Recently, we completed a major Laundry Room renovation
here at The Everyday Home.
In typical DIY-style, my one week schedule morphed into
a long-drawn out three week schedule – where the laundry
situation got so bad I almost resorted to stealing
The Hubbs’ last pair of clean underwear.
(the only clean pair left in the house)
True to form, not only did the schedule increase like a
pair of stretch pants at an All-You-Can-Eat Chinese Buffet,
so did the budget.
The budget literally imploded. It was ugly.
There were bits of budget all over the place.
Messy, I say. Just messy.
Here is the BEFORE of my Laundry Room, to give
you a good idea of where started.
It put a whole new meaning to ugly and inefficient.
Don’t hate.
But, in the end – I am thrilled with my new laundry room.
When I was planning the renovation, I sat down and created
a list of goals I hoped to accomplish. This list, also, helped
me establish a budget goal.
As the budget grew, the list would shrink.
I had to mark things off the list
such as a Maid’s Quarters. Dagnabbit!
Here are the 8 Tips I used to Create a
Great Laundry Room:
1) Walls/Color:
My laundry room, unfortunately, did not have a window,
so I knew that “color” would be a relative term. My color scheme
would be primarily white, for a good reason.
But, if you are blessed to have a window in your
laundry room, your options are much broader. Take for
example, this beautiful laundry room above.
The cool blue color adds an element that a white or neutral
wall could never offer.
I also wrapped 3/4 of my Laundry Room with Beadboard.
(the ceiling, too!)
I love the tile backsplash seen below…
So basically, your budget will determine your walls – paint being
the cheapest and quickest fix – and tile being on the higher end.
2) Flooring:
I’m pretty sure that “carpet” does not rank too high on anyone’s
choice for Laundry Room flooring. At least the wall to wall kind.
Whether you choose a more budget-friendly vinyl or a
laminate, or a more design forward tile… durability is key.
In my laundry room, I never have muddy clothes or dirty,
stinky socks or dripping-wet bathing suits. Oh wait, that’s
my dream home with the Maid’s Quarters.
I chose a new flooring system available at The Home Depot
because I loved that it was a DIY-able, durable – and I simply
loved the look.
This picture is pre-grout. While it is very pretty, I did not find
it very easy to install. I cannot attest to it’s durability factor as
it is relatively new, but I will say if it survives this house,
it’s probably a sure thing it can survive other
Laundry Rooms, too.
3) Cabinetry and Shelving:
When we did the demo, my son and I ripped out the original
cabinetry. It was ugleeeeeey – so no big loss. I knew I would
be putting in a new stackable washer and dryer, so there would
not be any room for cabinets.
My Laundry Room also pulls double-duty as my Pantry.
Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to one of the worst
planned custom-built homes you will ever find. There was
NO pantry added when this home was originally built. And,
to clue you in on how “observant” I was…I did not realize
this fact until I was unpacking the boxes marked
“Pantry” from the last house.
(talk about a forehead slapping moment.)
We chose the laminated wire shelving system below, even
though The Hubbs wanted to use painted, white wood shelving.
From a design stance, I absolutely agreed with him. I knew
that the painted wood shelving would look so much more
pleasing to the room as a whole.
But, I chose practicality over aesthetics. I wanted the
convenience of being able to raise and lower the shelves
as my pantry needs evolved.
(aka as I needed more baskets and containers.)
So, while these may not be my optimal choice, they serve
their needs well.
This look below would have been a dream set-up for me…
Shelving which holds large wicker baskets for sorting clothes.
In my case, the baskets would be marked “Stinky Socks Which
Smell Like Death;” “Wet Towels Left on the Bathroom Floor;”
and, “That Stain Looks Like It Has Set Up Residence.”
Speaking of cabinets, my first apartment didn’t have this many.
Swoon!
Cabinetry can be expensive, so think about substituting some
pretty open shelving instead.
4) Storage and Organizing
“We have way too much storage and couldn’t possibly
need any more.”
– Said no Homeowner ever.
I had a few main goals in mind when I was planning the
Laundry Room reno.
Storage and Organization was very high on the list. With
minimal square footage to work with, I knew I had to utilize
some space which often goes overlooked and underused.
Look up, my friends. The ceiling is the limit.
We built an inexpensive shelf and added baskets from Kmart
so I could use them to store paper towels and tissue and lightbulbs,
and whatever else I could stuff (oh I mean organize) up there.
This is a great idea, below, if you have a closet door…
This set-up below, is ideal for a family.
One basket for every family member.
5) Lighting:
While some may think Lighting-Schmighting – it’s a Laundry Room.
I say “let it shine, baby!” I think your Laundry Room is a place
where you can have fun and do something creative and unexpected.
You can create something yourself such as this cute
Laundry Pin Fixture…
… to creating a fixture from a vintage colander.
(source)
Be original. Use something that makes you smile every time
you flip on that light switch.
6) Washer and Dryer:
Now granted, this particular “tip” is one that is very personal
to everyone, and is also something that some of you can skip
(you already have a washer and dryer)…or you may find
of interest because you might find yourself in the market
sometime in the future. We needed a new set. Our old set
was perfectly fine and possibly, could have lasted a few more
years, but to gain the space we needed – we had to purchase
a new stackable set. But, because I have other plans for
expanding my pantry in the future, I wanted a set that
could convert back to a regular singular standing washer and
dryer. I did do some research, and we decided on the
Samsung VLT brand. Samsung is in no way paying me to say
this, but I want to say I LOVE MY WASHER AND DRYER,
if it is possible to do so. Can you love something which
requires you to work and slave long hours?
I adore the brightly-colored and personality-filled washers
and dryers…
Here’s how you can really add your own personality to
you appliances.
Whatever you already have – or if you’re gonna be in the market,
there is no doubt that a washer and dryer is THE major
component of the Laundry Room.
Even if it is polka dotted.
7) Convenience:
What exactly does convenience have to do with a Laundry Room?
Well, I guess you would have to be the lucky owner of THE
most inconvenient Laundry Room ever, to know the difference.
(That would have been me!)
Take the cute ironing board hanger above. It’s the little
conveniences as simple as being able to quickly access
your ironing board that can make the labor
of laundry a little easier.
I put some thought into the details which would allow me to
have some basic items at my fingertips. Detergent, fabric softener,
clothes pin, hangers. While you want a pretty Laundry Room,
let’s face it – convenience is an absolute necessity, too.
8) Makin’ it Pretty:
I won’t lie. The whole time we were up to our eyeballs in sheetrock
dust and caulk and paint…and more caulk – my mind was awhirl
with the part of the remodel I looked forward to the most.
Makin’ it pretty.
A laundry room is probably one of the most functional rooms
in your home, but no one said it had to be boring and bland.
Most of you know me pretty well, and you know that I am all
about the details. I love that the details of a room immediately
speak of the personality of the homeowner. I wanted something
inexpensive and fun and unexpected in our laundry room,
so I grabbed some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, an artist’s
canvas and a package of old fashioned clothespins. A few
hot glue sticks later, I had created this easy and almost free
Laundry Room Art.
I love this next inspirational picture below because it pulls in
so many of the above tips, all in one beautiful package.
1) Color : This homeowner used beautiful tiles on the backsplash
that added a burst of color to the room, and played up the
design aesthetics to the hilt.
2) Cabinetry :
An abundance of cabinetry offered lots of convenient storage.
3) Makin’ it Pretty:
The wall graphics are fun and unexpected.
The perfect example of a Laundry Room that meets the needs of the
homeowner, but also meets the needs of the purpose of the room.
So, that’s the 8-Tips I put to use when I was in the planning
stages of my Laundry Room. I hope this will be inspirational
and informative, if and when, you ever do a Laundry Room
renovation or redesign of your own.
Now, excuse me… my laundry piles are multiplying faster than
Rabbits on fertility drugs.
Would you do me a huge favor?
If you loved this article would you please
PIN this image to your favorite Pinterest Boards?
{scroll over center of image and click on the “p”}
Thank you for spending a few
minutes of your day here with me.
You can follow along with
The Everyday Home here….
xxoo, Barb
Here are some of the Link Parties I may be sharing this post with.
You can find more parties on my Linky Party Page.
Metamorpis Monday | The Scoop | Do Tell Tuesday | homework | Get Your Shine On
Inspire Me Tuesday | The Handmade Hangout | Share Your Style
French Country Cottage | Inspiration Gallery | Tatertots and Jello
Suzy @ Worthing Court says
Your laundry room turned out perfectly, Barb. I love all of the inspiration pics that you used. I always seem to get so wrapped up in the inspiration that my “plans” never actually go anywhere. lol
View CommentBarb says
LOL, I know what you mean. Even when we were in the middle of the reno I would go on Pinterest trying to see if I had missed something I should be doing/adding. Its a sickness. 🙂 xxoo
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
I love the clothespin light fixture….great ideas…recently placed that laundry decal in my laundry room..love it!
View CommentBarb says
I had forgot you had that graphic, too. Its one of my faves. Yes, that is a cute idea for a fixture.
View CommentYvonne @ StoneGable says
Oh my Barb…your laundry room is an inspiration! This is such a great and thorough post. My laundry room is on my radar… so I’ll be using this post as a springboard!!!! I need everything from floor to ceiling… except a washer and dryer. Mine is 20 years old and just won’t die!!!!
View CommentI love love love your new laundry room!!!!
I’m going to have to do the beadboard ceiling just like your’s . It is wonderful.!!!!
Thanks for inspiring me and giving me some great ideas and direction!!!
Lots of love to you!!!!
Barb says
Thanks, my friend. We had to rip out everything too. To be honest, the beadboard was used as a way of not having to replace and repair some sheetrock to a great extent. Major PITA saver. LOL My set was about 10 years old, but like I said we needed to have a stacking set to get the pantry space I needed. Your’s will be a knockout when you get it done, I am sure. xxoo
View CommentCynthia says
Barb your laundry room turned out great. Love all the touches. This is giving me great ideas for our new house that we will be starting soon. Thanks for all the inspiration. I can’t wait for all the kitchen tours!
Cynthia
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Cynthia. I am semi-jealous you’re building a house. 🙂 I get that bug every now and then, and then I remember we almost divorced when we added a 30×30 room. Ha!
View Commentbarbara says
Dang!, Girlfriend! Are you ever busy!! You’re making me feel like a major slug! Keep up the great work! When are you going to start your book? You’re a great writer!
View CommentCheers!,
Barbara
Barb says
You’re so sweet. I don’t have time to hardly put posts out much less write a book. LOL YOU make me feel like a slug. I see everything you are doing, and I know first hand running a retail shop is not a cakewalk. Hope you are loving life, though. Missed you at Haven, you would have loved it. xxoo
View CommentJennifer says
I LOVE your laundry room make-over! It looks great and is so functional! If we can ever get a free moment from the kiddos, the laundry room is first and my list of things to improve!
View CommentCourtney says
Thanks for the inspiration! I’m planning on updating my laundry room and this will give me a lot of inspiration!
View CommentMarty@A Stroll Thru Life says
I love your laundry room and so many fabulous ideas. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
View CommentPatty at Home and Lifestyle Design says
There is a lot that goes into a laundry room and I love the inspirational pictures you included. Your laundry room looks like it turned out great.
View CommentThanks, Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design
Becky Murphy says
Beautiful job! I love love love the color. That’s the color I want for our new bathroom. I just can’t seem to find the right shade. Could you share the paint color? I would appreciate it. You are so skillful. Keep up the good work.
View CommentBarb says
Hi Becky – do you mean the tan color of my laundry room or the blue in the ceiling?
View CommentKeggy25 says
Best laundry room idea article blog I’ve ever read and I’ve read plenty. Just found you and am soo glad
View CommentRuth says
Loved the wall graphics. May I ask where you got them?
View CommentThanks
Ruth
Barb says
Hi Ruth,
That image was taken from Pinterest, but you can get these same wall quotes from http://www.leenthegraphicsqueen.com/
Hope this helps.
View CommentKerri says
A laundry room you want to be in makes all the difference! I love my new laundry room and find myself wanting to wash clothes, to keep it in perfect shape! Thanks for sharing these other great ideas!
View CommentEmily says
Came upon this blog after searching for laundry ideas on Pinterest. One question- you say you wanted to do color but couldn’t because of a lack of window. Is that a fauxpas? I was considering a color but ours doesn’t have a window either. Thanks for any info! I have a not a single design bone in me lol, need all the help I can get lol!
View CommentBarb says
Hi Emily – no, there is no “rule” that says you can’t do color even if you don’t have a window, but I knew this room was already dark so I wanted a lighter and brighter room thus I chose pale colors and white. 🙂
View CommentAshley says
what color blue is that?! Love it!
View CommentORIT says
Hi!
View CommentI wanted to tell you that I want to use an image from your blog.
Of course, I will do it with a reference to your blog.
I ask for your permission to use your picture.
If yoy will not agree- I will not use your image.
Of course I would be happy if you agree.
Thank you,
ORIT LEVI
http://alefbait.blogspot.co.il/
oritlevig@gmail.com