Hello, hello! How was your weekend?! We had a blast celebrating Little Miss’s birthday, and enjoying the amazing weather. Creating and throwing her birthday parties has always been a highlight for me (see them here), but now that she’s older, I have to admit it’s really nice to leave the planning and mess to someone else! She had her party at a local gaming/laser tag/bowling spot, and the kids ran themselves ragged. It was awesome.
I’d like to say we came home to a clean house, but with a new makeover in the works, things are a little unsettled. You’ll have to dig deep in your memory banks, but remember our Laundry/Mudroom Makeover? Yeah, the one we started last April!?!? I seriously had no idea an entire year had passed since we made any progress on this room, but such is life, right!?
But my rockstar contractor is back, and we’re full steam ahead! Last we left it…we’d added new floors, lighting, sink, and a spiffy washer and dryer pair. (See it all here.)Â Definitely a big improvement from where we started (see the Befores here), but it was only the beginning.
The uneven cabinets looked dated and patched-together, but I didn’t want to replace them completely, so we removed the shorter one over the sink. With the additional Mudroom storage, the cabinets weren’t needed anyway. You can see it’s already opened up the wall.
Next we’ll raise the remaining cabinet flush to the ceiling…this will create a more streamlined look, and allow me to fully open the washer lid! #necessaryevil The wall behind the sink is constantly being splashed, so we’re adding tile, too. I’m also hoping to find a way to frame the washer and dryer so it looks more built-in (even though it’s a top loader), and hides the plumbing hookups.
As for the Mudroom side of the room…we left it looking just as it did the day we moved in…
First we removed the sad little hooks that barely held a backpack, and wired the wall for electricity (hello, charging station!).
And my genius contractor took my crude sketch, and turned it into this custom Mudroom! So far we’ve got the cubbies and bench in place, and you can see where the drawers will go at the bottom.
I was going to add dividers above the bench, sort of like lockers, but I think leaving it open will be a better fit for our needs. I’m still undecided on the wall, too…I think beadboard would be too busy with the hex floors, and more tile might be overkill (and an unnecessary expense). I’ll likely stick with basic trim, and flat front drawer panels. Regardless, I’m so excited to see this space finally come together! I’ve been envisioning it for two years…and I reached my limit of tripping over backpacks about a year ago!
Stay tuned for more updates next week, and a big Dressing Room Diaries starring my darling Mama Sugarplum tomorrow!
Love the new shelving. At least you’re moving things along now, even if it’s after one year – better late than never! 😉
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Cupboard that don’t reach the ceiling are the bane of my life! What are we supposed to do with that unreachable space? It creates shadows and just looks so untidy – so great idea lifting those cupboards!
Though, truth be told, I’d need a Tommy Turtle to reach the top shelf – but I can see you’ve got a step ladder, so you’ve obviously thought of everything. The room is looking amazing x
I’m loving these home update posts!! They’re my FAVORITE of yours!!
And now I want to update my laundry room.
Totally loving the tile in your laundry room. We have an unfinished portion of the basement where the laundry resides. I don’t think it will ever be cute! Can’t wait to see the finished space!
ahhhh… a reliable contractor is better than flowers and jewelry! laura
Excited to see what this ends up looking like! I love (LOVE!) storage, and useful spaces – in my opinion, so much more fun to ponder/consider/look at on blogs than “pretty spaces” because they’re just so darn useful. 🙂
I agree! I get into a beautiful room as much as the next gal, but I really love seeing how people manage the “stuff”
I’ve put off finishing our laundry room because I just can’t nail down a plan with the washing machine. I stuck with a top load because that is what I prefer, but the front load makes decorating so much easier and streamlined. I’m so excited to see how you deal with your top load washing machine. I always love your decisions.
You could totally hang a drying rod over the sink.
Also curious where do you keep your vacuum?
I am in process of my laundry room as well and just cannot make a plan.
Looks like you have yours under control and its going to look awesome.
I found a little drying rack that folds up next to the dryer! As for the vacuum…I keep it in the hall coat closet. xo
Better late than never that is for sure! This space has already come a long way and I can not wait to see it completed! I have a magnetic chore board and calendar in my mud room and it is a life saver for my family. Not only is a cute piece of home decor but it keeps us organized.
I’m excited to see how you finish this space, especially how you deal with the top load washer! Your home is some colorful and beautiful!