With the addition of a light fixture and a shoe storage solution this week (and the decision to forego a window treatment for now and frost the window when we convert the carport into a garage), we only had one item left on our long to-do list:
Frost the side door for privacy– doneRemove narrow shelving that got blocked by the door– doneRemove old shutters that blocked light– doneSell old inefficient stacked top-loaders and buy Energy Star front-loaders– doneCaulk a big crack in the ceiling– donePaint the odd brown quarter round near the baseboards glossy white– doneRepair dinged trim and paint semi-gloss white– donePaint the walls– doneReplace the dryer hose with a safer all-metal one– doneAdd adjustable built-in shelving beside the stacked washer and dryer– donePrime and paint the upper cabinetry– doneReplace the hinges and knobs on the upper cabinets– doneHang the ironing board to disguise the large metal fuse box– doneAdd functional storage near the door for shoes– doneCreate a new light fixture– doneAdd a window treatment (we’ll frost it when the carport’s converted)– decided to frost later- Hang some art to keep the room cheerful (and add a spot for Burger’s leash)
As for what to put on the wall besides the hanging ironing board, Sherry and I tossed around plenty of ideas during the laundry room makeover. In the end we decided the space needed more light. We found a great $10 mirror at a neighborhood yard sale a few weeks ago – the same sale where we scored twig-and-berry art – and it turned out to be the perfect addition. Picture us walking home with two big frames and a heavy mirror while pushing a stroller and walking a chihuahua. That’s how we roll.
The mirror was ideal for the blank wall next to the door because anything bulky risked getting banged by the door. That’s also why we removed the narrow shelving the previous owners left and frosted the side door for privacy.
Hanging the mirror required care because it came with a “do not hang with wire” warning and fixed hanging hooks. To ensure perfect screw placement I tore a sheet of printer paper in half, taped each half over the hooks with a portion sticking out, and poked a small hole through each taped spot where the screws needed to go. The taped “wings” served as precise guides for drilling pilot holes in the wall.
I recommend doing this with two people: one to hold and level the mirror and one to step back and confirm placement, then hold the taped guides while the mirror is removed and pilot holes are drilled. Once the anchors and screws were set, the mirror hung straight and secure. I expected it to be harder than it was, so the quick success was a nice surprise.
We’re still undecided about refinishing the frame. Our instinct is often to paint things white or oil-rubbed bronze, or match our built-ins’ deep teal, but lately we appreciate mixing finishes and letting vintage pieces contribute to a collected, lived-in feel. For now we’re leaving the crackled gold frame as-is; we may reconsider once stainless appliances arrive in the adjoining kitchen.
The yard sale mirror has been a fantastic addition. It gives us a last glance before heading out, bounces extra light into the windowless kitchen, and even makes the laundry room feel larger by visually doubling the space when standing in front of the dryer.
We also hung two textured frames that used to live in our office and filled them with favorite family photos above the new shoe cabinet. Burger’s leash is tucked into a white kitchen bowl, and a pink vase found on sale adds a small pop of color. Little details like these keep the space personal and cheerful.
My mom inspired the family-photo idea; she always had a collage in our laundry room growing up and I loved it. Functional rooms quickly become just functional, so adding personal touches makes them more enjoyable. The photos we chose happened to have yellow tones that complement the room, but we would have used them regardless because they’re favorites.
Our wall now feels like a small travelogue: pictures taken in NC and GA, frames bought in SC, and a hook found while thrifting in DE. It’s a fun, eclectic mix that suits the collected look we like.
So, with that, we’re calling the laundry room complete — for now. Here’s a visual reminder of the transformation from before to after.
…to done (for now):
It’s the first room we’ve made major progress on, partly because it’s compact. We’re all about tackling the house one small project at a time.
For those interested in numbers, here’s the budget breakdown for the updates made over the past few weeks:
- New Energy Star front-load washer and dryer: $388 (net, after selling the old set for $250)
- Frosting film (Home Depot): $18
- Paint and caulk: $0 (already owned)
- Built-in shelves (materials from Lowe’s & Home Depot): $74
- Ironing board cover (Etsy): $24
- Ironing board hooks (Lowe’s): $12
- Cabinet knobs (Hobby Lobby): $8
- Shoe cabinets (Ikea): $38
- Clothespin light fixture (homemade): $34
- Mirror (yard sale): $10
- Family photos (CVS): $1
- Frames (Pottery Barn Outlet): $0 (already owned)
- Iron fly hook (thrift store): $0 (already owned)
- Laundry basket (Target): $0 (already owned)
- Pink vase (Target): $7
- Other accessories like bowls and baskets: $0 (already owned)
- TOTAL: $624*
*This total excludes items we already owned from previous projects. If someone were starting from scratch, adding roughly $25 for caulk and a quart of paint, $25 for frames and accessories, $3 for a plastic laundry basket, and $5 for a small hook would bring the total to about $682.
We’re thrilled with the appliance deal, the DIY built-ins, the ironing-board-as-art solution, thrifted finds, and the clothespin chandelier. The laundry room is now a brighter, friendlier space — and yes, we’re enjoying diaper-washing-day a little more than we probably should.