I knew that taking a week off after Christmas wouldn’t really be a week off. I just can’t sit still very long, so amazing friends, let me tell you what I did with that week! I redid our laundry room!!
How it started
It all started when I was out with my oldest looking for TV mounting hardware for his room at Best Buy on Black Friday weekend. I don’t go out to stores much these days, so I was like a kid in a candy store looking at everything when I happened upon the washers and dryers. I have been wanting a new set for a couple of years now, but ours still worked fine. However, they were old! My hubby had been asking me what I wanted for Christmas, and when I found a gorgeous set at Best Buy, I called him and told him that’s what I wanted. He told me to go ahead and get them. Except…Best Buy didn’t have the dryer in stock and did not have an estimate of when they might. Bummer.
I was determined
On the way home, we stopped in at Lowe’s and they had a set I liked even better on sale for Black Friday! So, I went ahead and got it, but it wouldn’t be able to be delivered until early January. That was fine by me and I knew that would give me time to make some changes in our laundry room before the new set arrived. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
The sad before
Here is our laundry room when we first moved in, with the set that came with the house:
Fast forward a year when I painted the cabinets at the same time as our kitchen cabinets using the exact method I used here: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets, a Step-by-Step Guide:
Thank goodness I had the sense to do that! (And take pictures lol!)
Here is what the laundry room looked like just before I started on the rest this December:
Across from our laundry room is our guest bath. That was the first room I redid when we moved in, and I added bead board to the walls in there, so I knew I wanted do the same in this space.
Getting started
To start, I painted the top half of our walls in Campfire Ash by Behr:
This is the same color I’ve used in just about every room in our home, and I just love it!
Adding Bead Board
Then, it was time to start adding the bead board!
I added it just like I did in our bathroom and I used the exact same product that I purchased at the Home Depot. I shared exactly what I used and how I did it in this post: How to Install Wainscoting.
It looks terrible as it’s going up, but paint and then caulk in the corners will make it gorgeous!
I continued all the way around. The smart thing to do would have been to unhook the washer and dryer and remove them from this tiny space, but I just worked around them:
When I was done, I painted the bead board in Behr’s Ultra Pure White in a satin finish, left over from our kitchen cabinets, and then added a primed 1X4 cut to fit to cap it off, also painted the same way. I added a piece of small trim to the underside of the 1X4 to cover the top of the bead board. (This is a bit different than the way I capped off the bead board in our bathroom.)
Tada! I was now ready for our new set to arrive…
And it finally did, right on schedule! Because both pieces are front-loading, I knew I wanted to add a folding counter across the top to prevent any rogue socks from going missing behind this humongous set.
Installing the new folding counter
I’ve always dreamed of a huge folding counter in my laundry room! And I should clarify, by folding counter, I mean a counter to fold clothes on, not a table that folds down.
So using 1×3’s, I added a support for my new counter starting on the left side, making sure it was level. I used my stud finder to locate studs to drill directly into for the best support:
I continued it across the back and on the opposite side:
The piece of wood I had found to use as my guide to know where to place the supports (so that they would allow a little space between the top of the machines and the counter), ended up staying on top of them to aid in support also:
Time to make the counter!
For the counter, I purchased 23/32 4×8 Radiata Pine Plywood:
I took my measurements before I went to the store and had them cut it for me.
When I got the plywood home, I lightly sanded all over with 220 grit sandpaper and then gave it a coat of Kilz primer leftover from our kitchen cabinets. You will want to prime bare wood because it will really soak up the paint. Then I sanded lightly all over again, vacuumed up the dust and painted with two coats of Behr’s Ultra Pure White paint in satin to match the bead board:
I used a 6” roller for smooth surfaces to paint this large surface.
After allowing it to dry for a couple of days, I installed it. (I did not nail it in place, so it can easily be removed to access anything under or behind it.)
Looking good! But it looks like a skinny counter and you can see the raw edge of the plywood across the front.
The final step was to add a piece of 1×2 to the front edge to simulate the look of a chunkier counter top. I added it while the counter was in place using wood glue and my nail gun. After filling a few holes and some fresh paint, my laundry room makeover was complete!
Ready to see the final result??
How huge are those machines?? They hold so much!
And it has been so nice having enough this large counter space to fold everything on!
It was a bit of a challenge to photograph such a tiny space!
That piece of trim across the front was the perfect way to finish off the counter.
And here’s a closer look at the bead board and small trim I used to hide the top of the bead board:
I already had this hanging bar in here that I added not long after we moved in.
I like to gather everyone’s hangers and hang things up as I pull them out of the dryer, and this makes it so much easier.
The counter didn’t quite cover the hoses at the back:
So I went in search of something to hide those and found this cute enamel sign on Amazon that was perfect:
I also found this cute enamel soap powder bin:
I prefer liquid detergent, but this is a fun piece to sit on the counter. (There is a door with a window in the bathroom directly across from this space, so the lighting is a bit harsh in these photos.)
This room is so much more functional!
I chose the same pretty glass pulls that match the pulls on our Kitchen Island:
Oh and I almost forgot one of my favorite things, this cool sign that hangs outside the door:
I’m so happy this space finally got a refresh!
I hope you enjoyed a home project for a change of pace!
You can see more of our home’s room makeovers at the links below!
Guest Bath Makeover
Office Makeover with Stone Wall Reveal
Dining Room
Living Room
Boys’ Bathroom Makeover
Kitchen Makeover (My favorite!!)
Our Bedroom Makeover
Front Landscaping Makeover
The bath in our bedroom is next on the hit list!
Before I go, I wanted to share a peek of the drum table I shared last week with the dresser I was trying to match it to, when I dropped it off at my booth:
I was so pleased to see them work so well together woohoo!
I’ll be back to my regularly scheduled programming on Thursday with this cabinet:
Hope to see ya’ll then!
UPDATE: I don’t think you’ll recognize this cabinet now…see it HERE!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
Wow I LOVE how your laundry room turned out. It is so cute, and functional now. That is so awesome that your drum table and dresser look so cute together matching. Looking forward to see what you do with the cute little cupboard on Thursday!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! And yes, the table and dresser are a sweet set now for sure! See ya Thursday! XOXO
Dolores Kelly says
Hi Christy,
I was amazed at your laundry room makeover! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog on how you did this. It came out so beautiful! I am now thinking of doing my laundry area over. I look forward every Tuesday to your blog.
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Dolores! Thank you so much! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
Love the makeover!
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Happy New Year Christy. Your new laundry room looks awesome!! Makes you want to do laundry
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I haven’t minded doing laundry at all ha ha! XOXO
Jody says
Your room makeovers are so fun to see! I always love what you do. Thanks for sharing. I’d be looking for dirty laundry to wash just so I could spend time in your cute laundry room!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jody!! I have actually enjoyed doing the laundry lol! XOXO
Pam Walsh says
Beautiful new laundry room !!! Love the makeover ! Have a great week !
Christy says
Thank you so much, Pam! You too! XOXO
Cindy says
Such a gorgeous transformation! I hope you’re enjoying your new machines. I have a question about the beadboard and its thickness: did you have any issues in putting the receptacle plates back on? Did you have to pull the electrical box out a bit so everything would be flush with the beardboard?
Christy says
Thanks so much, Cindy! I did have to unscrew the outlets a bit to pull them forward so they sit flush with the bead board. I didn’t give a play by play on installing the headboard since I did a detailed post on it when I did our bathroom, but I linked to that post and mentioned that in there. I actually had to find longer screws for the bathroom, but not for the laundry room. XOXO
Jackie C says
Looks just beautiful!
The old washers/dryers aren’t much to look at, but I’d do anything for an old washer that isn’t computerized and actually fills up with water! The newer HE top loaders (like mine) only use about 8” of water for a full load. Tell me that cleans clothes. It doesn’t! I literally hate mine 😫
How do you like your front loader? Does it get your clothes clean?
Christy says
Thank you Jackie! My mom has complained about the very same thing, and I think that is partly why I have been hesitant to upgrade. I am loving the front loader so far though as it works great! XOXO
Paula@SweetPea says
Your laundry room looks great, Christy! I love the beadboard and I would never know that the counter you created is simply a removeable board. Your new washer and dryer look great in your pretty updated space.
Christy says
Thank you, Paula! Anything that makes doing laundry more fun, right? XOXO
Elizabeth K Downes says
I love this makeover. I didn’t even know I wanted a new laundry room, but now?????? yep! hahaha
Christy says
Ha ha! Thanks so much, Elizabeth! XOXO
Janet says
Hi Christy!!
The laundry room looks beautiful!
And you are going to love those machines!! I did the same… used some that were already there in a house we bought , for three years!! Didn’t even realize how bad they were until I got my new front loaders!! Like a dream come true!!!
Congrats!
Janet
Christy says
Thank you, Janet! Yes, I am so excited about my new machines! They are so much faster and hold so much more! XOXO
Christina says
WOW!!! I adore the cozy, yes cozy, look of the new laundry room makeover! Sweet, charming and functional. I adore beadboard so that is perfect. The sign outside hints at the beauty within. Love the little decor pieces used in unique ways. Congratulations on the new washer and dryer as well!! Way to go!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! It is so cozy in there now! I almost don’t even mind doing laundry! XOXO
Ann Williams says
Beautiful!!! Wow!!
Christy says
Thank you, Ann! XOXO
Janice Holt says
I knew you were not idle when you took a break. Love the laundry room and the washer and dryer. I have a front load washer and dryer and they will pay for themselves because you don’t have to use near the laundry detergent. Another great job.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! You know me well ha ha… I can’t sit still for too long! I am really excited to finally have an up-to-date set! XOXO
Gail says
Lovely! We are in the process of moving (so, because of time restraints, I can’t take time to view all of your posts this month 😩 but glad I got to see this one). Our new house is a fixer upper and the laundry area definitely needs some upgrading! Thanks for posting these ideas!
Christy says
Thank you, Gail! I’m so glad you could take a minute to stop by today! Best of luck with the move! XOXO
Molly says
Oh my gosh, this is amazing. I couldn’t help thinking how proud of you your family must be. You are a magician and a very hard working lady! Kudos.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Molly! I appreciate that! XOXO
Debbie says
Wow, you did a great job I love it! We are going to redo our laundry room this summer, actually just adding counter and cabinets, I have new washer so I can’t top load so my counter will b on other wall my cat boxes are in there too so we will see how this works. ??? Hope it looks as good as yours, I love it you did a great job!! You can do anything!!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Debbie! I’m not sure I can do anything, but I’ll sure try lol! Good luck with yours! XOXO
Maryellen Webber says
Thanks for the inspiration Christy! I definitely want to have a counter for folding laundry in our next house. We plan to move this year. A laundry room will be a luxury for me! Lol
Christy says
My pleasure, Maryellen! It is such a treat to have this new counter. And yes…it will be nice to have a laundry room in your next house, I’m sure! XOXO
Teresa Farrell says
Oh Christy,I LOVE your washroom. Have to admit couldn’t take my eyes off the new washer and dryer. NICE. Another great redo.🥰
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! Aren’t they beautiful? I’m so excited about them! XOXO
Stacey says
Wow!!! Oh, please, please, please come fix my horrrrible laundry room!!!😬
(Oh, I wish!! But thank you sooo much for the awesome inspiration!!)
Fabulous job, just love it!!!
Christy says
Oh ha ha! Thank you so much, Stacey! XOXO
K says
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! Best form of flattery is to copy from someone and that’s my new plan for my laundry table! Thanks again.
Christy says
Thank you so much, K!! Absolutely copy away! XOXO
Toby Peplow says
OMG your laundry room is layed out the same way mine is! But now I know what to do to fix it up!! This looks beautiful and is very functional. Thanks for sharing Christie!!
Christy says
Oh awesome! I’m so glad I could give you an idea for yours!! XOXO
Debbie Mealus says
In this time of relative isolation, I feel like I have a friend I look forward to hearing from. When I receive your emails, I get a cup of coffee and savor the time I spend enjoying your posts! I absolutely love your laundry room makeover. It’s so much fun to see such dramatic changes and your photography is incredible!
Christy says
You’re sweet comment totally made my day, Debbie! Thank you! I truly look forward to meeting my blog family here two days a week too! XOXO
Mary says
I love it! We have been in our house for 10 years and I have wanted to do something to my laundry room since we moved in. This just might be my inspiration to get it done! Thank you!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I’m so glad I could give you a little inspiration for your own laundry room! It does make doing laundry so much nicer LOL! XOXO
Patty says
Christy, your creativity never fails to amaze me! The laundry room looks so good. . Love your new w&d – funny how we can think of a laundry room as beautiful! :). Wish I lived close enough to shop your booth – the dresser & table are really pretty!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Patty! It actually is enjoyable to be in there doing laundry now. And yes, the dresser and table really work nicely together now! XOXO
Amanda says
Love the laundry room makeover! Such a beautiful space for a job that’s not always fun. 🙂 I hope too you won’t regret getting rid of your old machines. A lot of the new ones don’t clean well, but then, we live in the country, and kids are dirt magnets (lol) so that may be why they don’t work well for us! Thanks for all you share, I look forward to reading your blog every week! ❤
Christy says
Thank you so much, Amanda! Yes, I hope I don’t regret it either. So far, so good though! These machines got really good reviews, so we’ll see! XOXO
Tara C says
Beautiful transformation!
Christy says
Thank you, Tara! XOXO
Jane Frost says
What a great upgrade for your laundry room! Finally, someone has posted a redo with a laundry room as small as mine! This is perfect! Not a big expense, but fresh, clean and oh so charming. Thank you for this inspiration.
Christy says
Thank you, Jane! Yes, it is quite small. I wasn’t even sure the machines were going to fit when they showed up ha ha! Aside from those, this refresh was pretty budget friendly! XOXO
Rebecca Payne says
What a difference. Great Job!
Christy says
Thank you, Rebecca! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Bravo! The laundry room turned out beautiful and functional with that smart folding table. Did you set the 1×4 Flush on top of the bead board and then add the trim? Drum table and chest make my heart sing!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! Yes, that is exactly what I did. I bought special trim to use when I did the bathroom, but it came with base molding too which I didn’t need, so I looked for a different way to do it in the laundry room and this worked out nicely. I bought enough of the small trim to put along the top edge also but I have not done that yet, and I’m not sure I will as it looks fine as is. And yes, the table and dresser look so out together now! XOXO
Maureen Deaton says
I love the look! When we remodeled our upstairs (kids) bathroom, we used bead board and were so pleased with the results. It’s held up to years of use, too! Thanks for the info on the grout cleaner (quest bathroom remodel), since I need to tackle the grout in my kitchen. I’ve used baking soda on plastic and it cleans it better than anything else that I’ve tried. The high chair tray looked new after using baking soda and dish soap paste. Thanks, and I look forward to future posts!
Christy says
Thank you, Maureen! I’m a big fan of bead board also! It just looks so bright and fresh! And yes, the baking soda trick really works fantastically! XOXO
De De says
Gorgeous makeover!!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Debbie! XOXO
Christy says
Ha ha…autocorrect wanted you to be a Debbie! Sorry about that, De De! 😊
Diane Mandt says
Absolutely stunning!!! I have a similar size laundry, needs you and headboard, plus your touches.
And I swoon over your table and dresser combo. Lovely!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Diane! I actually don’t mind being in there now! And yes, hoping the dresser and table sell together! XOXO
Kimberly says
I love this laundry room makeover. It takes a hard working room and makes it a beautiful place to be in. Well done!
Christy says
Thank you, Kimberly! For sure…it is so much nicer doing laundry now! XOXO
June G. says
Wow! Great job!
I’m so glad the question was asked about your “front loading” machines. I have a new washer like your Mom and Jackie (who commented)…to get it to fill with more water I stand there and lift the lid, close lid, repeat… several times as it adds a bit more water each time I lift the lid! LOL!!
You always motivate me…thanks!
Christy says
Thanks so much, June! Yes, so far this washer is great. I was afraid to get a new top loader for those reasons! XOXO
Vicki says
Such a pretty laundry room!
Christy says
Thank you, Vicki! XOXO
Lola Fields says
I love the redo. But is that little blue thing sitting on the old dryer a steamer? If so what brand and does it work good?
Christy says
Thanks, Lola! That is actually a hand-held vacuum. 🙂
Sharon L Austin says
So amazingly cute; makes laundry not seem like such a chore. You’ve inspired me once again; this time to plan a redo in my dungeon. Oh! I mean laundry room! 😛
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! Laundry has been so much easier and quicker! Good luck with yours! XOXO
Meg says
You forever amaze me. Does your hubby not want to jump in and tell you how to do things? Mine would never let me. He always jumps in and takes over. He leaves the painting to me. I’m sure I could do it, especially with your directions. Awesome transformation!!!!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Meg! He has learned not to! I am more likely to jump in and tell him how to do things ha ha! XOXO
Denise Cox says
I think as much as anything else I love the sign hanging outside the bathroom. What a unique touch and I’ve never seen anyone do that before!! You li’ stinker… 😝!!!
And… I love the matchy drum table with the dresser . It would be so nice if they were bought as an ensemble.
Christy says
Isn’t that sign so cool? I love it too! And yes! I am hoping the dresser and table sell as a set now! XOXO
roe squire says
It looks spectacular! I love it.
Christy says
Thank you, Roe! XOXO
Robin says
Looks clean and fresh. I was laughing at myself, though. You said folding table…I expected a hinged surface (on the back wall above the appliances) where it could be unfolded to create a surface for the clean laundry. Then it would fold up out of sight. I would not like to clean that space (top of appliances & below the shelf) because lint and dust can accumulate there.
Christy says
Thanks, Robin! And ha ha… someone else mentioned the same thing about the folding table. It could definitely be taken that way. This counter is not attached to the supports, so cleaning under it is as easy as lifting it up and giving it a quick wipe! XOXO
Lizzy says
Great makeover. So fresh and clean!
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! XOXO
Addie says
Why you slacker!!! Living there that long and doing nothing the laundry room. I am surprised you got that set in there…that is a small space. Looks lovely now!!! I got a new set this past year also…so fun!!!
What I REALLY LOVE is the dresser and the drum table together ….WOW!!!!
What a beauty of a set!!!! It won’t last long at the space. XXOO
Christy says
I know, right? When you live with something for so long as is, you just get used to it. I realized just how ugly it really was after the redo ha ha! And I was sweating it as they were loading it in…it’s a pretty tight fit for sure. Yay for new appliances for both of us! And I am hoping you’re right about that dresser and table and they don’t last long! XOXO
Carol Karl says
What a great makeover. I love the signs that you have used. You’ll enjoy doing laundry now – or is that still a stretch?
Christy says
Thank you, Carol! No, that is accurate…I haven’t minded do laundry at all ha ha! XOXO
JANET SCHEN says
Oh my goodness1 You made it look amazing with the bead board and who doesn’t need more space to fold the laundry. I love the laundry sign that you hung above the door! So quaint!
Christy says
Thank you, Janet! I love having that huge counter to fold clothes! And isn’t that sign the cutest?? XOXO
Cecilia says
Wow, I love it! One of these days I’m going to redo my redo, lol. We moved the washer and dryer onto the long wall and things look unfinished now. Love how yours turned out. Thanks for the inspiration!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! The laundry room doesn’t always get the attention and yet we spend so much time in there! XOXO
Sue H Mellette says
WOW! What a difference the bead board, counter over your beautiful new washer and dryer, and the rest of the details – new paint, knobs and your signs make in your renovation. I am sure it will be much more enjoyable now to do the laundry(LOL). Is there anything you can’t do? You are so talented. Thanks for sharing! Have a wonderful week!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Sue! It really is so much more enjoyable to be in there now! XOXO
Kerryanne says
You did a fabulous job of it all Christy and it looks amazing!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend!! XOXO
Denise says
Beautiful makeover Christy and I love the new washer/dryer… and that charming door sign! 💜
Christy says
Thank you, my dear friend! Isn’t that sign the cutest?? XOXO
Kathryn Sharp says
Hi Christy, Just been through all your home makeover pictures, very inspirational. Could you please tell me what you have used for the wall colour throughout your home, it’s very pretty. Thanks Kathryn
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kathryn! I used Campfire Ash by Behr. I still love it after three years! XOXO
Nette says
Clever and beautiful result. I’m wondering how you came up with the color scheme. The combination of grays and whites is perfect. Did you take notes on the machines before having them shipped?
Christy says
Thank you, Nette! When I saw that set in the store, I knew it would match with our home nicely and the color I used on the walls is the same color I used in most of the rest of the house, so it just worked out! XOXO
Phyllis says
Wonderful job. Looks great. I believe you have painted oak cabinets before. Did you use filler on the grain or just paint with the grain showing? If you didn’t fill the grain, did you like it?
Christy says
Thank you, Phyllis! I do not fill oak when painting it. I don’t mind the grain in the least as it is still 100 times better when painted than before. 🙂 XOXO
Wendy Somerville says
Beautiful Christy! Now I would like to see you do a tutorial on Painting and Stenciling the ceramic Tile floor. I have been reading and doing a lot of research about doing this and I am planning just that, in both my front and back entrances. It looks like I have close to the same ceramic tile flooring in color to what you have in the Laundry room and probably your kitchen. Here is one of the links to a Stencil Shop for Inspiration: https://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/floor-stencils-tile-stencil-for-painting-floors.html
Christy says
Thanks, Wendy! I don’t mind our tile as is, but we are working on enlarging our pantry at the moment, and if we can’t find the same tile to match the existing floor tile, I may need to just find something close and paint it. So, I have been looking at ideas for stenciling just that area. 🙂 XOXO
Michele M. says
Whoo hooo! WOW does that look AWESOME! What a beautiful, functional updated space. I absolutely love it.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Michele! Doing laundry has never been this enjoyable lol! XOXO
Mary says
I can’t expound more on all of the above comments; I totally agree that this transformation is just amazing! Eye candy AND functional 🙂 Beautiful! I love that you share your room projects with us…sooo inspiring.
Christy says
Thanks so much Mary!! Laundry is so much quicker with my new machines too! XOXO
Sharon GD says
Now I see the benefit of a front loading washer! You made that shelving look easy! And, I’m not a sign fan but I love the hanging sign outside the door! I have white kitchen cabinets and HAD white laundry room….never again. Two conversions isn’t bad, and your room is lovely. Love the post and your drawer lining video is going to be very helpful. Thank you.
Christy says
Yes…I have been wanting a front-laoding set for years so I could do this! Thank you!! XOXO
Becky Ruse says
So beautiful! My husband and I did a similar set up in ours a few years ago, with one snag: one of the walls we screwed the countertop support boards into housed a pocket door. Our brains blipped out (sawdust overload), and we screwed right through the wall and into the open door. 😎 Anytime you “manage to hit a stud the first time” without good reason, you should take another look around… 😁
You have a lovely space!
Christy says
Thank you, Becky! And oh no ha ha! Oopsie!! XOXO
Dianne Morana says
Wow, what a beautiful laundry room! You have inspired me to get back into refreshing a few pieces I have put on the back burner. Thank you for posting and all that it entails.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Dianne! I love that you are feeling creative! Have fun! XOXO
Suzanne Borman says
Beautiful! I love the color of the walls. Did you go with an eggshell sheen?
Christy says
Thank you, Suzanne! I did! OXXO