When we think of refreshing our homes, the laundry room isn’t the first room that comes to mind.  So, for a little inspiration, here’s what I did with mine.  Likewise, don’t be afraid to use your imagination to transform some of your own functional rooms.  

Adding Flare to a Functional Space

My laundry room is on the 3rd floor of my home; therefore, it’s conveniently located near  the master and guest bedrooms.  In addition, it’s accessible via 2 doors that open like french doors and has a 9 foot ceiling.  

Because I have a wide hallway, my original intent was to create a “coffee/tea/wine” set up outside my guest bedroom. However, another vision came to mind — one that would allow me to keep the hallway free of obstructions. As a result, I now have a fun, multi-purpose laundry room! 

Going from Drab to Wow

Originally, the laundry room had a side-by-side washer and dryer, which took up all of the space.  First, I traded that set up in for a stackable washer and dryer. This opened up room for the coffee/tea/wine bar set up.  It was perfect!  Next, you’ll learn the pieces I added to make my vision come alive. 

1. Mini-refrigerator. I keep this stocked with small bottles of water, wine, prosecco, and cream for coffee. I LOVE the retro look of this Galantz mini refrigerator, purchased at Best Buy.  
2. Stackable Filing Cabinet. To hide away the essentials — fabric softener, dryer sheets, etc. — a trip to The Container Store was in order.  I found a stackable filing cabinet that sits next to the washer/dryer and hides these items.
3. Small Tabletop. I found a tabletop at a home decor store. With a little ingenuity and help of a craftsman, it fit perfectly over the filing cabinets. Now it’s a sturdy table for the Keurig, the tea kettle, and sugar packets.  
4. Shelving. To mix functionality and fun, small shelves did the trick. I put laundry pods in the vintage container next to the washing machine. Coffee mugs and wine glasses are on the opposite wall.
5. Photos. I enlarged a number of photos from a Paris trip a few years earlier. These also bring back the memories of that incredible city. The large, colorful print is a close up of a Paris bistro, and it’s suspended with a chain from the ceiling.
6. Flower Vase. A vase of silk flowers hides the tubing and electrical outlet.
7. Chandelier. To set the scene, I installed a small chandelier with a dimmer light.
8. Paint. I painted the room blue with Sherwin Williams Daphne (SW 9151).
9. Collection of Books. For additional interest, I stacked a collection of books and placed a vintage Paris suitcase over the dryer.
10. Rug and Trash Can. And lastly, I completed the look with a throw rug and small trash can.

Delighting Your Guests

To sum it up, I now have a laundry room that makes me smile every time I wash my clothes. It is so unexpected, and definitely gives a “wow” effect when people open the doors.  And, most importantly, it’s a convenient way to grab a cup of coffee or tea in the morning when I’m getting ready to start my day.

With a little imagination and creativity, you can create a cool conversation spot in your own home!

Refresh Your Home – Nurture Your Soul

Ten years ago, I was working for a Fortune 500 company and was relocated to Florida, with all my treasures in hand.  I quickly realized how out of place my northern furnishings looked, and so I began a journey of fun and experimentation…of letting go and creating new looks that reflected my new coastal lifestyle.

Today, I am a Certified Interior Decorator.  I’ve parlayed my skills into a growing business that embraces my passions for beautiful living  I look forward to helping you transform your home into a space you truly love.  A home that brings you a sense of peace, and nurtures your soul when you walk through the door.

For a free consultation, contact me today!