Laundry Space from Drab to Fab

by Susan Jensen Smith on January 29, 2010

Thanks to everyone who lovingly nagged encouraged me to keep my word that I would redesign my hard-working laundry room closet!

I’m happy to report that just two weeks after I posted my embarrassing laundry closet in “My Laundry Closet Needs a Makeover”, I’ve transformed my closet from drab to fab – or at least fab enough that I don’t mind doing laundry quite so much!  In fact, it only took a total of 5-6 hours to do and I got the whole family involved.

Remember what it looked like from my last post? (I still can’t believe I shared that picture – I hope my Mom didn’t see it!).  Let’s get right to the before and after shots, then I’ll show you how we did it.

Drab…

…Fab!

But this story is actually more about organization than design. Let’s face it…it’s a blue closet without a lot of visual interest.  But here’s what I gained:

  • Use of wasted storage space for paper products and infrequently used items (very top shelf).  Now my bathroom closet has a lot more room (yes, another reorganizing project in my future).
  • Less clutter on the floor of the laundry room means it will be easier to keep it clean.
  • Easier to find more frequently used items.

I think one of the MOST important things I gained is how this laundry space might appeal to a potential buyer compared to what was there before.

Pop Quiz! Can you guess how much was spent? (answer at bottom of post)

Behind the scenes:

First, I cleared the closet, and checked out the paint color (which also committed me to completing the project!). I have paint left over so if we ever move, I can finish the paint job behind the washer and dryer. I’d be too embarrassed to leave it like that for the new homeowner!

I’m sure my wonderful husband was secretly excited for an excuse to run to Home Depot on a Saturday night for supplies to build a simple shelf to go above the existing shelf. What a guy!

While I was busy painting the walls and trim, my daughter helped by painting the shelves. Proud mama!

Now laundry is more like life…Loads of Fun! (Ok, that might be a stretch).

Pop Quiz Answer (How much did I spend?): $70!  That’s $30 for the shelf my husband added above the original, the paint was leftover from another room, and $40 for the turquoise/navy cloth bins I scored on the clearance end-caps at Target. {woot woot}

I may still add a storage cart between the washer and dryer, but quite honestly, I don’t think I need it.  I’d like to keep it clean and simple.

Gotta run…washer just beeeeeeeped!
ps. I just realized that this is post #99.  I feel like post #100 should be something very special.  Any suggestions?

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My Laundry Closet Needs a Makeover

by Susan Jensen Smith on January 15, 2010

My laundry room is just an upstairs closet off the main hall.   But it’s also the only “room” in my home that I haven’t at least painted!

I actually started this project over a year ago by adding “Laundry Room Flair” with cute knobs, writing on the wall and a fun switch plate cover.  In fact I blogged about it at HomeGoods Openhouse.

But what you didn’t see was the INDSIDE of my laundry room closet!  Oh the shame! Ok, I’m baring my soul and messy innards of my laundry closet here, so be kind!  Here is the “before” picture.

Now I realize that by posting this picture, I actually have to get this project done.  Give me a couple weeks and I’ll show you the “after.”  Keep me honest and don’t let me off the hook!

Ok, in the meantime, let’s look check out some well-done laundry rooms:

I like the use of color and consistent bins.  But it almost looks too staged – what are the odds that the towels, hanging laundry AND laundry in the dryer will all be color-coordinated?

source: Stacksandstacks

This one is a bit more realistic – showing multiple uses of the space.  I think I’d bump my hip on the counter after I tripped over the pretty pail on the floor.  While I’m not a wallpaper fan, I think it adds some fun personality on the cupboards.  Overall, a fun and eclectic design.

source: Country living

When was the last time you exercised in the laundry room?  Hmmm, not a bad idea – you can challenge yourself to stay on the treadmill until the load is done, and watch a little HGTV while you’re at it!  Just be careful not to drip any sweat on the clean clothes. lol

source: Real Simple

Here’s a great use of a small space – even the ironing board has décor duty!  Note the use of one large simple piece of art – small items in a small space get lost and become clutter.

source: Domino

Fun use of stripes, and note the track lighting.  Now Showing (drum roll) – mom doing laundry! But seriously, you’ve got to have lots of light to find stains no one bothered to tell you about and collect any money left in the pockets (that’s my tip)!  I also like the use of shelves on the side walls – gives the room a bit more dimension.

source: Better Homes

Ok, lets get our heads out of the clouds and back to reality – what tips do you have for my humble little laundry closet?  I should tell you that the color will have to be blue (because I’m using leftover paint from my kids’ bathroom), but I’m looking for easy (and inexpensive) organizing and decorating ideas!

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Painting Wood Floors

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