I've been looking forward to this project since we first moved in! Our goal here was to create an organized wall that could hold different things through the changing seasons: things like our rainboots and gardening tools. Our mudroom is located just inside our back porch, so it's kind of the spot where indoor and outdoor living meet up.
We purchased three large wood crates from Michaels and used Cabot stain in Pecan. To get a lighter stain we brushed on one coat of stain and then wiped it off with an old rag. The darker pieces had two coats without any wiping.
We chose to hang two boards (both 5.5 inches wide). The top board has clips for family photos, and the bottom board has hooks for coats, purses etc. I thought it would be cute if in the future the hooks were designated for different family members with their photos (we need babies!), but for now I used some old family photos that mean a lot to me.
Emma hung these boards (thanks Emma!). Emma's #1 tip: Any time you hang anything on your wall, especially if you will be adding holes in the process (drilling or hammering), be sure to measure everything twice and use a level if you have one. This is something my dad has, um, aggressively encouraged, and I think he's right. There is nothing worse than hanging a board (or hook or picture frame), taking a few steps back to admire your handy work and noticing that it's just a little bit crooked. (!!!!!!!!)
Since our mudroom is located between the back porch and our kitchen, I decided this would be a good spot for cookbooks too! 
xo. Elsie + Emma
I love mudrooms! What a great way to use the space.
Posted by: tara | February 19, 2013 at 04:56 PM
I like it! It's pretty darn simple, but makes a huge difference in organization (and impact!) I like it mucho.
Posted by: Brittany @ Brittany's Joy | February 19, 2013 at 05:00 PM
This is so cute! Wonderful Job! By the way, where did you get those shoes?
Anna
Posted by: Anna | February 19, 2013 at 05:06 PM
and you can always download a level app if you don't have one! it's saved me from hanging and then rehanging a couple of times!
Posted by: Stephanie | February 19, 2013 at 05:14 PM
That is so cute! How inventive :D
Posted by: Beca | February 19, 2013 at 05:15 PM
Ahh, it looks so nice! I love this kind of decorations. haha and great tip! (it's true). x
Posted by: Cristi | February 19, 2013 at 05:41 PM
I LOVE what you did with the space, and especially the area for pics at the top! Its really homey and functional at the same time. I need some hunter boots :)
Ko-Shin
http://www.diamondlifeandstyle.com
Posted by: Ko-Shin | February 19, 2013 at 05:44 PM
I like how you were able to create an effortless looking mud room with the wooden boards for coat hooks.
Posted by: Rachel | February 19, 2013 at 05:45 PM
So adorable! I absolutely love the crates!
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Heather | February 19, 2013 at 05:47 PM
I wish I had a nook where i could do this! Love the simplicity of the clips on wood for displaying pictures :)
Posted by: Ti | February 19, 2013 at 05:50 PM
Those Hunter boots <3
I love the look of the crates. I think I could definitely find some at a flea market.
Posted by: Monica | February 19, 2013 at 05:56 PM
Love! I plan on doing something very similar to hang my daughter's artwork in her room. And we use those robe hooks for so many things (aren't they great?)! The stain color you chose is perfect!
Posted by: Faith @ Ordinary Mommy Design | February 19, 2013 at 05:58 PM
Sweet space ladies! Love the use of woods :) great design, love it!
Posted by: Melanie | February 19, 2013 at 06:01 PM
love this! I've been wanting to create a large crate shelf wall, but that can get quite expensive! I love your staining ideas
Posted by: Meghan, Flight of Fancy | February 19, 2013 at 06:04 PM
I see those crates every time I go to Michaels and I kept trying to think of a project I could use them for that the boy would use too. (My craft projects are usually pretty girly) This is perfect! And it would tidy up the entrance to our apartment too. Double score!
http://www.glitterinthequarter.com/
Posted by: Sarah | February 19, 2013 at 06:10 PM
I love this! I don't really have a mudroom, but I'm hoping the next house will have space for one. I'm all about gardening and that would be an awesome place for those tools I always need handy and don't want to lock up in the shed. And I love the two boards. So adorable!
Posted by: Tasmin Skye | February 19, 2013 at 06:13 PM
This is great inspiration! I think transitioning from outdoors to indoors is difficult, but I like this area that you've set up!
Posted by: sherri lynn | February 19, 2013 at 06:17 PM
i love the mixed stains of the wood. my husband is an engineer, so he is so much more matchy-matchy, likes things to be in neat little rows. it's my dream to convince him of something a little more like this when we buy a house....
Posted by: erin @hooleywithaz | February 19, 2013 at 06:21 PM
this sis so precious! love the crates! i've been searching for some for what feels like forever! i guess i should let them find me!
:)
johanna
http://diary.johannajohnston.com/
Posted by: johanna | February 19, 2013 at 06:49 PM
Wow, this is so cute! I wish I had a place in the house for that sort of thing. My house was custom designed by my Dad so I'd say it's a bit.. awkward :P
Posted by: Jessica | February 19, 2013 at 06:54 PM