Laundry Room Update
Follow along on our next, very unexpected project: the laundry room update!!
Hey friends!
Did you happen to see my Instagram stories recently??
If you did, this might not be a surprise to you…If you didn’t, let me fill you in! haha! So, last week, our dryer decided to die. We probably could’ve gotten a fix for it, but they were about 11ish years old, and I’d been wanting a different type of washer, so we got a new set.
Our very first front-loading washer. (and a new dryer) I’d never been very interested in those, but my husband really wanted to go that route this time. And I didn’t really see any top-loading ones that I was crazy about.
However, I did like this set that we ended up with:
I didn’t want white this time, so we got the “Carbon Graphite” color. Which, as you can imagine, will change the whole look of our laundry room.
(You can find them here and here. By the way, we got them on their Memorial Day sale and got a great deal. I’ll tell you why later on this month. ;) )
But, if I never mentioned it (I think I have), I had already planned to paint these cabinets a medium blue. I have just never gotten around to it!! Now, I will have to. lol
Which leads me to why we are doing an “update” now.
Oopsie.
We did measure, but these are a tiny bit bigger than what we had, and, well, as you can see, they don’t fit! Even without the countertop.
Fun times. haha
Another project for us!!
Not planned and not needed. But here we are. So let’s go!!
We immediately got to ripping out cabinets. Like I said in my Instagram story, delivery day turned into demo day. Boo!
I’ve always wanted a sink in the laundry room, so I think we may add one this time. We will see.
When we redid our laundry room over to the version I shared above, my husband added on to the existing cabinet and created two cabinets on each side.
We moved the washer/dryer down and added cabinets on either side of the one shown above and below.
We also added that floor-to-ceiling cabinet set on the left for more storage.
And before all of that, it looked like this:
Even I find it hard to believe this is the same room/house!!
Okay, back to the demo.
That old flooring under that old cabinet hasn’t seen the light of day since 1978! And it looks like it. lol
So since it didn’t fit, it was time. Time for new cabinets in here, finally. So that is what we are going to do.
I’m fairly certain we are going to use these:
One of these… (find it here)
…and one of these on each side. (find it here)
I’m a drawer girl. I love kitchen drawers more than cabinets, so I’m excited about having some drawers in the laundry room.
Want to see some of the vision and help me decide??
I created, in great detail, a few different ideas with ChatGPT. I described the color blue I wanted, and the color blue that came up was actually exactly what I had in mind.
Here are a few “matches” per ChatGPT:
Sherwin-Williams Smokey Blue (this is the closest option)
Sherwin-Williams Slate Tile
Sherwin-Williams Distance
Edited to add: I went and picked up a few paint chips today. Stay tuned.
I was thinking I’d do some gold hardware this time, but seeing it, that’s a no. I also thought I’d change the wood to a lighter stain with the blue cabinets.
That’s also a no, haha!
Next, I tried it with a painted ceiling the same color as the cabinets. Which I really like.
We may change the light fixture. Unsure right now. Maybe something like this??
Trying to move a little away from the “farmhouse” look going on in there.
Then I flipped it and painted the walls, left the cabinets and ceiling white. (and bronze hardware)
How about wood shelves instead of white (above and below)?? (By the way, the countertop kept getting darker and darker with each rendition; I won’t have it as dark as some of these photos show)
Oh, decisions, decisions!!
I like this version.
But this is the one I’m leaning towards below. I love the wood shelves, the painted ceiling, the blue cabinets, and the dark (not light) countertop. (and I put the wallpaper up in the bathroom since it wasn’t in this particular photo, so you can see how it looks with the blue going into there)
Editing to add since someone asked, and yep, I did do a “color drench” just to see. I didn’t share it because it was a hard no. lol
I’ve been searching for lights and rugs today. Here’s a light I saw that seemed interesting (not a done deal, by any means, just trying it out) and a rug.
It’s actually the same exact rug we have in our upstairs bath. (seen below)
And here’s another rug below…
So, just playing around. Not sure which of those I’ll do, if any.
OH, and also, the sink, a lot of you all mentioned that, and I’m actually planning a much larger sink (if we end up doing that). That is just how ChatGPT “saw” it. I didn’t specify, and one thing I’ve learned about Chat is that you have to be very specific down to the last detail. (and I just noticed it randomly changed the faucet in the photos I did today, haha!! Do you see it?? And the countertops look almost black in the last photo. ChatGPT is a great tool, but it can be wonky!)
So, tell me: blue cabinets with blue ceiling, or white cabinets with blue walls?
Oh, and white shelves or stained shelves?? New light fixture or keep current?
Or any other ideas? Share away, please!
xo
Blue cabinets, white walls and either shelving gets my vote. A sink is a great idea. What about a bigger one? I like having a deeper and larger sink for cleaning up my projects. Good luck!
Came here to tell Nancy about getting a larger sink, we have one and it does make life easier! I think my favorite is the last picture. Still thinking about the blue ceiling, but the rest looks great, the white walls make the room brighter, especially with the darker floors, countertops and appliances. Good Luck, I’m sure whatever you do will look beautiful as always!
OH yes, I totally agree, Victoria! I told Chat to put a sink in but not what size. I totally envisioned a larger one so you are right on!! :) I will be thrilled if it works out. Plumber comes tomorrow to quote us. I will be so happy to have another sink to do all the project things etc, in. Thank you for weighing in, it’s hard when there are so many different elements sometimes. xoxo
Yes, oh yes, definitely a bigger one!! I didn’t specify and ChatGPT just popped that one in. I have always had to use our big kitchen sink for everything and I would LOVE to have a separate one out there to do so many other things in. Especially project things. Plumber comes tomorrow to give us quotes! (two different ones) :) xo
Wow that is REALLY an adventure! So fun!
The blue cabinets with bronze hardware, blue ceiling, white walls, dark shelves and counter tops have my vote. LOVE your “new” light choice. Maybe make things more interesting and use a co-ordinating wall paper to your living room some where?
Right?! lol The mess is driving me crazy but I’m getting excited about an updated look (and well, the sink, especially!) And yay, that is my favorite one too! Hmm, you know, I considered trying to use that same wallpaper somehow but not sure where/how? Thanks, Jewels!! xoxo
Love the white walls with blue ceiling and dark countertop!
Black hardware, faucet and shelves maybe?
Love the new fixture but maybe a bit more black detailing on the shade?
White faux wood blind or maybe a textured crocheted type cafe curtain on black tension rod mounted inside window?
To add a splash of color that will coordinate and bring in the adjoining room you could change out the rug, add something on the wall and decorative things on the shelves.
You have such excellent taste, I am confident you will figure it out and it will be a show stopper!
Hi Gail! Yay, that’s my favorite too!! too. A new piece of artwork to bring some color in is a great idea. And yes, I agree, those shelves are indeed in need of a complete decor overhaul…that would be a perfect place for adding some color in. Thank you, sweet friend!! xoxo
Blue cabinets with blue ceiling…dark countertop
Thanks, Stephanie!! That seems to be the winner!!xo
Hi Nancy, it was so nice meeting you at the concert a few weeks ago! I hope you and your husband enjoyed it as much as my husband and I did!
I love all of your ideas for your laundry room update, but I think my favorite is the choice you like as well. I really like the idea of the painted ceiling for some color and interest. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them!
Good Luck deciding!
Hi Tracy, oh my gosh, it was so, so great to meet you!! (And your husband, Will, I think it was?? He was so amused at the whole exchange!! lol) And yes, it was an amazing concert. My husband and I both said it was probably the best concert we’ve been to, for so many reasons. Did you know they are doing another, 12, I think it is, concerts with Chris Tomlin and TobyMac this fall?? We are thinking about going. The two closest to us would be Baltimore MD or Greensboro NC.
Thanks for weighing in on the room, it’s hard sometimes to “see” everything after you’ve looked at it for so long.
And again, it was so fun meeting you. That absolutely made my night, so thank you for that. xoxo
I love the blue cabinets and ceiling with wood shelves and counter, bronze hardware. Keep the old light fixture, or find something similar in bronze. The one pictured is too big and draws your eye to it instead of the rest of the room. Larger greenery on the shelves along with a few other colorful items. A rug similar to the style of those in the rest of the house would tie it all together. Can’t wait to see the reveal!
Hi Sandra! Thanks! Yes, my husband loves that one and doesn’t really want to change it out. He also doesn’t really care about it as much as I do so he’d be fine either way! haha! I think adding color on the shelves is a great idea! Those shelves definitely need a overhaul. Will be fun to decorate them up with new finds. Oh, yes, for sure! I actually added a few more photos to the post of a couple things I found today. (rugs, light fixture, paint chips of colors for cabinets, etc) If you get a chance, take a look! Thanks for your feedback, very helpful and appreciated!! xoxo
I love the blue cabinets with blue ceiling. The ceiling light with the black hardware is perfect for the space.
Thanks! That seems to be the favorite for all, yay! I added a few more photos to the post today (rugs, another light fixture…undecided which way to go on that, and paint chips). The other light fixture I found is completely different! Take a look if you get a chance. Thanks for weighing in on everything. :) xoxo
Blue cabs, dark hardware, white walls, wood shelves. Light in a room for work chores is always better for me. Your choices are beautiful.
Yay!! That is definitely the favorite choice. So glad, it means I’m on the right track!! Thank you, Lisa!! xoxo
Beautiful room! Yes…blue cabinets, white walls, blue ceiling, lighter counter tops, wood shelves, light fixture w/round shade (the other one screams “farmhouse” to me and if you’re wanting to get away from that…). Love it.
Thanks, Cyndi!! Yippee!! I’m so thrilled that you all love the one I love best. Yes, I agree. That one is definitely “farmhouse-y”. I actually found another one that is totally different. I posted a photo with it, some different rugs and the I picked up the paint chips today too. Pop over to see them, if you get a chance! Thanks for your input on this, friend!! xoxo
Nancy
I love them all
I have to say, once you become accustomed to the front loaders, i believe you will like them a lot. They really do a nice job on the clothes
I choose the “ quick wash” for most washes because the regular cycles are so long!! I do use the normal cycles on very dirty work clothes ( husband) i hang most of my things to dry and i find the quick cycle and taking things out immediately works well for me
And … yes to the sink! Get a big one! You will love it and with all your crafting it will be helpful
Janet
Hi Janet! Thanks, I am really liking them so far.
Ohhh, and that’s such a great tip! Thank you! You are right, they are long. I skip around until I find a shorter one so far. But I am going to do like you said instead.
Plumber (well, two) are coming tomorrow to give us quotes! Oh my gosh, I know I would. I’ve only had our large kitchen sink for everything all these years. I would love, love another one to wash all the things that don’t belong in the kitchen! xoxo
Blue ceiling and cabinets, and white walls are my favorite, but they all look good. Enjoy your new washer & dryer!
Thanks, Lizzy!! It’s hard to choose but that is definitely my favorite too. Loving the new washer and dryer so far! Fun new gadgets! But lots of stuff I don’t know how to use yet. lol xoxo
My vote is similar to yours, white walls, dark shelves and countertops, blue cabinets. Ceiling is your choice, blue is nice. Keep your original light fixture, that other one looks like an old school light and you will need light in there. Like a couple other people said, BIGGER sink, once you put that in you will wonder how you ever lived without it. You can soak things, wash paint brushes, dog bowls anything in that sink.
Going to a front loader was a new experience for me, make sure you use the cleaning tablets and keep the door, inside and out, wiped clean after every load. It’s really important.
I’d also say I like your original scarf curtain. Just curious, did you create a pic where the walls, ceiling and cabinet were all blue?
Hi Mary!
Yes, I’m loving that combo. And absolutely a larger sink! I will be thrilled to be able to soak clothing, use it for project things, washing up after crafty stuff, etc. Gosh, I will just love it. Plumber comes tomorrow so we will soon see!
Oh, good tips on the washer, I didn’t know about the tablets. Thank you! I had totally forgotton about the scarf curtain. Would be fun to find one with a little more color and do the same.
And as a matter of fact, I did do a pic with the whole “color drench” thing. Didn’t share it because I didn’t love it. But I put it up on the blog today (and a few other photos I created with rugs, another light fixture and some paint chips I picked up today) Pop over to the blog to take a look and see everything and also what you think about the all blue look! xoxo
Blue ceiling, white walls, wood counters and shelves, and blue cabinets. I wouldn’t use the new light you chose, I have one in my hallway, and they don’t put out “work” light. I would also introduce some of that blue into the window treatments somehow. I would not go with the gold hardware either.
I’m sure it will be beautiful no matter what you choose. Good luck!
Hi Diana! Oh, yep, that is definitely a concern. I do not want a “skimpy” light in there for sure. I’ve got to have good lighting in there. I know, I really thought I’d want to do gold hardware but as it came together with the new appliances, countertops etc, it just did not look good to me. I put a few more pictures in the post today. I’ve been looking at rugs, another light, and stopped by Sherwin Williams to pick up some paint chips. Hop over there and see it if you get a chance! And thank you so much for taking the time to weigh in on it!! Much appreciated!! xoxo
I like what you like best too – white walls, blue cabs, blue ceiling, wood shelves, dark counters – and keep the existing ceiling light, it’s perfect. And I liked the first rug with the geometric shapes best in that space. I am so sorry it all worked out that way but wow talk about a weird blessing in disguise. Going to be gorgeous, Nancy.
Yay!! That is definitely the favorite!! So glad y’all love that one too. My husband loves that light! He’d be so thrilled to know several of you all love it too. I bought that runner in 2015. It’s been gone for awhile but I just looked it up and it’s still available! I may just rebuy that one because I do like that one also. Looking at the two other choices I included, they sort of feel like they are competing with the wallpaper in the adjacent room. The original one doesn’t.
Yes, I definitely was not prepared or wanting to do this right now, lol, but I have been wanting to update the laundry room. So now it’s finally getting done and bonus, I may get the sink I’ve always wanted in there too!! Plumber come tomorrow…so we will see! Thanks for your input, Michele!! Very appreciated!! xoxo