On Scott’s Vacation House Rules, we don’t just make vacation properties look great, we design them to work hard, especially for families and guests on the go. At our Riverside Retreat project in Season 5, we knew we needed to create spaces that could handle everyday use while still looking clean, modern, and polished. Two of the standout areas in this transformation? A mudroom that makes an entrance, and a coffee station that turns everyday routines into moments of calm.

A Mudroom That Welcomes You Home

Let’s be honest, mudrooms are one of the most underrated spaces in any home. But at Riverside Retreat, we made it a design feature. The room was reimagined with Wood Crest Cabinetry that blends seamlessly into the rest of the home’s modern look, using a cozy Aberdeen paint finish on their Keelie door style. We included tall lockers for coats, hidden storage for shoes and gear, and a clean bench area to drop bags or kick off boots. And the best part, we installed a Murphy bed to provide extra guest space when needed.

The result is a space that’s functional, clutter-free, and stylish. Just the thing you want after a day by the river.

Design Tip: To keep a mudroom feeling bright and welcoming, stick to mid-tone cabinet finishes and keep the layout simple. Add hooks or open cubbies for grab-and-go convenience.

Coffee Station Goals: A Calm Corner for Morning Moments

Not every vacation property has room for a full butler’s pantry, but that doesn’t mean you can’t carve out a coffee nook that makes mornings easier and more enjoyable. Just off the kitchen at Riverside Retreat, we tucked in a beautiful little coffee station using Wood Crest Cabinetry’s Cochrane door style in Nordic finish, a similar colour as the kitchen. It created a cohesive, elevated look while providing guests with a dedicated spot to prepare their morning brew (or a late-night glass of wine).

Floating shelves provided a light, airy touch above the counter. Perfect for mugs, canisters, or even a few decorative touches that bring the space to life.

Design Tip: When planning a coffee station, choose a spot near a water line or power source and keep it close to where guests gather. Matching cabinetry ties it to the main kitchen, while under-cabinet lighting can elevate the look even more.

Cohesive Design That Connects the Home

One of the most successful parts of this project was how the cabinetry worked across multiple zones. Using Wood Crest’s Aberdeen finish in the mudroom and a clean white Nordic finish on the coffee nook created a sense of flow and connection. Even though these spaces serve different functions, they feel like they belong together.

It’s a subtle design move that makes the home feel custom, and that’s exactly what you want in a vacation rental that stands out from the crowd.

At Riverside Retreat, we used modern cabinetry and smart design thinking to transform functional spaces into features. Whether it’s keeping gear organized or brewing the perfect cup, this home proves that the small details make a big difference. For more inspiration, styles, and finishes, visit woodcrestcabinets.ca.