Laundry Space from Drab to Fab

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?

***Update 1.14.2011***

I’d like to give a shout out to Nicola, a YHOB reader to totally earned extra credit redesigning his wife’s laundry room. He took her from 12 to 21+ square feet! He added a magnetic board, cork board for notes, hooks, and whimsical signs and accessories. Take a peek! His wife is a lucky girl!

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