A long and tall hallway that leads to the garage, the well-detailed mudroom includes different storage options, curated design details and walls painted a deep slate gray that give the space an elegant look.

A handcrafted circular wooden wall mirror placed on each side of the mudroom bench for a quick look before heading out the door, and a large professionally framed photographic print of a burly beast are two of the well-chosen design details in this space. "This mudroom is a lot more sophisticated than most mudrooms," says designer Brian Patrick Flynn.

The mudroom also includes two wall-mounted mail holders with chalkboards for schedule reminders and hooks for easy-access storage of keys. Made from planks of solid reclaimed wood, the mail holders have a weathered whitewash finish for a lovely antique look.

A long overdyed and distressed hand-knotted blue area rug brings rich color and softness to this user-friendly mudroom that connects the main living areas of the home with the garage.