Deborah TorresTransition spaces are the areas that take us from one location of our home into the main parts of the house whether it be the porch, the foyer area, or the mudroom. Each of these areas is distinct and offers its own unique purpose for specific members of the family and guests.
Not all homes are fitted with each of these specific spaces. It is dependent on the age of the home, the type of formality that it offers, and what sort of rooms that it provides. Regardless of the period the home was built, it is possible to designate areas within the home to serve in these capacities or have them added.
Difference Between Foyer, Mudroom and Porch
Many modern homes built today have little to no front porch. Historic homes offered a wrap-around or covered porch for visitors to come and sit for a visit. The homeowners would outfit their porches with tables and chairs to incorporate this space into an outdoor living area where their guests could come to feel at home.
Nowadays, new construction homes offer little more than a stoop to walk up and announce their presence. It’s typically not covered by a roof like it was back in the day. It’s simply a landing for the visitor to stand on in order to ring the bell or knock on the door to be invited inside.
What is a Foyer?
A foyer in the home is generally a small area inside the front door that divides the main rooms from the outside. Many times the foyer will house stairs that lead to a second level and, in historic homes, there will be interior doors leading to rooms that are attached on the ground floor.
There are occasionally instances where families will store coats or umbrellas within the foyer. They are generally decorated sparsely with oftentimes mirrors, a variety of hooks, and side consoles. There are also closets for storing items and half bathrooms for guests to freshen up after arriving and prior to heading in for their visit.
The more formal or traditional homes have a much larger foyer in the general style of the rest of the main house where visitors and family enter.
What is a Mudroom?
The mudroom is a room right inside of the home, much larger than a foyer would be, serving a family where they are able to remove their outerwear and dispose of any gear prior to entering the main part of the house. It is usually located in the back or off to the side of a house and serves simply as storage for the family.
It offers floors that clean easily and oftentimes houses the washer and dryer. This keeps the rest of the home organized and the family operating in efficiency.
Mudroom vs Sunroom
Mudrooms and sunrooms are often confused with one another, but they are actually quite different. A mudroom is a small room near the entrance of a house where people can take off their shoes and coats before entering the main part of the house. A sunroom, on the other hand, is a room that is mostly made of windows and glass doors, so that it can be used to enjoy the sun and natural light. Sunrooms are often used as living rooms or family rooms.
What is a Porch?
Porches were originally designed to provide shelter for people who came to call upon someone else’s home. In many cases, the porch served as a place to socialize while visiting others’ homes. Today, most homes do not include a porch but if one does exist, it may be used for similar purposes.
In some cases, the porch can become a patio when weather permits. If you’re lucky enough to live near water, then your porch might even turn into a deck!
In addition to providing shelter, porches often included furniture such as rocking chairs, benches, and sometimes even swings. These furnishings provided comfort for those sitting out under the sun or rain.
If you want to add a porch to your own home, consider adding seating along with other features. You’ll find plenty of options available online and through local building supply stores.
Which Are the Best?
The foyer is an ideal space for entertaining because it provides ample space for everyone to gather together before going in to eat dinner. A foyer should always be large enough so that all members of the family can comfortably sit down around a table without feeling crowded.
When choosing between a foyer and a mudroom, we recommend using the latter option since this type of room allows for easy access to the laundry facilities. Most modern homes now feature built-in cabinets which make it easier to keep track of dirty clothes.
We love having a porch at our home. Not only does it offer us shade from the summer heat, but it gives us a great spot to enjoy the outdoors during winter months.
How Do I Decide Which One To Choose?
When deciding what kind of entryway to use, think about how big your family is and whether or not you plan to entertain frequently. For example, if you host frequent parties, then you will need a bigger area to accommodate all of your guests. On the flipside, if you don’t like hosting events, then you probably won’t need a huge entrance.
Another thing to take into consideration is the design of your home. Some homeowners prefer open spaces where they feel free to move around freely. Others prefer more enclosed areas where there isn’t much movement. Think about these things when making decisions on which type of entryway would work best for you.
Doing research ahead of time also helps you decide which style works best for your needs. Once you have decided on a particular look, you can start shopping for materials and fixtures.
Transition rooms allow for the main parts of the home to stay organized and presentable for guests. There are times when a transition room will serve as a safe space where we entertain unexpected visitors only to send them on their way without the need to invite them into the main part of the home. These rooms are invaluable.
How to Turn Porch Into Mudroom
If you live in a house with an enclosed porch, you may be wondering how to turn it into a mudroom. There are a few easy steps that can be taken to achieve this goal.
Why Convert a Porch Into a Mudroom?
One of the best ways to improve your home’s functionality is to convert a porch into a mudroom. This added space can provide you with a convenient spot to store your coats, hats, and scarves, as well as keep your muddy shoes out of the house. Converting a porch into a mudroom is also a great way to add extra living space to your home without breaking the bank.
Add Some Storage
Adding storage to your porch can turn it into a functional mudroom. A few simple pieces of furniture can make a big impact in terms of organization and usability. If your porch is screened in or has an overhang, this can help keep the space protected from the elements and further maximize its functionality.
Choose the Right Flooring
The first step in turning your porch into a mudroom is to choose the right flooring. You’ll want something that can withstand wet and muddy boots, so a tile or vinyl floor is a good option. If you already have a porch with a concrete floor, you can simply add a coat of sealant or waterproofing paint to make it more resistant to moisture.
Install a Bench
The addition of a bench to the porch will create a functional mudroom. The bench will provide a place to sit while putting on or taking off shoes, as well as storage for jackets, hats, and other accessories. This simple addition will make the porch more usable and practical for everyday use.
Add Hooks and Shelves
Adding hooks and shelves to your porch can turn it into a mudroom. This will provide you with additional storage space for coats, hats, and other items that you may want to keep out of the rain and snow. Additionally, the hooks can be used to hang wet umbrellas or jackets, which will help them to dry more quickly.
