Sometimes a space just speaks for itself – queue up this fantastic mudroom. Our client’s request was for a highly functional space that was fun, quirky and made her happy when she walked in. This historic property in the Frank Lloyd District of Oak Park was ready for some love, and this addition off the back of the house netted this family of five (plus two doggies) a large mudroom with loads of light and storage.
Starting with the cabinet design, a careful inventory of all the STUFF that needs to live in the mudroom was our jumping off point. Sports gear, shoes, backpacks, dog gear, etc. -- it’s all got a place here.
Once function was sorted, it was time for some fun. Schumacher has done a fabulous job reissuing some vintage Josef Frank designs and this “Citrus Garden” wallpaper is one of the best. Frank was an Austrian architect and designer who emigrated to Sweden in 1933 to escape rising antisemitism in his home country. His influence on design in the first of half the 20th century in Europe was immense. “Citrus Garden” is at once joyful, exuberant and playful, and yet as a whole it feels classic. The gorgeous combination of primary colors in various hues brought the energy our clients were looking for to take their mudroom from purely function to an experience.
Magan, our Technical Designer, worked her magic to render various options to make sure we were ready to commit. Benjamin Moore’s Waterbury Green (HC-136) was the winner for a cabinet color that was historically based but could hang with the vibrancy of the wallpaper.
This room truly brings a “wow” moment to all who enter it -- it’s so unexpected and joyful -- a testament to getting out of the box and letting our homes take us on a journey. For another peak behind the process, check out some other wallpaper/cabinet combos we considered as part of the process!
