Laundry Room | Befores & Plans

Some room makeovers are well-planned or evolve organically over time, while others happen suddenly out of necessity. Thanks to a nearly-dead dryer, the Laundry Room makeover just shot to the top of the list around here.

I thought about calling this #ProjectDirtyLaundry…but you have to be careful with keywords on the internets these days! I mean, who knows the kind of reader that search could have brought over, right?! #nojudgementshere #thisisasafeplace However you got here, I’m thrilled…and pretty darn excited about this unexpected Laundry Room Makeover!

Hi Sugarplum | Laundry Room Makeover

I tried to be meticulous about taking Before shots of this house before moving in, but apparently my definition of meticulous includes overlooking the Laundry Room, because the only pics I have are after we ripped up the tile floor! (It was the same tile as throughout the Kitchen, you can see it here.)


I’ve never had more than a laundry closet, so the fact that it’s a legit, walk-in room was definitely a selling point for me. The sink, storage potential, and location by the back door, means it can also act as a Mudroom. Right now it’s more of a dumping ground that happens to house our washer/dryer, but I’m excited to turn this space into more of a full-functioning, multi-use Utility Room.

Hi Sugarplum | Utility Room

Hi Sugarplum | Utility Room

We started a few cosmetic changes before moving in, like painting the fleshy-yellow walls white, but I wanted to see how we actually used the space before diving in with much more. Now that we’ve been here a year, I’m ready to tackle one of the most-used rooms in the house!

Hi Sugarplum | Utility Room

Hi Sugarplum | Utility Room

Hi Sugarplum | Laundry Room Makeover

Hi Sugarplum | Laundry Room Makeover

{The Plans}

1 // Replace sink and faucet with larger versions…something deep enough to bathe Maggie.

2 // Add cabinets, drawers, and more hooks to the nook area, so it can serve as a full Mudroom/Drop Zone.

3 // Replace ancient washer and dryer with more efficient models. These guys have been with us forever and are true work-horses, but running the dryer four cycles for a single load isn’t good for the environment, or our clothes!

4 // Carve out spots for laundry storage, like a drying rack and ironing board, as well as, a space for cleaning supplies like brooms and mops.

Here are my crude floor plans to give you an idea of the space and placement…

Hi Sugarplum | Utility Room

Hi Sugarplum | Utility Room

Hi Sugarplum | Utility Room

I think the Laundry Room is kind of like Powder Baths, in that it’s a space to go a little wild and have some fun. So while my first goal is to squeeze all the function I can out of it, my second is to make it a lively space.

Hi Sugarplum | Utility Room

Pendant //  I’ve been dying to add this light somewhere, 
and I think it’s the right amount of fun for this room.
Mudroom Lockers & Cabinets // Since the nook is an odd-sized space, 
I’m hoping my contractor can work his magic like he did 
Fabric // We’ll inject some color & pattern with a roman shade on the window.
Paint // I’m still undecided on the exact shade, 
but the ceiling is just asking for a color punch.
Faucet // The height and detachable sprayer will make the sink area more multi-functioning.
Washer & Dryer // These Samsung models do twice the work in half the time…
and the stainless steel black is so chic.
Black & White Hex Tile //  Laid in a stripe pattern, it adds personality and interest.

The sink and faucet have been swapped out, as have the floors, and the new washer and dryer is being delivered next week from Nebraska Furniture Mart (it’s on sale, so we jumped on it!)…so we’re off to a great start! I’ll report back on our progress soon!

Do you have a multi-function Laundry space? What tips do you have to help me make the most of ours?

Leave a Comment

61 Comments

  1. Erin wrote:

    Can't wait to see how it all turns out! I'm loving the plan. Would you check the fabric link? It is bringing me to a Sarah Richardson quote on tonicliving rather than to the fabric. Thanks!

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  2. I am so excited about this!! After I had a miscarriage, I decided to makeover my laundry room…and it was excellent therapy. For the years we lived there following, that cozy little space always reminded me of healing. It's a wonder what a little paint and TLC can do for the home and heart!

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • Memories are a crazy thing, but I'm so glad you found healing! thanks for sharing that, sweet friend!! xoxo

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  3. So I am SERIOUSLY PUMPED about this! I can't way to see the "Cassiness" that you infuse into this space!

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  4. Christina wrote:

    I'm so excited for this! We have a spacious laundry room/pantry that I've been scheming up ideas for. I love the idea of painting the ceiling! I'm sort of thinking white walls and a punch of color in the ceiling for ours now.

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  5. Karen wrote:

    Cassie, what program did you use to create the 3 D floorpans I found it so helpful, Thanks!
    Karen

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • I would like to know too, Cassie:)

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • It's pretty basic and easy to learn….floorplanner.com
      I think it's even free for the basic version! i only just upgraded to a membership because I wanted to be able to save multiple boards. Hope this helps! xo

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  6. It's gonna be goooooood!!! Already loving what you did with the floors!

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  7. Hex tiles in a stripe?! OBSESSED!!! xx

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  8. MelissaG wrote:

    Can't wait to see the after! Hate my laundry room. It's small and ugly! 😉

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  9. I found some wonderful clothes pin cabinet pulls on the internet that you would love. They look so great in my new laundry room.

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • that sounds darling!! thanks for sharing!

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  10. This is exciting! I have the tiniest laundry room and it's a pass through from the garage to the den so it has two doors. Can't wait to see what you do!

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  11. Lori wrote:

    I think little spaces, like laundry rooms, can be so much fun. I love your ideas and I'm so jealous…..your new washer and dryer! I would make sure you add plenty of lighting, nobody likes a dark laundry room, and a place to hang wet clothes. Can't wait to see it finished!

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • That is a great idea! Right now there's just a single overhead, but def needs more light!

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  12. Patricia wrote:

    Sneak a fold down drying rack somewhere in there.Something ALWAYS needs to dry flat. Also I always need to hang up clothes on hangers straight out of the dryer (ain't got no time to be ironing!). I bought a fold up rack from Ikea you can wall mount. And made my own hanging clothes rod (four ft section of heavy doweling with big screw eyes on each end to hold the chains I hung from the ceiling). Very helpful.
    Make it pretty! Ooh, this would be great for the one room challenge. Too bad you're not entered. Maybe do this as your own version of it?

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • Oh yes, I love the idea of your hanging rod! I think those things will likely come last, so I can see how much space I have left! I'm missing the ORC this time, too, but you can only do two in a row!

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  13. How much space do you have between the dryer and the wall with the window? I also have a dryer that vents out the side and it creates a large dead space between the dryer and wall. Your space appears minimal. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • It's probably no more than 6-inches…I wish it were flush, but I'm thinking maybe that's a good spot for a fold-up step stool! 😉 #shorty

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • Thanks for the response. And good idea. Despite searching Houzz and Pinterest, I have yet to find a good solution to disguise/minimize the space. I am excited that you have a similar galley style laundry room and appreciate the inspiration.

      Posted 4.15.16 Reply
  14. Zelle B. wrote:

    Can't wait to see the finished product!

    Zelle
    Southern Style

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  15. ali9570 wrote:

    We have a multi-use laundry space as well. We bought two of the Ikea Grundtal drying racks – OMG, they have been lifesavers because I do laundry for four people. If you don't already have one, a hanger organizer is also a must for keeping the hangers up off the floor or becoming a hot mess. Also, a shelf over the washer and dryer so I keep my dryer balls and stain removers in a basket and then the soap in a pretty dispenser with a drip catcher.

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • Such great tips!! I've got my eye on the Ikea drying racks…I'm thinking I'll mount it under the window!? I do need to figure out a hanging solution, though.

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  16. I can't wait to see the Roman shades; love the pretty fabric! Thinking a splash of periwinkle blue for the ceiling. Makes it fresh, plus it's not overly girly or masculine.
    At our first house, we spent $85+ on a handmade wooden drying rack that could not move with us. After moving, I bought a beautiful brushed nickel shower curtain spring rod to hang wet clothes; was very happy with the functional and modern look. Now, at our third place, the washer/dryer is outside; don't even ask!!

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • Haha…now I'm curious!! But love your tips…thanks, girlie!! xo

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  17. Nikki G wrote:

    The plans look spectacular! I love the splash of color on the ceiling…. I am currently doing that to my guest bath!
    🙂
    http://gwingal.blogspot.com/

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  18. campdallas wrote:

    Oh, FUN! Can't wait to see it come together! Sidenote…we have the same washer and dryer set! Love that oldide but goodie!

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • I love it too…but I came home today and found the dryer still running. From 7am this morning!!! And the heat coil burned out. It's time to retire them 🙁

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  19. Kristen wrote:

    When we moved into our current house almost 10 years ago I remodeled our laundry room as the very first thing we did (even though the entire house needed a makeover). My husband thought I was crazy but it was the smartest thing I ever did! It's not a beautiful, functional room that we go in/out of many times a day. We ripped out a akward narrow desk with closet doors and turn it into awesome cubby/locker spaces (like yours). I am sure you have already thought of this but put power strips underneath with holes into the cubby so that you can charge all your stuff!!!

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  20. I can't wait to see how this turns out! I love the paint color and fabric you chose to pair w. the tile floor. Would you mind sharing what program/site you use to create floor plans? We just bought our dream home (great bones but lots of projects) and this would be SO useful!

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • Thanks so much, Cherish! I used floor planner.com for the plans! It's simple and easy to use, too!

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  21. So excited to see how this turns out! Our large laundry room also serves as a mudroom. Built in cubbies for each person are a lifesaver, as well as a wall mounted drying rack (I diy'd a version of the Ballard designs one) and a place to hang clothes and store hangers. I also have a folding counter with laundry basket storage underneath. Our command center is also located in our laundry room. A dedicated spot for pet supplies is also a good idea.

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • I mean, this sounds like my dream room!! I can only hope to squeeze all that in this room!! xo

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  22. Shannon wrote:

    So…my dryer did the same thing where I had to run it three or four times to get the clothes completely dry. Annoying. But the problem ended up being the vent to the outside! It was completely clogged up with lint from who knows how many years of use (we only lived there a year). Anyway…just thought I would let you know that you might want to check that too, I heard it can be a fire hazard, yikes! Love that new set you are getting…I have my eyes on some Samsung units now 🙂

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • I've heard of that happening…so awful!! We've cleaned it all out, gotten new tube thingies…the whole deal. The heating coil went out today, so I think it's official retired! 🙁

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
  23. Unknown wrote:

    Just a heads up on that pendant….the smaller one only takes max 40watt and might not be enough overhead light alone. The larger one takes a 60watt but is huge!

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • Okay, where were you a few weeks ago when we hung it!! It's so dim!!! But I love the light…now I'm brainstorming more light ideas to increase the brightness! xo

      Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • Unknown wrote:

      Eek! I'm sorry! I thought I commented this BEFORE you hung it! But just read your recent update today where you show progress and thought "oh no!!"
      It IS a cool and funky light though! We have ours in a playroom with four recessed cans lights for additional overhead light…. Maybe that is an option?

      Posted 4.28.16 Reply
    • Unknown wrote:

      Or maybe a mirror on the wall to reflect some light??

      Posted 4.28.16 Reply
  24. HA! We added that light a few months ago to our laundry/mud room! I love the light but it is too dim so we are going to add a couple of can lights to give the space a little more light where we need it most.

    Posted 4.14.16 Reply
    • Where were you when I ordered it??? 😉 It's up now, and yes, not very bright!! I'll have to add another light source somewhere.

      Posted 4.15.16 Reply
  25. Appliances sure do have a way of shooting to the top of the needs list, don't they? It's rare that we leisurely shop for these items. Nice job, as per your usual. 🙂

    Posted 4.15.16 Reply
    • So true!!! We don't exactly browse washers and dryers until one dies!

      Posted 4.15.16 Reply
  26. My laundry room is also my craft room/gift wrapping room It is rather large but is divided into sections. One thing we do love is a nook with with an overhead bar for hanging clothes along with a counter for folding clothes. Cabinets provide storage underneath. The gift wrap station is in a nook next to the folding area. It is an old Hoosier that my husband made into the gift wrap closet. Search for it on Pinterest.

    Posted 4.15.16 Reply
    • This sounds like a little slice of heaven!!!

      Posted 4.15.16 Reply
  27. Jalene wrote:

    We are currently working on a mudroom, too! (Separate from laundry, though). You should check out our plans! Also, we have that Ikea pendant in our kids' playroom, and we LOVE it!! http://www.ourcorneroftheworldblog.com/one-room-challenge-week-one/

    Posted 4.15.16 Reply
  28. Love the inspiration board!

    Posted 4.15.16 Reply
  29. ok I'm dying to know, what pup-friendly sink did you go with?

    Posted 4.15.16 Reply
    • the deepest one I can find that fits in that little cabinet!!!!

      Posted 4.15.16 Reply
  30. Tiffany wrote:

    I'm still working on color and finishing touches, but I have all the foundation pieces and I absolutely love our space!!! Two of my favorite things are the built in and the Ballard's laundry rack. For the drying rack, I got the largest size and it helps so much to dry all of our delicate in a confined manner. We had our built ins specially designed to suit our family's needs. There are cabinets along the top, a row of open shelves beneath that, then cubbies (with a set of hooks on each side instead of one on the back wall – genius!), and finally, a row of deep, wide drawers that are big enough to hold basketballs, rollerblades, etc. Seriously, they may be my favorite feature. 17dx18"wx10"h. The kids can put almost anything in them and a clean out every week or two keeps them under control. I used Pinterest to give me a lot of ideas but my builder was also invaluable with his suggestions.

    Posted 4.15.16 Reply
    • Thanks so much for these great tips!! I'm in the process of sketching out the mudroom nook and trying to add as many useful parts as possible!! xo

      Posted 4.15.16 Reply
  31. My laundry space…ugh….the one thing I really just hate about my house. Definitely could use a room more like yours . Can't wait to see the finished project.

    Posted 4.15.16 Reply
  32. Kristen wrote:

    I can't wait to see how your laundry space looks when you're done! I love how you incorporate fun into every space while still keeping things useful. We're in the process of moving into a new house and have an actual laundry room now and I'm so excited to spruce it up in the future!

    Posted 4.18.16 Reply
  33. MCherie wrote:

    We are redoing our laundry room too and this is such inspiration. what is the name of the paint color you have in the photo, it's perfect!

    Posted 4.28.16 Reply
    • The white on the walls is SW Alabaster…is that what you're referring to?

      Posted 4.28.16 Reply
    • MCherie wrote:

      No the little swatch of blue'ish/green paint by the fabric 🙂

      Posted 4.28.16 Reply
    • Aaaah, that's not a specific color, just a generic color I found when googling 'mint paint swatch'! I'm actually going to color match from whatever fabric I settle on for the shade. I'm sorry I can't be of more help!! xo

      Posted 4.28.16 Reply
    • MCherie wrote:

      No problem, I do love all the color combo though.. gorg as always 🙂 Magen

      Posted 4.29.16 Reply