Space of the Week: Sage Green Paint and Olive Wallpaper Bring the Outdoors Into This Family's Mudroom

Brittany Goodman

Brittany Goodman's mudroom is used to rolling with the punches. She lives in Virginia with her husband and three young kids, and if that weren't enough of a reason for this alcove to be accommodating, she has others—well, at least 28, anyway.

"We live on about eight acres," she says. "Besides us, we also have two dogs, 26 chickens, and a whole lot of bees. We're making the most of our land, and have so enjoyed having space to roam free."

In the nearly two years since her family traded the city for the country, Goodman has slowly infused this house's new-build cleanliness with her traditional-meets-modern style. "I designed the mudroom to have cubbies for all of our stuff on one side of the room, and put the laundry area on the other side," Goodman says. "I included a sink on the laundry side with a floating shelf and a designated spot for our laundry cart." She added beadboard and a peg rail for even more texture and storage, and painted the trim in sage green to match the rest of the home's natural palette. It was a beautiful space that could handle the home's daily commotions, but it still lacked depth.

"The walls of the mudroom were left white, and there is a small transitional area between the main part of the mudroom and the entrance to our pantry and kitchen that was also left bare," she says. "I wanted to find a way to tie it all together."

Brittany Goodman

Goodman found the solution in sheets of verdant wallpaper, which resemble olive leaves cascading down vines. The pattern seemed to be the perfect finishing touch, but after it was installed, she thought it needed one last detail to make it feel truly grounded: paint. In a project that took about a week, Goodman covered everything in sage, from the door to the cubbies. "Once I decided to go for it, I realized it was the best decision," she says. "It makes me smile every time I get a peek at the wallpaper and paint from the kitchen." A few accessories—like a clock, mirror, and mail collector—rounded out a quick upgrade, giving this mudroom a fresh reason to flex. At least for now.

"I'm still looking for storage solutions for our laundry supplies, and I may end up building a cabinet in one corner of the room," Goodman says. "It's all about adding layers in over time."

RELATED: Where to Shop for Gorgeous Wallpapers—And Pro Tips for Applying It

Brittany Goodman

Get the Look:

Dried Thyme by Sherwin Williams

Shades of sage green are trending right now, and Dried Thyme by Sherwin Williams is a crowd-pleasing mid-tone green. By painting the trim, shelves, and top half of the walls to match, the color creates a cohesive look.

Olive Grove Wallpaper

Created as a collaboration between two of our favorite home brands, Schoolhouse and Hygge & West, this olive branch-bedecked wallpaper will convince anyone to break up with plain painted walls. To make the project easier (and more affordable) follow Goodman's lead and wallpaper just the top portion of the wall.

Iron Entryway Shelf Set

To maximize wall space, this entryway shelf set provides a spot to stash incoming mail, newspapers, keys, and homework assignments.

Craft Paper Roll for Reminders

So family members can jot down notes, reminders, or inspirational quotes, Goodman hung a craft paper roll on the mudroom wall.