https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:50:08 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509560 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 12:48:57 +0000 Mrs. Microscope 2509560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I voted mudroom, but only because I think it is great for kids. While you won't have mud and coats in Florida, you will have backpacks, millions of shoes, sports equipment, and if you are near the beach, sand beach toys and gear. So having a space for walking in the door and dumping your stuff as the kids run to the kitchen for a snack is ideal! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509552 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 12:44:51 +0000 MaryM 2509552@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would maybe go mudroom on one side (or maybe just hooks on the wall for jackets and back packs), shelving for pantry/kitchen storage on the other. For things like appliances, I wish I had a handier place to store them than in cabinets where I either have to bend down and practically crawl in a cabinet to get them, or use a stepladder to get them down. And maybe also storage there for things you buy in bulk that you don't necessarily need everything of in the pantry. Sort of a storeroom. And things like paper towels and toilet paper. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509517 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 12:28:25 +0000 PawPrints 2509517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Walk-in pantry! Cheaper than the kitchen reno, more useful than the butler's pantry, more appropriate for your locale than the mudroom. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509414 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 11:26:11 +0000 Somebunny 2509414@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You guys have such good ideas!</p> <p>@oliviaoblivia: Yes, I could absolutely use a walk in pantry. Not sure why I didn't think of it as an option. :happy: </p> <p>@Littlebit7: I really like the idea of having a small space like that for shoes and bags instead of a whole room for it. We do plan live in it for a while, we're just dreaming of all the cool stuff we *could* do right now. It'll all take time.</p> <p>@honeybear: I don't know the exact dimensions, but there would still be room to move big things in and out of the garage. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509409 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 11:25:20 +0000 MOMTOLITTLEB 2509409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our space is next to the powder room and a back door we don't use. It is a pantry, not fancy but large and very useful. However, we lack a mud room and we're a very muddy family- little boy and a dog. I would love a mud room!! The space we have isn't near our garage and it's not the backdoor we normally use so I don't think it makes sense as a mudroom. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509322 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 10:36:44 +0000 snowjewelz 2509322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I chose mudroom b/c I feel like it's good to have a dedicated place for all the knick knacks like jackets, umbrella's, bags, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509315 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 10:33:35 +0000 lioneyes 2509315@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Butler's Pantry is great if you entertain a lot. But it might be $$$ to do a real one with a small fridge/extra sink, as adding a water line gets expensive. I personally prefer as big a kitchen as possible, since it;s where everyone tends to congregate any way. And a mudroom is great as kids get older- you can store all school/sports/pet stuff there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509271 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 10:03:31 +0000 looch 2509271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I kind of feel a mudroom is great no matter where you live...my son has muddy boots from being outside all year round!</p> <p>So I vote mudroom...which would contain washer/dryer, utility sink, cabinets for storage, spot to line dry certain delicate items. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509264 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 09:56:17 +0000 mrs.shinerbock 2509264@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I live in TX, so not much winter stuff, but I would still love to have a mudroom with extra storage for infrequently used items or bulky extras like paper towels. A mudroom would be a great place to deposit shoes, sports equipment, school bags, beach/pool supplies...right now our back door opens right into the breakfast area/kitchen and it drives me crazy because of all the shoes, bags, strollers, and DH's sports equipment that gets dropped there when we come in the house. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509260 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 09:53:02 +0000 mrsjd 2509260@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bigger kitchen, hands down. An island is a must! Prep space is always at a premium in kitchens. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509255 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 09:50:58 +0000 Bluebonnet 2509255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm really not sure without seeing the space. I agree with @Littlebit7: live in the space at least 6 months before making major changes. </p> <p>We knew we wanted to make some minor changes when we bought our home, but wanted to tackle things over time. I'm so glad we did because now we really know how we use spaces and what we need when we make changes. Ex - our laundry room is big and we thought it was great. After living here a while, we realized its not configured well, so there is a lot of wasted space. Now that I've lived here a while, I have a much better idea of how things should be configured! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509222 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 09:33:24 +0000 chopsuey 2509222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a butler's pantry between my kitchen and dining room and I use it to store my cake stands, platters, etc. </p> <p>We're in GA and I love our mudroom. I had some lockers and a bench custom made and it makes life with kids so much easier and organized.</p> <p>If you enter the house mostly through your garage, I'd have some lockers built in to keep that space organized. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509211 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 09:29:32 +0000 honeybear 2509211@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What are the dimensions of this extra space? Will closing off part of it make the hallway narrow? That could be a bummer in terms of moving big stuff in and out, depending on your other entrances. </p> <p>If you're willing to do the plumbing work and it wouldn't otherwise be awkward, I might consider making the powder room a full bath by adding a shower. Mud rooms in Florida might not be useful, but a place to shower on the way in from the garage after the beach would be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509189 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 09:11:03 +0000 winniebee 2509189@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hm ok since you are in FL you probably don't need a mudroom as much, but I still think it would be very useful. Unless or until your kids really get into sports and their crap is all over the place :silly: </p> <p>Given the location, I would probably do a walk in pantry / storage closet for stuff like extra paper towels, linens, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509177 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 09:02:41 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2509177@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@oliviaoblivia: Yea I agree, its not really a butlers pantry.</p> <p>But just making a large storage closet sounds great. Things like extra paper plates, linens, kids games, craft supplies, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509159 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 08:46:01 +0000 Littlebit7 2509159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>without knowing your budget and since you live in FL (without much use for a true mudroom), I'd vote putting the funds towards a full kitchen reno. At the entrance of the kitchen from the garage I'd consider adding a small built-in bench and closed cabinets so there is a dedicated space for the crap that tends to accumulate when kids enter the house (backpacks, shoes, etc).<br /> <a href="http://homededicated.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mudroom-cabinets-with-doors.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://homededicated.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/mudroom-cabinets-with-doors.jpg</a></p> <p>with all of that being said, I'd live in the house for 6 months before you start moving walls. See how the house works for you first! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509144 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 08:38:00 +0000 oliviaoblivia 2509144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our mudroom is full of coats, snow pants, winter boots, rain boots, mittens, hats, and a couple diaper bags.<br /> I don't think you have much use for that stuff in Florida.</p> <p>A butlers pantry that isn't connected to the dining room is silly.</p> <p>Would you have a need for a walk in pantry? It'll function for your kitchen without the expense of a new kitchen. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509119 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 08:20:33 +0000 Mrs. D 2509119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I voted something else because I think I'd use it for a combo mudroom/pantry. I would add a bench, baskets and hooks along one wall, or the end of the hall closest to the garage, and then install Ikea or Walmart cabinets for Kitchen storage in te rest of the hall. You could easily use these space for a pantry. I'd love to have space to actully see all my baking pans instead of buried in a lower cabinet. Also great for storing those larger small appliances.</p> <p>A Kitchen Reno could be great, but expensive with moving a wall. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509106 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 08:00:08 +0000 Somebunny 2509106@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Eko: yes, that's right </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509101 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 07:56:12 +0000 Eko 2509101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I voted mudroom. From how it was described it sounds like the laundry room and bathroom entry are in this hallway correct? That would sound really weird to me to make the space part of the kitchen. So, I voted mudroom. I think they are really useful even if you don't have muddy boots. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509094 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 07:53:46 +0000 Smurfette 2509094@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think in FL you need a mudroom. Definitely kitchen! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509093 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 07:53:35 +0000 Somebunny 2509093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: It has a decent amount of cabinet space. Enough for our stuff. Though they could be reconfigured better. The pantry is in a tall floor to ceiling cabinet. Probably 3'x3' </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509084 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 07:43:54 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2509084@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We live in florida and survive pretty well without a mudroom. However it is nice to have some dedicated space by each door for shoes to be taken on and off. We hang the kids backpacks in the laundry room and have a small coat rack we can use in the "winters". So we dont need a full mudroom but I would make sure you have space for those things. </p> <p>How big of a pantry space and cabinet space does the kitchen have? We have a huge pantry and I love it! We dont have a huge kitchen but honestly I dont really miss a big kitchen. Its nice to be able to move quickly with just a step or two between "stations". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509065 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 07:23:56 +0000 brownepiano 2509065@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You could always build some pantry space into a mud room. I think a Butler's pantry might be too much but having extra storage right off the kitchen is nice. I have that in our entryway and it is nice. I do wish we had space off our entryway for mudroom type storage because our entry way is always a mess. Mudrooms are only used if they are in the perfect place and it sounds like you have a good spot!</p> <p>Eta I voted something else because I think you should do a mix of both. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509060 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 07:19:48 +0000 regberadaisy 2509060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I like @MrsKerch: . Making a larger kitchen is very costly. But using that space as a mudroom for now costs nothing but a furniture piece. We live in the NE and having a space for everyone to come into and take off coats and shoes is SO convenient! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509053 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 07:12:46 +0000 winniebee 2509053@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's the least exciting, but I vote mushroom. We have an almost 4yo and a 15mo and our new house has a combo mudroom/ laundry room. We use it so much and it keeps the clutter out of the entry to the kitchen. And not to mention the mess in rain and winter. I honestly wish ours was bigger!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509050 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 07:06:04 +0000 MrsKerch 2509050@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As much as I LOVE a butler's pantry, the location of this space is not ideal for it as you have described. It's typically located between the kitchen and dining room and might look a tad out of place.</p> <p>My $0.02 is that a mudroom is the least costly way to utilize this space now. If you end up hating it, or finding that a larger Kitchen is really necessary for how you live, you can always do that later!</p> <p>Best of luck to you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bigger-kitchen-bulters-pantry-or-mudroom#post-2509047 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 07:02:19 +0000 Somebunny 2509047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're buying a house. It currently has a wide hallway between the garage and kitchen. The laundry area is at one end and a powder room is at the other. It has direct access to both the garage and kitchen. It feels like a waste of space to me, so I'd like to do something with it.</p> <p>The kitchen is not huge, but definitely a good working size for our needs. BUT a bigger kitchen would give us room for an island, which I would love.</p> <p>I've always thought butler's pantrys are super cool and my dream home would have one. I don't have a particular NEED for one, I just love them.</p> <p>I have no burning desire for a mudroom, but it seems like it could be really useful as the kids get older.</p> <p>We will be in this house for a while. We plan to raise our kids in it. So we don't plan on selling it anytime soon, but we will one day. So I'm also thinking about what will be the most advantageous for when we do sell. </p> <p>Which would you choose?</p> <p>ETA I should mention that the house is in Florida. There's no real winter to speak of- not like in other parts of the country. So we're unlikely to have muddy boots and winter coats to take off. Just sneakers and flip flops. :happy: </p> <p>Also, we bought an older fixer upper with the intention of redoing the whole interior. </p>