From Drab to Fab: Bold Laundry Room Reno
Because if laundry’s forever, it might as well be fabulous. . .
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Our laundry room started out like most, as a space dedicated simply to the task, with zero character. It was bland, boring and uninspiring. How was I supposed to motivate myself to be in here if it looked and felt sterile? My family also kept complaining about their lack of clean clothes so it was time to do something about it . . .
Everyone loves a good BEFORE so here she is . . .
The Necessities: New Washer & Dryer
Form follows function, so to kick things off, we started by incorporating new and reliable appliances. I opted for a bold, black color that challenged us to think outside of the box in lieu of traditional white. The LG Smart Top Load Washer and Dryer make laundry easier and more efficient with all of their unique features. The two-way EasyLoad door is my all-time fave and they look so sleek and sophisticated!
Don’t be afraid to mix it up!
Now that the necessities were covered, it was time to add style to this beige, bland space. I love taking risks in unexpected places and this room proves that it can pay off when you mix pattern + a pop of color. Here’s a recap of everything I used so you won’t fear leaving boring behind.
Wallpaper - Flower Thread in color Sand by Rebel Walls
Peel & Stick Wall Tile - Damier Paris by Smart Tiles
Code EANESINTERIORS = 10% off
Paint - Behr, color Rumors (semi-gloss finish)
Full transparency, I’m not a fan of a plain ceiling in an eclectic space like this, so you can find me brainstorming a solution along with a new light fixture (not shown for good reason - ha!). I’m debating this wood flooring by Hewn shown below. What do you think?
It’s All In The Details
After the big picture items were installed, it was time to incorporate functional pieces to make the task easier + stylish. The drying rack, lint bin and oversized canvas rolling hamper are hands down my favorites that I use every single day, but here’s a round up of all my top picks in this space.
Tip for Painting Cabinets :
Whether you’re using a brush or sprayer, painting cabinets can be tricky, but I’ve perfected a nice trick by hanging them to speed up the process and protect their integrity. My garment rack and hanger with clips came in clutch with this unique process.
Check This Out !
I became obsessed with peel and stick tiles by Smart Tiles when I renovated our viral green powder room and knew I wanted to use them in here too. Not only because they’re super cool, durable, textured and full of fun design, but also because they’re nimble. Years ago, our cast iron pipes backed up in this space and we had to tear the room apart to fix the plumbing. When we put it back together, we added a plywood access panel so this would never happen to us again, but making it “disappear” along the back wall behind the washer and dryer proved to be difficult. Enter Smart Tiles as a perfect solution! If we ever need to address plumbing, we can just peel these right off, uninstall the plywood and then reinstall everything while utilizing our Smart Tiles attic stock (or we can order more as needed). Also, check out how it helped us disguise these hideous (but necessary) washing machine valves. . .WHOA! This feature wall is both beautiful and oh, so functional.
Let’s Talk Floors!
One of my most asked questions is about the flooring in this room. We used thin brick pavers and laid them in a herrinbgone pattern. This space doubles as a mud room with a door that leads to our backyard and their durability has really come in handy. We also used these in our powder room across the hall and it serves up vintage vibes in both spaces. Highly recommend sealing the flooring after install so they maintain their natural color, especially if you opt for a lighter grout like we did in order to provide contrast.
Tips for adding character to your space :
Transforming a laundry room (or any space, for that matter) from drab to fab can be achieved effortlessly by incorporating color and pattern. This space is often overlooked, but can benefit from thoughtful design touches that make laundry more enjoyable and visually appealing.
Choose a Bold Color Palette
If wallpaper isn’t your thing, start with a fresh coat of paint in a vibrant or soothing hue. Bright colors can energize the room, but consider the task at hand when making a selection. Do you want the space to be fun, bright, eclectic and full of energy or, instead, a space where you can remain calm and relax? Color theory plays a big role here and can make or break a space. I’m a big fan of color drenching the room and painting all surfaces (including the ceiling and trim) so if you want to think outside of the box, this is a great solution.
Introduce Pattern
Add personality with patterned wallpaper, painted stencil or a tiled / peel-and-stick wall. Geometric shapes, florals, or stripes introduce texture and dimension. For a subtle look, opt for tone-on-tone patterns, or go bold with contrasting colors to create a striking focal point.
Incorporate Colorful Accessories
Consider incorporating patterned rugs and/or curtains also enhance the space. Don’t overlook decorative artwork or prints that complement the color scheme and add charm.
Flooring with Flair
If possible, update the flooring with patterned or textured tiles. This can significantly uplift the room’s aesthetic and tie the whole design together to ground the space.
Make It Your Own & Be YOU-Nique!
By thoughtfully integrating color and pattern, your laundry room can become a vibrant, inspiring space that transforms this mundane chore into something a little more delightful. But, no matter what, make sure to design for YOU and what makes you happy. ♥️
