The Laundry Room Is Finished

Our new dedicated laundry room is finally complete, and it feels like it was always meant to be. A smart suggestion to carve out this space transformed a formerly dark hallway into a bright, functional room — especially with the new glass door at the end that lets light pour in.

Finishing touches made a huge difference. After installing the cabinets, we added filler pieces, baseboards, a toe kick, and crown molding to close gaps at the sides, top, and bottom. We added door casings, matching baseboards, and a doorknob that coordinates with the rest of the house. Finally, we installed under-cabinet lighting, which instantly elevated the room.

Under-cabinet lights are my favorite update here. They’re currently plugged in behind the washer (you can spot the small white cord down the left corner above the washer), but we’ve asked our electrician to add a wall switch by the door so we can turn them on as soon as we enter.

They were an impulsive add when we ordered the cabinets, and they turned out to be worth it. They make it easier to spot stains before laundry goes into the washer, which is a surprisingly useful benefit. Even when the under-cabinet lights are off, the overhead fixture keeps the room bright, and we’d love to add a skylight or solar tube in the future to increase natural light.

Once the trim and lighting were done, it was time for the fun part: organizing and styling. We added a drying rack, ironing board storage, art, a laundry sorter, and baskets and bins to keep things neat. Everything found a place in the cabinets and drawers, making the room both practical and pleasant.

On the shelf we kept items simple and functional. A basket holds lost socks, while a small dish collects change and other pocket items before they go in the wash. Everyday detergent sits on the shelf for easy access. A mint green caddy stores lint rollers and dryer balls, and a matching small trash can on the counter catches lint and tags. A faux succulent brings a touch of life without the upkeep.

Opposite the washer we installed a pull-out drying rack, which has been a game changer. It offers generous hanging and draping space when extended and folds flat against the wall when not in use. Under it sits a three-bin laundry sorter that helps keep lights, darks, and delicates separated before wash day.

When not in use the drying rack tucks away neatly, keeping the room streamlined and efficient.

We store the ironing board out of the way but within reach by hanging it on two sturdy wall hooks behind the door. The hooks hold the full-sized board securely while keeping it portable for quick jobs, even when we want to iron in front of the TV.

Art helps personalize the space. On one wall we framed pages from a photography book to bring texture and tone. On the other wall we hung a wood canvas that reads “Bee Kind” and an embroidered handkerchief with sentimental value. Small touches like these make the room feel warm and intentional.

We selected simple octagon cabinet pulls that feel substantial and pair well with the machine finishes on the washer and dryer. Mixing metals was intentional: having a couple of different finishes repeated through the room creates a cohesive, considered look.

A geometric flush-mount ceiling light provides overall illumination, and we chose a warmer LED bulb to soften the white cabinets and bring out the warm tones in the wood shelf and baskets.

The oil-rubbed bronze doorknob echoes the darker tones in the washer and dryer accents, tying the room’s mix of chrome and bronze finishes together.

Budget breakdown

• Framing (labor & materials): $360
• Electric (labor & materials): $400
• Plumbing (labor & materials): $375
• New dryer vent: $87
• New HVAC vent: $59
• Drywall & insulation: $298
• Drywall mudding: $84
• Sub-floor materials: $30
• Tiled floor: $451
• Ikea cabinets, filler pieces, toe kick, and under-cabinet lighting: $862 $802 (we chose single puck LEDs instead of the long strips)
• Appliance re-install: $15
• Tiled marble accent wall: $281
• Shelf & counter (including stain testers & stain): $97
• New glass hallway door + framing and hanging two doors (includes new tools): $297
• Trim, crown, baseboard and door casings for both doors + two new doorknobs: $268
• Function/organization items (baskets, laundry sorter, drying rack, hooks, etc.): $112
• Finishing touches (overhead light, cabinet hardware, frames, etc.): $176
• TOTAL: $4,192

We’re curious what a realtor would say about how this renovation affects our home value, since the laundry room is a brand-new, functional space that didn’t exist before. Our favorite practical updates are the laundry sorter, drying rack, abundant cabinet storage, and the added countertop and shelf space. The features that most elevated the room visually are the tiled backsplash, under-cabinet lighting, crown molding, and soft-close doors and drawers — all relatively small investments that make a big impact.

Here’s a quick before-and-after for comparison.

Thanks for following along with this long but rewarding renovation. Turning a non-existent room into a tidy, light-filled laundry space has been one of our favorite projects. It’s practical, pleasant, and—most importantly—makes everyday chores easier.