Okay gang, we’ve got big progress in the Laundry/Mudroom this week, and I’m starting to believe we’re actually going to finish it this year go-round! And I’ve honestly not been this excited about a room makeover in ages!! I like a pretty room as much as the next person, but there’s just something about all the functionality that’s being added to this space that has my heart racing. Plus, Laundry Rooms aren’t typically a favorite spot to hang out in, simply because of the chore associated with it, but if ever there’s a way to take the sting out of 10 weekly loads of laundry, this baby is it!
First up, we needed to add some sort of backsplash behind the sink, so we decided to just fill the entire wall with it. I mean really, is there anything more clean (not to mention budget-friendly!!) than good ol’ white subway tile? I love to have fun with color and pattern, but sometimes you need to just stick with the classics. After all, they’re classic for a reason. #amIright?!
Oh yeah, we also removed that sweeeeet formica edging that extended up the wall about 6-inches…that way we got a clean line of tile all the way to the countertop. The counter has seen better days, and I toyed with the idea of replacing it, but since this utility sink area takes such a beating, we decided to save the dollars and leave it.
We got the amazing new washer and dryer set last year (we’re still 100% impressed with it, by the way), but unfortunately I couldn’t open the washer lid all the way without it hitting the cabinets. Not awesome. Plus, the weird space above the cabinets just made the wall look choppy…so we just bumped that baby up to the ceiling! #problemsolved
In an attempt to give the appliances a more built-in look, we added a shelf at the back…but I did a poor job of communicating exactly what I wanted to my rockstar contractor, so we started with this dinky thing…
Turns out, that was a minor hiccup (easy for me to say since I wasn’t the one re-doing it!), and now we have this wider, thicker shelf, that not only makes the washer and dryer look more built-in, but it covers all the appliance hook-ups for a cleaner aesthetic. Oh yeah, and gives me an additional spot to store things since that cabinet is a liiiiiitle out of reach now.
We still need to paint the cabinets and put the doors back on, but you can already see how much sleeker this side of the room looks.
On the Mudroom side, we added basic trim to the back wall, and the drawers were installed.
My plan is to create a family command center of sorts in here, too (see our old one here), so we positioned outlets in the narrow shelf for a charging station.
I hit up the huge assortment of baskets at World Market, and brought five different ones home to test drive. If I were to do this again, I’d choose my baskets first, and then have the unit built to accommodate them. #oops
Oh yeah, and see the paint samples? I’m toying with the idea of painting the ceiling a fun color.
I also need to choose hardware so my contractor can attach the drawer fronts (I’m leaning towards these), along with the hooks. My goal is to have the Mudroom ready to show you next week, so send me all your positive mojo!
PS…I’m always happy to share my contractor info, just shoot me an email if you’re in the Dallas area!
I like the changes so far. A lot sleeker indeed!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Loving what I’m seeing so far! Invite me over, please! I want to just sit around and take it all in ;).
Things are looking so good! So excited to see the final reveal!!!!
Looks great! You’ve made lot of progress and looks like you will have tons of organized space! Can’t wait to see the final reveal!
Looks great so far! An organized and functional laundry room is key!
I love all the shelves, especially the ones above the washer/dryer, you’ll be able to store so much stuff in them!
http://aneducationindomestication.com
Love the shelf at the back of the washer/dryer! Very smart and will be quite useful! Wanna provide that source for the cute floral pillow?
Yes! It’s from Tonic Living! I stole it from my Living Room…using it to decide what colors I like in the room! 😉
This room is on its way to being super awesome {gorgeous + functional = super awesome!}. I have similar components in my mudrrom/laundry room and I also had a similar challenge with finding baskets to fit my cubbies. I had great luck at Target but also found some perfect ones at Michaels which surprised me. Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Ugh, yes…the dreaded driving around town picking up a variety of baskets, and hoping one will fit!!! Lesson learned for next time. 😉
lookin’ good! (since you’re using those outlets for phones, etc, did you know you can buy outlets with 2 plugins (like you have there above) plus 2 usb ports (between the plug ins). my husband found them at home depot or lowe’s. So in each outlet you can then plug in 2 usb cords and 2 plugs. Like these…. https://tinyurl.com/l2k4nub
Clever girl!! Thanks for the awesome tip!
I am loving your tile selections. Beautiful. I would love to see a color on the ceiling, maybe a green or blue?? I know you know how to rock color so I am sure it will be fabulous! Heard you on YHL’s podcast. You should do more videos, you have a lovely voice.
How nice of you to say!! I cringe every time I hear it, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to chat with John and Sherry! xo
This space is coming together so nicely! The gloss on the subway tiles helps to create the illusion of a bigger and more sleek space. Have you decided on if you are going to put a padded seat on the built in mud-room bench? That could be a great way to tie in some fun colors and a lot easier to switch out if you get tired of it later on.
Thanks for inspiration. A laundry room update has been on on lust for 2 years. This along with a 6 week power company rebate for updating to energy star appliances has pushed to get started. thanks for the great post!