The Breaking Point

“One day I realized that the mudroom wasn’t a mudroom anymore — it was a dumping ground,” says Sue Costello. “Anytime somebody didn’t know where to put something, it would go down there.” Besides the family’s outdoor gear, the space harbored half-done craft projects, wrapping paper, games, an X-Acto knife, and a lifetime supply of plastic bags. “It was out of control,” says Sue. “It was a great space, but I didn’t know what to do with it. I wanted to make it work.”

What She Likes

The roomy space. Ten-year-old Peter can even play with his bowling set in the hallway.

Access to both the garage and the backyard.

The dresser, a family heirloom.

What She Dislikes

“It’s a chaotic catchall,” says Sue. “I can’t find what I need.”

The space is drab, without much natural light.

Their belongings are still largely separated into “his” family’s stuff and “her” family’s stuff.