Dog shower in the entryway: “The mudroom became the best room in our home”
In the spacious entryway of Ella Vaahterainen’s home, a designated washing station was added for the family’s dogs. It has also been a big help for the human members of the family in their everyday life. “A large entryway makes life so much easier. We have plenty of space for both dogs and people here,” Ella says.
The idea of a dog washing station was conceived over ten years ago. We hadn’t seen one anywhere, but we liked the idea of not having to carry mud-covered dogs through the bathroom.
We live in a house built by my husband’s parents, which, in typical 1970s style, has a small and cramped vestibule. When we decided to expand the house in 2010, it was clear we needed a more functional and spacious entrance. The house included a separate building with a garage and storage. Between them was a covered garden area, which we decided to convert into a new entryway. The result was a large entryway of almost ten square meters. During the renovation, we also moved the main door to face the street, making the entrance clearer and giving the entryway an even more striking look.
During the renovation, we moved the bathroom farther from the entryway, and we were wondering how we would wash our two dogs after that. In the end, the washing station found its place quite naturally in a corner that didn’t have doors but was easy to access from outside.
In hindsight, I’m happy with how functional our plans turned out, especially for the washing station. The tall tiled walls keep water from splashing everywhere when a dog shakes. A wand-style showerhead proved more effective than a regular round one, which made it hard to wash their bellies and paws. We hung all the towels and harnesses on a wall rack, and there’s also a small shelf to keep shampoo within reach. Underfloor heating dries the wet floor quickly. I also rinse off my boots in the wash corner after yard work, and collect water for the outdoor sauna.
“The kids leave their things scattered all over the dresser, but I’ve decided that’s just part of life. The entryway should feel like home.”
In 2014, we had twins, and since then, the washing station has also been used by the kids. The large entryway was a big help with double strollers as well. As the children grew, we added coat racks and hooks for outerwear as needed. Nowadays, the kids have grown so much that their clothes no longer fit the old storage solutions, but by reorganizing, we always find new space. Four times a year, I do a major cleanup and swap in the clothes for the new season.
The mudroom’s practicality is important to us, but we’ve also wanted to keep the space inviting. I try to keep the season’s necessities on top of the dresser so mornings go as smoothly as possible. The kids leave their things scattered all over the dresser, but I’ve decided that’s just part of life. The entryway should feel like home.
“Who would have thought that the mudroom would become the best room in our home?”
The mudroom has stood the test of time. Sometimes I consider updating it, but overall, I’m very pleased. The large entryway makes everyday life so much easier. We have plenty of space for both dogs and people here, and the whole family, dogs included, can get dressed side by side.
We originally set out to expand the house as a couple without children, hoping for a bit of luxury like a spacious living room and bathroom. Who would have thought that the mudroom would become the best room in our home?
