The Room With Five Doors - Visions for Our ‘Drop Room’
Remember the scene in The Nightmare Before Christmas where Jack Skellington discovers the trees with doors to different holiday lands? That’s exactly what the entrance to our home from the garage feels like—except instead of stepping into Christmas Town, you’re faced with doors leading to the garage, laundry room, guest bath, a closet, and the kitchen—all crammed into a snug 6x6-foot space.
We had only been in the house for a week before I found myself pulling doors off their hinges, determined to open up this space and unlock its potential. With a little creativity, I knew this quirky “Room with Five Doors” could transform into something magical—a functional and stylish utility/drop room that works hard and looks beautiful.
The Current Layout
Right now, this so-called “utility room” feels more like four disjointed spaces awkwardly crammed together. There’s the entry space itself, a small closet, the guest bathroom, and the laundry room. Unfortunately, this setup leaves little room in the entry for the people—and all their stuff—that pass through it daily. Shoes, backpacks, hats, jackets, and anything else coming in from the garage end up piled in what little space we have.
The bathroom, our only guest bathroom, is generously sized but outdated. Guests not only get a front-row seat to our cluttered entryway as they pass through, but they’re also greeted by the laundry room, now open to the rest of the space since I removed its door. Without a laundry room door to close, the only way to keep this area out of sight is to shut the door leading from the kitchen to the entire utility room. It’s functional, yes, but far from ideal for flow, privacy, or first impressions.
(Insert a sketch of the space and any before photos I have)
The Vision
I have about a thousand ideas to transform this space into one that truly works for our family. However, since we’re saving up for larger projects—like a complete kitchen remodel—and moving itself isn’t cheap, I want to keep this renovation budget-friendly and completely DIY.
Throughout the Entire Space
Paint the Tile Floors: A cost-effective alternative to ripping out the old tiles and laying new ones.
Update the Baseboards: Replace outdated baseboards to freshen up the space.
Walls with Character: Add decorative details like board and batten or shiplap, and give everything a fresh coat of paint.
Doors and Hardware: Paint the doors for a cohesive look and replace the hardware for a modern upgrade.
Mud Room
Open and Functional Drop Space:
Remove the wall enclosing the closet to create a more open entry area.
Build a bench with storage underneath for shoes.
Install cabinets or shelves to hide smaller drop items like sunglasses, hats, and gloves.
Add hooks for jackets and backpacks to keep everything organized and within easy reach.
Laundry Room
Countertop Refresh: Paint the brown granite countertop to mimic a marble finish.
Cabinet Makeover: Paint the cabinet doors to brighten and modernize the space.
Practical and Pretty Additions: Add decorative shelving for laundry supplies and hooks for drying clothes.
Bathroom
Vanity Upgrade: Replace the outdated pedestal sink with a vanity for added storage and style.
Finishing Touches: Update the lighting, mirror, and hardware to breathe new life into the room.
This plan/vision is the perfect balance between affordability and creativity, and I can’t wait to bring it to life. Every step will bring us closer to a space that’s functional, inviting, and uniquely ours.
The Inspiration:
What drew us to this house was its European cottage-like charm. Throughout our renovations, I want to preserve that vintage, timeless feel while giving each room a fresh, modern twist. The goal is to create a space that feels both simple and inviting—think warm wood tones, creamy walls, and a playful floor pattern that adds a touch of fun without sacrificing elegance.
I can’t wait to get started and share my process! First order of business… getting rid of the closet.
Have you tackled a space like this before? I’d love to hear your tips or see your inspiration!
