My laundry room has been in disarray for years. Now for most, that is pretty typical but there are no worries because one just closes the door to the laundry room and the worries melt away. Well, not so in this house because EVERYONE walks in through our side laundry room door.
Do you remember my “Setting financial goals: What dream are you saving for?” post which shared about our wrap around front porch? Well, with that dream, we never completed a walk way to our front door because we “knew” we were going to shortly rip that walk way out (ha ha….13 years later, I scoff at that since the front porch is still not completed.) Due to that fact, people tend to gravitate to our side door, which is my laundry room, mud room, put smelly football clothes in room. I know, I know, it’s hard to welcome people into that environment.
I’ve been meaning to paint it for two years, and why I have procrastinated this long, I do not know, but no longer…the painting was completed right before our company came, and I JUST love it.
This room has come alive and for under $20 (including paint, $5 yard sale shelf, and yard sale decor – of course, appliances not included…:)).
Never before have I decorated around an item, or two items for that matter…until now.
These washer babies are not just any color, they are a vibrant blue, and this washer/dryer duo are spectacular. Just being in the same room with them makes me happy and the pedestal storage that they sit on is a must have for anyone with front loaders. I’ve been using them for such a short time and already, the time a matching set is saving me is worth mentioning. It’s the first time I have had a set that pretty much starts and ends at the same time. Yes, it makes a difference. 🙂
After going without a washer and dryer for over two weeks due to some technical difficulties, I can not tell you how thankful I am for electricity, running water and top of the line appliances to wash our clothes. (Let me climb up on the soap box for just a bit to tell you about how great America is…seriously, we take so much for granted, including our washers.)
A few weeks ago, I shared that painting was the easiest, cheapest and most dramatic way to update any room, and gave you a quick sneak peak. Well, I am not quite finished, but I wanted to show you how my laundry room is a prime example of how decluttering and paint can profoundly change the look of a room in just a few hours. You do not a bushel of money to make a few immediate changes in a room.
Before: most of the walls were a soft yellow (which I did love,) but I was into attempting some stamping on the walls and I had borders of floral stamped art, which was completely “in” for about a year, five years ago.
I had to make sure the blue I bought didn’t clash with the Frigidaire washer and dryer. Do you know how many shades of blue there are to choose from? Seriously, I went three times and still couldn’t make up my mind.
I wish I had a a “before” picture of our laundry room cabinets. We didn’t have any for years. I just had one of those “over the washer” wire type of organizers.
It’s possible to get very creative when money is tight. My father actually organized a purchase of a semi truck full of cabinets from an installer (sight un-seen, which was the agreement.) Between two of my brothers, my dad and ourselves, we all had areas in our home, garage, attic that needed cabinets – either for the kitchen, bathroom, workshop etc. For $700, we were delivered approximately $7K in cabinetry for above and below units. We split the cost four ways, and then sorted through to try and determine what would work or be useful for our homes. It was one great big puzzle party, since we had no idea what would be in the truck, but my laundry room cabinets were one of the finished products. The amazing cabinetry that we all received through that transaction was so worth any hassle.
On the right, you’ll see my latest stockpile of fabric softener. I had $3 off coupons, and if I had traveled to travel an extra ten miles I could have bought them for free. I didn’t. My time and savings of only a few dollars was NOT worth it, so I purchased them for $0.50/a piece. Still a great deal.
The soft muted tones of the bottles go quite well with the new paint color, don’t you think? 🙂
Below is the area that I am still working on. Unfortunately, the angles of this room are so narrow, it’s difficult for me to get any good pictures of the space, and with 9 1/2 foot ceilings, nearly impossible to capture the height.
I need to lose the “Pardon the Mess, the Maid is off for the day” sign. It’s cute, but I need to replace it with either larger artwork or quite possibly a decorative shelf to add some accessories.
I am also brainstorming what to put on this shelf below the star. What ever I chose, the star will need to come down because any tall pieces would be in its way. I am willing to wait for the perfect couple pieces.
Any ideas? I will even go to one of my favorite discount home stores to buy something since finding pieces to scale at a yard sale may not happen, but I’m giving it a few weeks of searching.
When you walk in on the left, there is the shoe rack on the floor (SIGH…always a MESS), and the coat rack that my dad hung up for me. It’s just some white wood we got at Home Depot and added the hooks. I am going to replace those with some cute crystal knobs. I think that would make a big difference. Again, I love having words of truth surround me as reminders through out the day. This Abide in Him sign is from Dayspring.)
Last year, I found this white metal works art piece at an amazing yard sale. The owner through it in for free when I purchased the other one for above my mantel. I’m only hanging it now, which shows that sometimes it’s ok to buy something you love and then find a place for it.
Remember the cute, plaster of paris beach craft I did of my daughter’s feet? I will find a better spot for them. (And no, I did not clean up my $5 yard sale shelf for you. That is another part of the laundry room on which I am still working.
When I saw this $1 yard sale Pottery Barn vase below (with the $40 price tag still on the bottom), I though it would be perfect for the shelving above the washer. It doesn’t quite work, so I’ll hold onto it until I can complete the entire area.
But it sure does make me happy to look at?
Stay tuned for part two of my painting expedition. The next room I tackled is a jaw dropped. Whenever I am finished painting for the day, I can’t believe I didn’t carve out time sooner to tackle this simple, yet “packs the biggest punch for the dollar” redo.
Have you been painting anything lately?
Love it! What a great re-do.
WOW! I’ll bet you love to do laundry now! We just got a new fancy washer and dryer, but I wasn’t bold enough to get anything but white. Love your shiny blue ones! I was thinking you could lean an old wooden washboard on your shelf and maybe some old detergent boxes if you could find them.
Looks great!
Mary Ellen
Thanks for the line about “I went three times and still couldn’t decide” about the paint color. I’m glad to know that even “experienced” painters don’t always automatically know which color to choose! We’re getting ready to paint the living room and kitchen, and I *think* we’ve finally decided on the colors 🙂 Love your new laundry room!! 🙂
We painted our kitchen a few months ago…still recovering from that!
http://shelleyshouse.blogspot.com/2010/05/kitchen-english-part-iii.html
Beeee-YOU-tee-full!
I always like to paint because it makes such a big impact. And because no one can come along behind you and “un-paint” like that can undo other projects.
It looks just lovely! We just tore old 1969 wallpaper from the previous owners out of our front bath (no small feat, by the way) and painted it a very soft blue. Freshly painted rooms make me SO happy! 🙂
Love it all ! It’s so amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do, I’m a believer ! Love the color, and the mirrored star is wonderful!
xo
Kate
@Centsational Girl, I’ve learned from the best…you! You are the icon and I am the lazy painter. 🙂 Your lattice headboard? Amazing…one day, I’ll have time but now, I am just trying to slap paint on the walls and finish up this laundry room. 🙂 I need my “real life” to stop for a few months so I can finish the fun stuff.
It looks beautiful, Jen! I steal all your decorating ideas, from spray painting kitchen knobs to tablescape designs. Thanks for being willing to share your creative talent!
Everything looks really good, evey the colored bottles.
I am TRYING not to covet your laundry room!! 🙂 My hubby and I have been staring at our laundry area (in out 100 year old basement) trying to figure out how we can make it, less… like an 100 year old basement, and I space I run in and out of as fast as I can. Still stumped, though! Hmm.. perhaps we could start by painting the lowing hanging pipes white?
Love the washer/dryer, my favorite color! What about trying the pottery barn vase on top of the shelf above the washer, with some tall greenery, either thrifted (of course) or I’ve purchased at Dollar Tree, and some “Fiesta Ware” type pieces to bring out some of the colors in the vase. Or solid color smaller vases in the colors of the larger vase with greenery. Then maybe move the wire hanging to the space right above the washer/dryer? Just my thoughts, I’m really not that creative.
Love the blog!!!!!
Lori M.
It’s so fresh and it almost motivates me to fold this laundry in the basket by my feet.
Almost.
I love love love your blog! Love your ideas! I never knew there was any other options but to be broke and pay retail until I found you and a few other blogs (you especially for clothing and home decor). Thanks to you I have started frequenting (and REALLY enjoy) my Goodwill and the one in the next town over. I am having so much fun thrifting! Thanks sooooo much for sharing all that you do!
Just found your blog today and subscribed immediately. I just recovered from a washer/dryer nightmare and we received our new LG W/D on Friday. Just blogged about the drama here: http://www.tirajphotography.com/index.cfm?postID=378&What-a-month Off to read more of your bloggity.
It looks GREAT, Jen!!!!
Darn … now I’m inspired and will get to/have to put off stripping the wall paper in the downstairs bathroom. 🙂 Great new look!
I love that color you painted! Can you please share the color, brand, and code! Been looking for something similar to paint a guest room that would be light and airy! This one seems very pretty! Love it!
Theresa
The laundry room looks fantastic. I love your new washer and dryer.
It looks great. As far as what to put on the cabinet:
What about a jar with powdered laundry deterg. , jar with clothes pins in it, jar with scoops, jar with buttons
Love the paint color! I would love to have the name/brand too! I’ve been searching for the perfect blue for my bedroom walls & that looks like just the color!
Looks great!!! That washer and dryer looks way cool. I still have the ancient ones and one day dream of some sleek babies like these! The blue you picked is perfecto! Love me some painting gurl!
I am with the others that asked about the paint color and brand! Love the room, dying to know the color. Thanks!