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!
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.
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!
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…
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.
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?
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!
Thanks for catching that, Erin!! Here's the link, and I'll update the post, too!
http://www.tonicliving.com/Paint-Palette-Turquoise-fabric-P3326.aspx
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!
Memories are a crazy thing, but I'm so glad you found healing! thanks for sharing that, sweet friend!! xoxo
So I am SERIOUSLY PUMPED about this! I can't way to see the "Cassiness" that you infuse into this space!
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.
Cassie, what program did you use to create the 3 D floorpans I found it so helpful, Thanks!
Karen
I would like to know too, Cassie:)
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
It's gonna be goooooood!!! Already loving what you did with the floors!
Hex tiles in a stripe?! OBSESSED!!! xx
Can't wait to see the after! Hate my laundry room. It's small and ugly! 😉
I found some wonderful clothes pin cabinet pulls on the internet that you would love. They look so great in my new laundry room.
that sounds darling!! thanks for sharing!
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!
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!
That is a great idea! Right now there's just a single overhead, but def needs more light!
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?
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!
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.
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
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.
Can't wait to see the finished product!
Zelle
Southern Style
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.
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.
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!!
Haha…now I'm curious!! But love your tips…thanks, girlie!! xo
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/
Oh, FUN! Can't wait to see it come together! Sidenote…we have the same washer and dryer set! Love that oldide but goodie!
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 🙁
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!!!
GENIUS!!
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!
Thanks so much, Cherish! I used floor planner.com for the plans! It's simple and easy to use, too!
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.
I mean, this sounds like my dream room!! I can only hope to squeeze all that in this room!! xo
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 🙂
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! 🙁
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!
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
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?
Or maybe a mirror on the wall to reflect some light??
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.
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.
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. 🙂
So true!!! We don't exactly browse washers and dryers until one dies!
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.
This sounds like a little slice of heaven!!!
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/
Love the inspiration board!
ok I'm dying to know, what pup-friendly sink did you go with?
the deepest one I can find that fits in that little cabinet!!!!
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.
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
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.
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!
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!
The white on the walls is SW Alabaster…is that what you're referring to?
No the little swatch of blue'ish/green paint by the fabric 🙂
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
No problem, I do love all the color combo though.. gorg as always 🙂 Magen