We know the biggest improvements coming to our laundry area will be energy-efficient appliances and some smart built-in storage to make the most of the small space. While we’re saving and planning for those larger upgrades, we spent a few hours after Clara’s bedtime tackling some smaller fixes that would make the room more functional and attractive right away.
The first task was the glass side door. That door basically gives anyone standing in the carport a direct view through the laundry room and into the kitchen. It had been acting as a temporary privacy solution with a bi-fold door that wasn’t ideal, so we wanted something better. You can read more about the bi-fold door issue in our previous post.
At first we thought a simple wooden blind would do the trick. We removed the dark pocket door and bought a bamboo rolling shade from Home Depot, but it blocked too much light. Our kitchen is already one of the dimmer rooms in the mornings—there are no exterior windows, and the sink window looks into the sunroom—so we decided not to sacrifice natural daylight with a heavy shade.
Instead we chose frosted window film to preserve light while restoring privacy. We used the same materials and technique we’d used on another project—our basement film application—and followed the same basic steps. The only complication this time was stubborn bubbles that refused to squeegee out.
Those bubbles were persistent. You expect a few air pockets during installation, and normally a few firm passes with a squeegee and enough applicator solution will smooth them out. This time, though, the bubbles wouldn’t dissipate. We suspected it might be due to temperature—the instructions warned against applying the film in weather below 40°F—and the glass was definitely cold on the outside. It also looked like we might not have used enough spray solution during the first attempt.
We peeled off the bubbled piece, scraped away the leftover adhesive, and prepared to try again with our remaining scrap of film. This time we used a generous amount of the applicator solution to keep the film slippery as we positioned it, and we worked methodically with a clean squeegee to push out the water and air toward the edges. That approach did the trick: the second application went on smoothly and the bubbles disappeared.
If you’re planning to try frosted film, a few tips that helped us: use plenty of applicator spray so the film stays movable during placement, work in a controlled temperature range if possible, scrape away old adhesive before reapplying, and take your time with the squeegee so you push the solution and air out gradually toward the edges.
The next little project was removing the shallow shelves next to the door. We appreciate extra storage, but these shelves weren’t concealed and were awkward whenever we came through the door with our arms full—items would get bumped, and the shelving never felt like the right solution. We decided to take them down and leave a blank wall that will eventually be home to art or a framed collage. A visual pause—art or a simple gallery—makes a laundry space feel less utilitarian and more welcoming. Sherry is the decorating brains; I’m the one who brings the muscle. (To be fair, Sherry enjoys the power tools when she’s in the mood.)
While I was unscrewing things late at night we kept up the momentum and removed the small interior shutters from the laundry room window, planning to replace them later with blinds, a Roman shade, or curtains. By morning the space felt cleaner and more open.
Here’s how the laundry area looked the next day—no bi-fold, no shelves, and no shutters, though we still have a little touch-up painting to do. The frosting film does a great job of maintaining privacy while letting in a steady stream of morning light that helps brighten our otherwise dark kitchen.
No shelves, no shutters, just a cleaner wall and a much less exposed door—plus daylight pouring through into the kitchen in the morning. Frosted film turned out to be an inexpensive, effective solution that preserved light while creating privacy.
Have you used frosted film from Home Depot or another supplier? Did you ever run into bubbles that wouldn’t disappear no matter how hard you squeegeed? Was it a temperature issue, not enough spray, or something else? We’d love to hear what worked for you.
Small projects like these make a room more livable while we plan the bigger upgrades. Also, we announced this week’s giveaway winners on the original post—check that post to see if you won.
