How to Create a Stylish and Functional Mudroom Makeover with a DIY Bench Cushion and Monogram Art

I am a firm believer that functional utility spaces can still be beautiful. The mudroom is often the unsung hero of a home and is a space that can become easily cluttered and overlooked. However, with some creativity you can turn this functional space into a stylish entry point you can look forward to walking into when you come home. In this post, I'll be showing you how I transformed our mudroom by making a DIY bench cushion and personalized monogram art, adding both comfort and personality to the space!

Tip #1: Assessing Your Mudroom

Before diving into the fun DIY part of this makeover, take some time to assess the current state of your mudroom. Consider the available space, existing furniture or built-ins, and any specific needs or challenges you want to address. This will help guide your design and organizational choices to ensure a cohesive transformation.

For example, the picture below is what our mudroom looked like before. Our home already had the built-in and hooks, but we were in desperate need of some baskets in those cubbies. I decided to go with these baskets from The Container Store; they're sturdy, I have the ability to add labels to them at some point and they complement the interior design style I'm going for in our home.

Tip #2 - DIY Bench Cushion

A bench cushion not only enhances comfort but also adds a touch of style and personality to your space. Crafting your own bench cushion allows you to tailor it to your space while ensuring durability and practicality.

Before I go into detail on how to create your own bench cushion, ask yourself these questions:

Who is going to be using this space?

If you are newlyweds with no kids and it's just the two of you, you could probably get away with a fabric that's a little more delicate. But if this space is going to be the main hub between the great outdoors and your home with kids and pets running in and out, you'll want to make sure you go with a fabric that's durable and stain resistant, or at the very least easy to clean.

How do I want this space to feel?

This is such an important question to ask yourself when designing and decorating your home in general. The answer to this question is going to guide you in picking the design style of your fabric. Do you want to feel calm and tranquil when you enter your home? Go with a fabric that has a calming pattern and color. Do you want to feel bright and happy? Choose a fabric in a fun color and pattern.

Once you've got your answers, it's time for the fun part- shopping! Bigger craft stores have some fabric options, but I'd really recommend finding a fabric store in your area. The selection is going to be so much bigger and better and since you asked yourself the two questions above, your answers will help guide you towards the type of fabric, color and pattern you're looking for, so you won't get overwhelmed. (If you live in the Raleigh/Durham area, the Mill Outlet Village is where I went fabric shopping- this place is amazing now only do they have a ton of fabric options, they have discounted home decor items there too- I even found our entry way mirror here!)

So, here's how the two questions above helped me decide on my fabric. Currently, my husband and I are newlyweds, we have a cat and we're wanting to start a family and get a dog, so I knew the fabric I chose needed to be durable and easy to clean/hide stains once the kiddos and dog arrive. I also knew I wanted to spice up the space with a patterned fabric, but I still wanted the mudroom to blend in with the vibe of the rest of the home. My mom was actually visiting for Christmas when we went fabric shopping, she picked this one out, and it fits perfectly. The fabric is durable, will hide stains easily but the colors and pattern are beautiful, inviting and calming.

Ok, now that we have picked out our fabric, here's a list of all the materials you'll need:

• Fabric

• Tape Measure

• Foam

• Fabric Batting

• Plywood

• Fabric Scissors

• Staple Gun & Staples

• Sharpie

• Electric Knife (This is to cut the foam down more if you weren't able to get it cut to the exact size at the craft/fabric store)

• Furniture Pads (Optional- but they help protect the bench from the plywood)

Now that you've gathered your supplies, let's get started! If you're more into video tutorials, I have a DIY Cushion highlight on my Instagram.

Step 1: Measure and Plan

Start by measuring the dimensions of your mudroom bench to determine the size of your cushion. Take into account the thickness of the foam padding you'll be using to ensure your fabric and batting can easily fit and be stapled around the plywood.

If your bench is like mine with a wall on either side, when you measure, don't get the plywood cut to the exact size, I measured and then allowed for about a quarter of an inch gap because I knew I'd be wrapping the fabric and batting around the foam and the plywood. You don't want to make your cushion the exact size only for it to not fit because it's too wide since you didn't account for the extra width of the batting and fabric.

Step 2: The Fabric & Fabric Batting

Once you've selected your fabric, you'll want to make sure you allow enough slack on all sides to fit over the foam and the plywood. I always say it's better to buy a larger piece of fabric while you're at the store and then cut it down to size when you're at home.

The employees at the fabric store will help you determine the amount of fabric you need if you give them your bench dimensions and let them know you'll need enough fabric on all sides to folder everything over and staple it.

Step 3: Selecting the Plywood

When you select your plywood, you want to make sure it's thick enough for the staples to go in and stick. I also upgraded to a nicer plywood, so I didn't have to worry about getting splinters while working on this project or the plywood destroying the bench below. Whether you go to Lowes or Home Depot, the employees there can help you cut down the plywood to the exact size you'll need. You still have to pay for the full sheet, but you can always keep it for a future project.

Since my bench is bigger, I needed to cut a piece of plywood from a full sheet, but they do have sheets of plywood already cut to smaller sizes so be sure to check those out first to see if those measurements will work for your bench.

Step 4: Choosing Foam Padding

I wanted this cushion to be cushy and luxurious, so I went with a 3-inch foam. Depending on your needs and the look you're going for, you can go up or down from here, but I think 3 inches is a good width. Going with a foam that's too thin will make your cushion look a little cheap. If you go with a foam that's too thick, it will increase the height of your bench and it might make bending over to tie shoes a little annoying (especially if you're on the petite side like me).

Foam can be a little pricey, so make sure you use a coupon when you check out! I bought mine from Joann's and unfortunately, they don't cut the foam to the exact size you need, they can only cut the width, so when you get home, you'll need to use the electric knife to adjust the depth of the foam.

Step 5: Making the Cushion

Once you have all your materials cut to size and ready rock, it's time to put everything together! We're going to do this in layers; first, lay down your fabric, making sure the outside of the fabric is facing the floor or your working surface and the inside of the fabric is facing you. If your fabric has a pattern, it's very important to lay it flat and as even as possible so when your cushion is stapled together and you flip it over, the pattern is even.

On top of the fabric, you'll layer the fabric batting, then the foam and lastly the plywood. It should look this (minus Ms. Kay):

Next, we're going to get our staple gun and start folding the fabric and batting over and attaching it to the plywood. I started with one or two staples on each long side of the cushion. Make sure when you staple on the opposite side that you're pulling the fabric as taught as possible before stapling. We don't want any lumps or bumps up in here.

It is possible to do this project by yourself, I did, but it's even easier and less time consuming if you have someone to help you to pull the fabric taught on the opposite side.

You're going to continue to staple your little heart out, while pulling the fabric as taut as possible on all sides, leaving the corners for last. For the corners, you'll fold the fabric over like you're wrapping a present and then staple.

After you're all done stapling and the fabric is wrapped tightly around the foam and plywood, cut any extra fabric, but still leave some just in case you need to re-staple anything. If you're using the furniture pads, you can now add them to the plywood to provide a layer of protection between the plywood and your bench. Then flip it over, place it on top of your bench and admire your masterpiece!

Tip #3 - Personalized Monogram Art

Now, last but not least, it's time to add a personalized touch to your mudroom to make it feel special and fully customized to you and your family. One idea is to create monogram art using a shadow box and selenite crystals! This is a super easy DIY that looks like a million bucks once it's all finished.

Here's what you'll need:

• Shadow Box

• Selenite Crystals or material of your choice

• E6000 Adhesive

• Rub n Buff, Metallic Paint or Both

• Paint Brush

Step 1: Decide on the design and size of your monogram art.

Step 2: Gather your materials.

Step 3: Paint or decorate your letter material to your chosen design. I decided to just paint the ends of the "T".

Step 4: Arrange the letter on the back of the shadow box and attach using the adhesive. Follow the instructions to allow for proper dry and curing times.

Step 5: Once the monogram has cured, attach the shadow box frame and display!

With a DIY bench cushion and personalized monogram art, you can elevate your mudroom from a basic entryway to a stylish and functional space that reflects you and your family's personality. Get ready to elevate your entryway or mudroom with a personalized touch that welcomes you, your family and your guests every day.