A cheap update can make a world of difference in a small space. My laundry room was sorely in need of a makeover and it finally happened. Okay, so my laundry room is not so much a room as a closet, but it got a few updates this weekend. Since we rent, I wanted this to be both inexpensive and simple. The area needed to be functional too though. I must say that I am surprised how just a few little updates can take a space from drab to fab.
Laundry room makeover before
This is where I have been doing laundry for the past few years. The walls are ugly with lots of holes because a shelf used to be there. It fell off, probably because I stacked too much junk important stuff on it. You can’t see it, but the tile is coming up in the back because the washing machine is, um, mobile. That’s probably something else that should be fixed, but a new washer is not a budget-friendly update. Lastly – I already removed them from the picture – laundry soap went on the floor between the machines & cleaning stuff was in two baskets stacked on the dryer lid.
Here’s what we did:
- Fill the holes in the wall with spackle
- Paint two coats of white paint over the walls
- Peel and stick tiles on the floor
- Hang a single shelf, attached to studs in the wall
Laundry room makeover after
The wall is now shiny, smooth and white. You cannot even tell it was full of holes before. A practical wall shelf holds the essential laundry and household cleaning products. Also, you still can’t see it, but the tile on the floor is fixed. There was a package of extra tiles in the garage. They are the peel-and-stick variety, so there wasn’t even any extra tools or supplies needed.
Today is laundry day around here. You would not believe how much easier it is.
*Update*
The laundry area is a closet inside my bedroom. After giving my bedroom a makeover, the laundry room got one additional update. Go over and read that post to see how I added curtains to cover the laundry area. The curtains blend with the newly painted wall to create an attractive but discreet area. This is a multi-purpose room that serves as bedroom, office and laundry room. However, with these updates it is functional without being too busy.
What is your biggest challenge when updating a small space?
Thanks! The wall is white though, its just super-glossy and there’s not much light so its shadowy. It does look blue in this picture though! Oops.
I like your compartment shelves – perfect for eliminating the tendency to cram and stack and overload. I’ll keep those in mind in the future.
Nice! Love the blue!