Is anyone else wondering how summer flew by? One minute we’re planning BBQs, and the next we’re staring down school supply lists, sports schedules and early morning routines. As a mom of two boys, I know firsthand how hectic this season can feel, but here’s the good news: Your home can actually help. Yep, with the right interior design choices in key areas like the kitchen, mudroom and laundry room, your home can run smoother, feel calmer and even look better doing it. This August, I want to share a few ways we’ve designed our home to support our family’s lifestyle – with a little drama and style sprinkled in, of course.

The Mudroom Makeover: Organized, Stylish and 100% Worth It!

Let’s talk about the hardest-working space in our home right now: the mudroom.

This summer, we finally created our own drop zone, and honestly, it’s been life-changing. It’s where backpacks, soccer gear, new school supplies, lunch boxes and, yes, even the returns I always forget in the trunk are right there on the way out the door. Everything is visible, grab-and-go. But function doesn’t mean boring! I had a little fun with this one:

• We had our custom cabinetry painted matte black for a bold, dramatic touch

• Added brass hardware for a hint of industrial aesthetics

• And used a fun, modern black and tan textured abstract wallpaper to give it personality

The hallway paint is a low-VOC, scrubbable finish (a must when you have kids who somehow always manage to touch the walls), and everything is designed to be beautiful and practical.

If you don’t have a designated mudroom, you can create a similar setup in a hallway with a console table, wall hooks and a few labeled bins. The goal is to reduce the clutter before it enters the rest of your home.

Pantry Power: Mornings Made Easy

Another space we gave a glow-up? The pantry – because if your kids are anything like mine, mornings are a full-contact sport.

We redesigned our pantry to be kid-friendly and system-focused. Clear bins, snackstations, labeled baskets…it’s all about making it easy for the boys to grab what they need on their own. Bonus: I no longer get asked 12 times a day where the protein bars are located.

If you’re ready for a pantry upgrade, you’ve got options:

• Go all in with a custom built-in pantry for that seamless, high-end look

• Or keep it simple with wood shelf covers and a mix of labeled bins and baskets

And for a touch of style? Add wallpaper or color drench the space! It’s an unexpected design detail that adds color and pattern and it looks amazing peeking out behind glass jars or open shelving.

Design tip: By using zoning, visual hierarchy and organization systems, even your pantry can be a space that works harder and looks better.

Laundry Room Love: From Dreaded to Dreamy

Let’s be honest, laundry isn’t exactly the highlight of anyone’s week. But your laundry room can be a space you actually enjoy spending time in.

We gave ours a mini-makeover by adding:

• Upper cabinetry and floating shelves for storage

• Pretty glass apothecary vases for detergent pods and scent beads

• A glass drink dispenser (yes, like the ones for lemonade!) for liquid fabric softener

• And stylish bins for sprays and dryer sheets

My favorite laundry tip? Everyone in the house gets their own laundry basket, and we do laundry separately. That way, there’s no sorting, no mixing, and no one blaming anyone else for shrinking their favorite hoodie. It’s a simple system that makes the whole process easier. No mess, no stress.

Thoughtful Design Makes a Big Difference

Interior design isn’t just about what looks good – it’s about creating a home that makes your life easier. Whether it’s adding functionality to your entryway, creating a stylish system in the pantry, or making your laundry room feel a little less…laundry-ish, good design supports the way your family lives, moves and grows. As we all get back into our routines this August, I encourage you to take a fresh look at your space. What’s working? What’s not? And what small changes could make a big impact? Because when your home flows, life does too.

Want help designing your own drop zone, pantry system or laundry glow-up? Reach out to an interior designer where we tackle your goals, review inspiration and create a plan to make your home work beautifully for you – just in time for the new school year. Let’s make your space feel intentional, inspiring and just a little fabulous.