How to Create a Pet-Friendly Mudroom Remodel

At Meadowlark Design+Build, we’ve had quite a few mudroom remodels and custom home projects that focused not only on the needs of the client’s family but also their beloved pets. We’ve installed dog showers in garages, cubbies for leashes and coats, dog washing stations in mudrooms – you name it! 

In this blog, we’re showcasing a project we’re particularly proud of that was built with man’s best friend in mind.

From Four-Legged Frenzy to Functional Space

Keep reading to discover how we turned a tiny laundry room into a dog owner’s dream. 

The Before: A Four-Dog Family Outgrows a Cramped Mudroom

Our homeowners lived in their home for over 10 years and loved their house and neighborhood, but certain parts of the property just weren’t working for their expanding family. The most notable “expansion” being their four beloved rescue dogs. 

The back entry and small laundry room could not accommodate all of the cages, accouterment, and the day-to-day in and out movement of the large pups – not to mention the daily laundry needs of a family of four. 

A small area in the garage was being used to manage some of this, but having the pups in the garage was not ideal for this family. Also, there were no drop zone areas in the existing laundry room, no counter space to fold clothes, and nowhere to take off coats and boots. The struggle was real! They knew they needed help tackling this issue. 

The Challenge: Too Many Dogs, Too Little Space

The existing laundry room was very small and barely had enough room for a washer, dryer, and sink. In addition, the only exit from the existing laundry room was into the garage. There was no direct access to outside and one needed to go into the garage and through another door to get outside with the dogs. 

With four large rescue dogs, it was easy to see why the current space wasn’t working for this family. Navigating two doors and not having square footage to transition the pups from outdoors to inside was not working, especially during harsh Michigan winters. We knew we had to step in and help! 

The Project: Create the Ultimate Dog Mudroom Remodel

The small footprint of the existing laundry room space made it difficult for the homeowners to visualize how the new area would work. They felt there wasn’t enough space to fit in all of the additions they were hoping for without expanding the square footage of their home. Luckily for them, our experienced design team knows how to get creative and make magic happen. 

A small cut-out bay area in the garage that was initially designed for a workbench space was utilized to add approximately 56 FT2 to the existing mudroom area. This additional space, along with the repositioning of the door to the garage, opened up possibilities for our designers to address the homeowner’s needs. 

The new garage door position, combined with the stacking of the washer and dryer, provided ample counter space, a dog shower, and two large cubbies for the clean pups to lounge in style while laundry was being folded. 

A custom-built bench next to the garage and exterior doors created the perfect spot to sit down, take off foot gear, and transition the dogs inside. Additionally, the new configuration permitted the placement of a new door that led directly outside. 

The Result: Form Meets Function for Both Man and Man’s Best Friend

By the end of this project, what was once a cramped and inefficient laundry room was transformed into a beautiful and functional laundry room, mudroom, and back entry space all in one. It efficiently accommodates the four humans and their four furry family members. 

Before the mudroom remodel, the dogs were kept in the garage with the door closed. Now, the new space has brought the dogs inside in a designated area that allows them to interact comfortably – and cleanly – with the rest of the family. 

Revamp Your Home With a Dog Mudroom Transformation

This dog-friendly mudroom remodel project was part of a more extensive home renovation that included an adjoining kitchen remodel. Check out the client story to see how the whole project came together. 

Are you thinking about remodeling your mudroom and making it more pet-friendly and human-friendly? Meadowlark can help! Contact us today to get started on your dream project.