solutions for keeping unwanted light at bay:

Layer Up with Side Panels

Pairing stationary side panels with blinds or shades is another option for blinds or shades already adorning your windows—and one that adds depth and dimension to a room.



Of course, side panels are also an option if you’re considering new window treatments and want to avoid light gaps from the start. Fully lined with a light-filtering or room-darkening liner (except for sheers), side panels are available in multiple styles.



Keep in mind if you do not use a black liner in the curtains, you will create a light box effect. Keep curtains open to cover the edges.

Mount Your Shade Outside the Window



If you’re planning on investing in new blinds or shades, you might want to think about mounting them on, outside or above the window frame.  

When you lower a blind or shade that’s mounted outside rather than inside the window frame, it will fully overlap the window, helping to block light gaps between the window’s outer edges and the window frame. (Keep in mind that you might still get a little glow, but you won’t get as much light sneaking through as you would with an inside mounted window treatment.)



Other benefits of mounting blinds or shades above the windows include making the windows (and the room) feel taller, and an unobstructed view when you fully raise the blinds or shades.

Take Advantage of LightLock™ Feature

For the ultimate light gap blocker, look to Hunter Douglas LightLock™ feature, exclusively for Duette® Honeycomb Shades. This innovation has unique U-shaped side channels that fit securely into the window frame, absorbing or reflecting nearly all incoming light. With the LightLock system, you can sleep tight—in unparalleled darkness. 

Another solution, you might also consider light-blocking strips—L-shaped PVC strips that mount to the sides of a window frame. Check for them at your local big box store.

Start Saving Energy Year-Round—

and Enjoy a NEW Federal Tax Credit

Learn More
New for 2023—the federal government has introduced an exciting energy tax credit, letting you save up to $1,200 on select energy-efficient Duette® Honeycomb Shades.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Tax Credit
Window Treatment Appointment


What’s New At Enhance?

We are super excited about these new laminates! Why -- because not everybody wants a grey floor. Or an European white oak floor. Look for classic colors like Smooth Amber Oak and Malted Barley Oak in the Sterlington line by Mohawk, sure to work with your existing cabinets or staircase.

How Much Does It Cost?



Laminates are a great value and are an excellent alternative to LVP. Topically waterproof, stain, fade, and scratch resistant -- and affordable! The large main level of a Marietta home (1100+ square feet) was recently installed in the new Mohawk Sterlington laminate for right around $8000. This included the removal of the existing flooring and moving the furniture, new shoemold and trim. The main level is now all the same floor covering, which makes the rooms feel updated and cohesive. And talk about easy to take care of!