The journey to transform a forgotten corner into a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing laundry room has finally reached its triumphant conclusion! This wasn’t just a simple update; it was a complete reimagining of space, culminating in a dedicated laundry area that feels as if it were always meant to be there. The vision for this practical sanctuary has been brought to life, and we are absolutely thrilled with the results. Stepping into this bright, organized space now feels like a breath of fresh air, a testament to thoughtful design and diligent execution.
Transforming a Dark Hallway into a Radiant Laundry Hub
We owe a massive thank you to Lesley for her brilliant suggestion of carving out this dedicated laundry room. Her insight was truly transformative, turning a previously underutilized area into a highly efficient and inviting space. The most immediate and striking improvement, beyond the laundry room itself, is the new glass door installed at the end of what was once a perpetually dark hallway. Now, light streams in, illuminating the entire passage and creating an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. It’s like a choir of angels singing every time we walk through!
When we last shared our progress, the room was still in its nascent stages, brimming with potential yet unfinished. It’s truly astonishing what the final touches, that crucial last 10%, can achieve. Our initial focus was on adding the essential elements that would complete the built-in look of our cabinetry. This involved meticulously installing the missing filler pieces, baseboards, toe kicks, and crown molding. These details were crucial for bridging the gaps around the cabinets, creating a seamless and custom appearance that elevates the entire space. Once these foundational elements were in place, we moved on to the door casing and new baseboards throughout the room, ensuring a cohesive design.
Illuminating Details: The Magic of Under-Cabinet Lighting
A small yet impactful detail that makes a world of difference is the new doorknob, which perfectly matches the existing hardware throughout our home, tying the new room seamlessly into the overall aesthetic. And then, the grand finale: the installation of the under-cabinet lights. These lights were invited to the finishing party, and they certainly delivered a show-stopping performance!
I cannot overstate my adoration for the under-cabinet lights; they are my new absolute favorite feature in the house. I’m contemplating installing them everywhere! There’s something undeniably captivating about their glow. Currently, they plug in discreetly behind the washer – you might just spot the slender white cord tracing down the left corner of the room if you look closely. However, we’ve already scheduled our electrician to install a wall switch by the door, allowing for effortless control with a simple flick as we enter. This small upgrade will enhance both convenience and the sophisticated feel of the room.
The decision to install these lights was somewhat of an impulse when we were ordering our cabinets, and I can confirm, they were COMPLETELY worth that spontaneous choice! I might be typing with an exclamation point overload, but I genuinely mean it. If we were chatting in person, my voice would be elevated, and my hands would be excitedly gesticulating. The inspiration for this brilliant addition came from a thoughtful reader who shared how much easier it became to spot and pre-treat stains before washing once she installed under-cabinet lighting. In summary: while some impulse purchases, like a sugary snack, might not always deliver, under-cabinet lights are a definite “DO IT!” for any laundry space.
Even when these accent lights are off, the room remains beautifully bright, thanks to the overhead fixture. Nevertheless, we harbor dreams of someday incorporating a skylight or a solar tube to infuse even more natural illumination and perhaps reduce our reliance on artificial lighting during the day. This would further enhance the airy and open feel of the space, creating an even more pleasant environment for everyday tasks.
Optimizing Functionality and Style: Essential Laundry Room Accessories
After the finishing trims, fillers, and captivating lights were meticulously installed, it was time for my absolute favorite part of any room renovation: “THE THINGS!” This stage is where the room truly comes alive with purposeful accessories and stylish decor. We carefully selected items like the wall-mounted drying rack, a convenient ironing board, thoughtful art pieces, a robust laundry sorter, and an array of baskets. These elements were then lovingly organized, stacked, and piled into the cabinets and drawers, transforming the space into an efficient and aesthetically pleasing hub. The laundry room now feels so inviting, it practically wants to give you a hug!
We intentionally chose items for the open shelf that serve simple yet crucial functions, aiming to streamline the laundry routine and make life easier. There’s a dedicated basket for lost socks, currently home to a few of Clara’s errant singles, patiently awaiting their mates. Adjacent to it, a small dish serves as a collection point for change and other random treasures discovered in pockets before clothes hit the wash. For certain family members, this often means rescuing Legos, mom’s earrings, or even a few crayons – it’s always an adventure! We also appreciate the convenience of keeping our everyday detergent prominently displayed on the shelf, making it effortlessly accessible. This thoughtful arrangement contributes significantly to the room’s overall efficiency and visual appeal, as you can see in the wider shots.
On the counter, a charming mint green caddy neatly stores essentials like lint rollers and dryer balls, keeping them within easy reach. We also placed a matching mint green trash can directly on the counter – perfect for quickly disposing of small items such as lint, clothing tags, or those crumpled, forgotten papers from pockets. A small, faux succulent adds a touch of organic life and freshness to the room, proving that even a utility space can benefit from a hint of nature, even if it’s “faux real.” These carefully chosen accessories not only enhance functionality but also contribute to the cheerful and inviting aesthetic of the newly designed laundry room.
The Game-Changing Pull-Out Drying Rack
Swiveling around to the wall directly opposite the washer and dryer, you’ll discover what we consider a true game-changer: our new wall-mounted drying rack. In our previous setups, air-drying clothes often meant draping them over a daybed or utilizing a deep windowsill in the living room – solutions that were far from ideal. To now have a dedicated, pull-out drying rack for hanging, draping, or clipping items is nothing short of fantastic. This specific model boasts an impressive over 12 square feet of drying space, thanks to its clever accordion design that extends two feet out from the wall when in use. Having this much dedicated “real estate” for air-drying is incredibly convenient and has completely streamlined our laundry process. I’ve officially joined the drying rack fan club, folks! High fives all around! I feel like we need a secret handshake to celebrate this level of laundry efficiency.
Initially, I was leaning towards ordering a drying rack from The Container Store, but then I stumbled upon some reviews suggesting it was merely “meh.” This prompted further research, and that’s when I discovered this highly-rated option on Amazon. With a plethora of glowing reviews, it quickly swayed our decision. The convenience of its pull-out design means it can be deployed for drying delicate garments or simply to air out items, then discreetly retracted when not in use. This “stealth mode” functionality is a marvel, keeping the room tidy and maximizing floor space, which is especially valuable in a dedicated utility area.
Beneath the drying rack, we’ve positioned a three-bin laundry sorter from Crate & Barrel. John’s sister raved about hers a few weeks prior, prompting us to take the plunge. While it’s only been a few days, we’re already “drinking the same laundry sorter Kool-aid.” Picture us sipping it contentedly, cruising along on “The Drying Rack Express” with a few spare under-cabinet lights tucked away in my purse, ready for any impromptu lighting needs. This sorter has already proven invaluable for organizing clothes by color or wash cycle, making laundry day significantly more efficient.
For the ironing board, we extensively debated various space-saving options, including mini pull-out, fold-down wall-mounted, or even drawer-mounted designs. However, my personal preference leans towards a full-sized ironing board for maximum utility and comfort. I also value portability, as I sometimes enjoy ironing in front of the TV. We’ve found a fantastic solution by utilizing a system of two large wall hooks, securely anchored, to hold the board up off the floor. This method worked exceptionally well in our previous laundry area, and yes, our “ironing board wars” are definitely ON again, but this time with a peaceful resolution!
We ultimately decided to hang the ironing board behind the new door on the wall, rather than on the door itself, to avoid any potential rattling. Since the hooks protrude slightly and could cause the door to slam against them, we installed a small white doorstop on the back of the door for protection. You might notice an old light switch near the door; this is for the previous hallway light. We debated keeping it “just in case,” but its placement is rather awkward now, so we plan to have our electrician terminate it when he comes to install the new switch for the under-cabinet lights.
Adding Personality: Art and Decor in the Laundry Room
To infuse personality and warmth into the laundry room, we’ve carefully curated a selection of art and decor. On the left side of the room, the current art display features framed pages from “Time & Tide” by Christian Chaize, a book renowned for its gorgeous photography. The serene images bring a calming aesthetic to the space. However, my eye is still on a piece by Emily Jeffords, so there might be some “musical frames” in the future as we continue to refine the decor.
Speaking of the frames, they were a fantastic find from Target. We were drawn to their beautiful wood tone, which perfectly complements our natural baskets, the laundry shelf, and the countertop. This intentional choice creates a cohesive and harmonious visual flow throughout the room, reinforcing the carefully selected natural elements.
The other side of the room features even more delightful art, including a charming wood canvas from Help Ink that I absolutely adore. It playfully says “Bee Kind” and is adorned with cheerful bees having a blast, bringing a whimsical touch to the space. I also hung one of my most cherished pieces of fabric: an old handkerchief that a friend discovered, beautifully embroidered with the name “Clara.” There’s something about the vintage linen fabric and the delicate embroidery that just whispered “laundry room” to me, making it a perfectly fitting and personal addition.
Adding to the eclectic mix, another print from my “Tide & Time” book is clipped up with a wooden pants hanger. This playful display felt perfectly appropriate for a laundry room setting, adding a touch of rustic charm. Eventually, I’d love to clip up one of Clara’s own paintings here, so we might have a little “crafternoon bonanza” on the horizon, creating personalized art for this special space. In my original mood board, I also envisioned a printing press drawer – Clara and I have a collection of heart-shaped rocks, and I thought it would be absolutely adorable to display them in an old wooden drawer with its tiny compartments. However, we haven’t yet stumbled upon the perfect one. They’re notoriously tricky to find when you’re actively searching, yet they seem to appear in every antique store when you’re not!
Finishing Touches: Hardware, Lighting, and Metal Harmony
For the cabinet hardware, we opted for these elegantly simple octagon pulls from Lowe’s. Our selection process was quite the “fashion show at lunch!” – we actually brought home a collection of options from Anthropologie. However, after holding them all up and testing them in the space, the understated simplicity and satisfyingly heavy feel of the Lowe’s pulls won us over. We intentionally embraced a mix of two metals in this room, ensuring each is present enough times to appear purposeful rather than accidental. These octagon pulls proudly showcase a polished chrome finish, harmonizing with elements like the rolling cart and the knobs on the washer and dryer, creating a subtle yet sophisticated contrast with the warmer tones in the room.
On the ceiling, we installed a beautiful flush-mount light from our Shades of Light collection. This fixture not only provides ample general illumination but also adds a touch of modern design to the ceiling. Previously, a cooler, whiter light bulb dangled from the fixture box, but we made a deliberate switch to a warmer LED bulb. This change made an immediate difference, making the room feel significantly less stark and more inviting. The warmer light beautifully brings out the honey tones in the wood shelf, frames, and baskets, while also softening the crispness of the white cabinets, creating a more balanced and cozy ambiance.
The choice of an oil-rubbed bronze doorknob, along with similar coloring on the washer and dryer, meticulously ties together the mixed metal aesthetic we aimed for. Crucially, since the washer and dryer also feature chrome accents, they serve as a perfect bridge between the two distinct metals (polished chrome and oil-rubbed bronze) that we integrated throughout the room. This thoughtful blending ensures that the different finishes feel harmonious and intentional, adding depth and sophistication to the overall design.
Just look at John proudly modeling our newly completed laundry room! You’d almost be convinced he enjoys doing laundry now, wouldn’t you? His presence really highlights the spaciousness and welcoming atmosphere of the transformed area. It’s a wonderful feeling to see the joy this new space brings.
Budget Breakdown: Investing in a Functional & Beautiful Laundry Room
Transparency is key in any renovation project, and we’re happy to share the budget breakdown for our dream laundry room. Understanding these costs can be invaluable for anyone planning a similar home improvement project, providing a realistic expectation of expenses involved in creating a dedicated, functional, and beautiful laundry space.
- 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: $802 (we opted for single puck LEDs instead of the longer strip lights initially considered, resulting in savings)
- Appliance re-install: $15
- Tiled marble accent wall: $281
- Shelf & counter (including stain testers & stain): $97
- A new glass door for the hallway + framing and hanging two doors: $297 (this cost also includes new tools acquired for the project)
- Trim, crown, baseboard, and door casings for both doors + two new doorknobs: $268
- Function/organization items (including baskets, our laundry sorter, the drying rack, hooks to hang the ironing board, etc.): $112
- Finishing touches (like the overhead light, cabinet hardware, wood frames, etc.): $176
- TOTAL: $4,192
We’re contemplating inviting a realtor to estimate our home’s current market value. This would be a fascinating exercise to assess how much value this comprehensive laundry room renovation, along with other improvements over the past year, may have added to our property. It’s not just about aesthetics but also about smart investment in our home.
Reflecting on this project, our favorite functional updates undoubtedly include the efficient laundry sorting cart, the remarkably practical drying rack, the abundant storage provided by the new cabinets and drawers, and the invaluable addition of countertop and shelf surfaces. When it comes to elements that truly elevate the room’s feel and perceived value, the tile backsplash, the enchanting under-cabinet lights, the elegant crown molding, and the luxurious soft-close doors and drawers stand out. If you’re considering giving your own laundry zone a little love, these particular add-ons come highly recommended for their blend of practicality and refined style.
The Incredible Before & After: A Testament to Transformation
No renovation story would be complete without a dramatic before & after reveal. Cast your mind back to what was once our “laundry area” when we first moved in. It was functional, but hardly inspiring or efficient.
And now… what a difference! So. Much. Better. The transformation is truly astounding, turning a neglected space into a highlight of our home.
Thank you for joining us on this winding and thoroughly documented laundry room renovation journey! It stands as one of our most cherished house changes to date, primarily because it’s a dedicated room that literally did not exist before. The joy we feel is palpable – we’re more gleeful than, well, I don’t know… a pigeon with a hotdog? A dog with a blog? A kid in a candy store without adult supervision and unlimited funds? It’s definitely up there. This project has truly exceeded our expectations, creating a space that is both immensely practical and a sheer pleasure to use every day.
Psst- Curious about where we sourced specific items in our house or the exact paint colors we used? Simply click the button below to explore our home’s details and discover inspiration for your own projects!