How to Redesign the Layout of the Kitchen to Include the Mudroom and Laundry Room

Measure the entire kitchen area, including any entry areas near doors leading from the outdoors. Transfer the measurements to a scaled kitchen drawing on grid paper. Mark the windows and doors on the picture to help with layout design.

Identify the location of the mudroom within the kitchen, which is likely near the entrance from the outside. Decide what you want to include in the mudroom. A bench and coat storage are the two basic components of the area, but you might also include additional storage based on how you plan to use the mudroom.

Measure out the area in the kitchen that you plan to allocate to the mudroom. Mark that mudroom area on the drawing.

Locate the plumbing lines already established in the kitchen. Based on where the pipes run, determine where you want to incorporate the laundry room. You might place it in the mudroom area, or choose a separate location within the kitchen that won't interfere with your cooking activities. Draw in the laundry components on the sketch.

Choose the type of washer and dryer to incorporate into the room. Choose a stacking unit to save the most space. One option is to integrate the stacking washing and dryer into the kitchen cabinetry by hiding it behind a large pantry-like door that matches the rest of your cabinetry.

Identify current fixtures in the kitchen that you'll need to relocate to accommodate the new design. For example, if you already have a closet pantry in the kitchen, you might relocate the pantry to another area or eliminate it completely to accommodate a stacking washer and dryer.

Design any dividers you plan to install to separate the laundry and mudroom from the kitchen. Options include a full wall, a half wall or a piece of furniture like a shelving unit.

Mark out the designated areas for the laundry and mudroom, as well as any planned dividers, on the kitchen floor using tape. This gives you a sense of how well the design will flow. Make changes as necessary for better use of the space.