A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Loads of Laundry
9:25 AM
As you could probably guess by the title of this post, we're about to go through the makeover we just did on one of the most important smallest rooms of the house... our laundry room.
Here is a prettier picture that the previous realtor took:
Its a SUPER small room (about 4.5 x 7), right off our kitchen, that leads to the driveway and garage.
Here's a view from the kitchen
And just for kicks, here are the stairs (on the left) that door leads to out from our laundry room, to the driveway/garage...
But back to reality, here are some more awesome "before" pictures...
Another thing that had to go... the blinds... the cheap, $4 kind... they seriously make me cringe
Already looking better though!
But then we had to find a home for our washing machine to live for the next couple days... Since the dryer had already staked his claim in the kitchen, our washer chose the dining room...
I decided to take his word for it since I was NOT going back into Icky-Icky-Dirty Land and gave him the "Sure, why not".
Next thing I heard, was **Crack**Breaking Noise**... and "#^%$!!!" from Chris...
Since this house is old (cirra 1940) and we have NO idea when this laundry room extension was added, we came to the conclusion there must have been a water leak from the washer some time ago and it had seeped into the walls...
The good news: no mold... Hooray!
The bad news: we were going to have to replace the drywall that was soft and falling apart.
Chris's Good News: He got to break out his wall saw...
They decided to remove all dry wall about 24 inches up from all three walls...
It even looked like this at one point...
Remember: this is DAY 1 of what should have been just a "tiling project"...
The next day, after leaving the house to avoid having a stroke every time I shimmied passed the drier in the kitchen and looking into the room, I came home to a MUCH better site...
I then broke out my best dancing moves, with camera in hand, in front of Chris to celebrate:
Thank goodness Chris just smiles at me when I act weird... I'm about 50% sure he knew what he was getting into when he married me...
Wax on, wax off my husband... wipe on, wipe off...
And the result? I mean, come on, really?... really?
So Chris and his dad pulled up the baseboards... this time without the wall attached...
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| Home Depot Unfinished Cabinet |
Enter Ikea...
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| Picture from HERE |
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| Pax Wardrobe |
And when I got to the store, I decided all the options we could put INSIDE were perfect for what we needed....
****(I reserve this space for the 45 minutes it took for me to check out, put two 96" boxes (thats 8ft) which weigh 65lbs and 50lbs respectfully, in the car, by myself, IN THE RAIN... ... ... ... Lesson learned? NEVER go to Ikea by yourself... I may or may not have called Chris
The next day when we finally got it out of the box and put together...
Next stop, the door...
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| Wire baskets |
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| Pax shelves |
Here's a better picture of how it looks now... and put together and what not...
The ONLY thing bugging me about the new pantry and the washer/dryer was the uneven balance...
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the extra storage and since Chris and I are both over 6ft, we have no problem reaching things, but with the pantry being higher than the washer/dryer, it just seemed uneven.
Once again, enter Ikea....I forgot to take a picture when I was actually there... but here's what I found via their website:
It looks a little light in this picture, but it had some great earthy-tones to it so I figured I might as well try and see how two of 'em would look up top...
I've decided I'll use it store a lot of my extra fabric and buralp I have hanging around the house... but I just love how it balances everything out and breaks up all the white a bit...
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Still not sure how I feel about the light (Chris REALLY likes it) and I really did too, but now that we have so much going on toward the ceiling, I'm thinking a can light maybe a little better and not as "squished" looking... who knows, it may grow on me...
But all in all, we're DONE!!! I know that was a super long post, but this project took at LOT longer than we original thought ("its just tile, we can do it in a weekend".... It took a FULL week)
But we LOVE IT!! We call it our "grown-up room"... like grown-ups live here and not some 20-somethings playing house...
Maybe you just had to see how TRUELY gross it was before, but we like it love it are obsessed now.
And because you all have been waiting so patiently, here is the before/after picture....
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So what did you guys think?? Have you ever started a project then have part of the wall cave in on you? Do you think the bead board and the tile work together? Are you an Ikea hater but maybe willing to give it a second chance (we are SOO happy we did!)
I would love to hear from you all!!!
Posts
86 comments
Samm,
ReplyDeleteI love every aspect of this transformation. I also love how you said "we" is a term you use loosely. I do the same thing with my husband...lol. I'm pinning these ideas! :) Megan
I love this! You guys are so creative and I think your hubby is a really good sport! I'm imagining a few swear words, made by my husband, when I think about us being in the same situation. ;)
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable Samm.... this is fantastic. EVERY bit of it. You should do this for a living in other peoples houses (when you're done with your own)! I hope Greg sees this so he knows what he's getting into ;) You're lucky to have such a handyman!! And he is so willing to help!! "Might as well replace the floor boards too" yeah right if I every heard that coming out of Greg's mouth I would jump for joy! What is your secret?? xoxox Another job well done!!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Thanks Cassie! Yea I got really lucky marrying a handy man! Im sure Greg is handy too! Chris and I had no idea what we were doing until we bought the house and just started guessing!! Can't wait to see you in June!
DeleteGreat job Samm!! Looks amazing! I love Ikea. My husband and I went last week and boy was he cursing the directions when he started putting everything together. Hopefully, your husband had an easier time than mine did:) BTW, where did you get your curtains in the dining room?? Cute..
ReplyDeleteThanks Allison!
DeleteThe curtains are from Z Gallerie that I got on clearance about a month ago... I just looked online and didnt see the EXACT same ones, but they still have some that are super cute... here's the link! http://www.zgallerie.com/c-34-drapery-panels.aspx?pagenum=0
it looks amazing! great job!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, it looks amazing! I am heading to Ikea soon with my husband in tow (and no kids!), but even so, a margarita at the end of it would be perfect. Your hubby did a great job, and how is it that his dad was so perfectly timed! I love how it all turned out.
ReplyDeleteLooks great! The baskets on top were the perfcet finishing touches!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, it looks so good!!! What a huge change!! That floor is to die for. And I'm sure you're loving all the new storage!
ReplyDeleteSamm, I am so proud of you! I have been following your blog and you are seriously doing so well! I love it! Way to go all out for this little laundry room - great job!
ReplyDeleteThat is one heck of an odd space to work with. I complain about my hallway laundry closet, but I had nothing on this space. Really nice work finding a solution to your storage problems. I love the floors!
ReplyDeleteI love your tile selection! And everything else also. Great job.
ReplyDeleteYa'll did an excellent job :)Love everything from the blinds to the floors! All your hard work paid off and it looks great! Now following your cute blog!
ReplyDeleteAs always, I am completely intrigued with what you've accomplished. (Okay, I mean what CHRIS has accomplished .. and his amazing dad!) LOVE the transformation. I like your light, but I really love bright light in my laundry room, so had my hubby install a big square ceiling hugging light fixture from Home Depot or Lowes (can't remember) that has fluorescent light, which I love because I can see every single little stain and spot that needs spraying prior to washing. I'm also blown away by how much you two accomplish!
ReplyDeleteThat space rocks! You've done it again girl! Really looks nice. I love the beadboard (good call) and I like the way you evened out your storage. I know this probably sounds weird, but isn't it nice doing your laundry in that room now??? LOL.. It's kinda like how your car runs better when it's all clean and detailed!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the bead board. You are so flippin talented! Next time you and Chris have a vacation cold you pleeeeeeease to come house?
ReplyDeletexoxoxo
Wow, I am seriously impressed. You guys did a great job. I love that tile and the beadboard looks awesome! Huge transformation.
ReplyDeleteYour laundry room looks wonderful...it always feels good when you everything is done right even down to the walls and behind things...yay..great job great post I am making sure I am a follower
ReplyDeleteWow, you did not disappoint with your transformation! The addition of the beadboard makes the space and the baskets on top of the washer finish it off so nicely! Congrats to you for making the most of such a tiny space.
ReplyDeleteClaire @ alittlesomethinginthemeantime.blogspot.com
Wow! Really nice! I love seeing others who DIY everything themselves like we do. It takes a long time and a lot of energy, but it's so nice when it's done!
ReplyDeleteOh my, what a job! Thank goodness for Chris's Dad. All that hard work sure paid off because it looks fabulous!! I'm sure you're loving it.
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower and hope you can stop by, Mary Alice
You guys did a great job! I love that tile floor, I'll have to check out your office post about it.
ReplyDeleteThe flooring and beadboard make such a big difference - great job! I'm very jealous of this clean and organised laundry space, mine is a dark hole under my house (don't tell anyone!) xx
ReplyDeleteAnna (My Design Ethos)
Gorgeous! I love the floor the most! Now I really really want to redo our laundry room!
ReplyDeleteWow! That looks so great now! Lots of work but I bet it's so worth it!
ReplyDeleteTania
Don't you love how you start a "quick" job and it becomes a huge project - for us it was our bathroom and the exterior wall. I was watching your transformation and I liked it all except the height difference between the new cabinet and the stacked washer/dryer. I love how you balanced it with the baskets. You did an amazing job! Or, I guess your husband and his dad did!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I had Pax closets in my previous house an I ADORE how flexible they are.
ReplyDeleteI also had to comment on the 1000s of red plastic cups in the kitchen.. I am guessing you must either be having a beer pong or flip cup tournament. That is the only justifiable reason to have that many! :)
I love this! It turned out. Absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteDanielle
www.blissfulanddomestic.com
What a wonderful chronicle of the transformation. The end result looks so fantastic. I am sure that you are thrilled with it!!
ReplyDeleteMelanie
www.bearrabbitbear.com
I love this!! We also have a really small laundry room and I do believe you have inspired me to give it a makeover! My hubby isn't going to be so pleased! :)
ReplyDeleteFollowing from Home Stories A2Z Linky Party!
theoliverlife.blogspot.com
Love your makeover and I love IKEA too.
ReplyDeleteWow. That was a completely epic transformation!
ReplyDeleteWow, That looked like a huge job for such a small room and the dry wall coming off with the base board... That room looks so good, all that work was worth it. I just love your blog I am now following on GFC and Linky. I would like to invite you to come visit me @ http://www.arosiesweethome.com/
ReplyDeleteI have a Sunday linky party too if you wand to share anything.
Hope you come
Roes
Looks fabulous!!! The floor looks great and your Ikea purchases are perfect! I must say that that is one of the most epic posts I ever read - that must have taken you forever. Great job though and your room is amazing!
ReplyDeleteJenn
Amazing. I found your blog on the kurtz corner blog hop. You are too funny. Now following.
ReplyDeleteGo Chris and his Dad! It looks great. I love the tile you chose and the IKEA piece fits like it was made for the space.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all Chris and his Dad are super heros for real. The laundry room is amazing. I love everything. The flooring is perfect for the space. The wainscoting on the walls really adds a very nice element to the room. The furniture piece was perfect...can't believe no one thought of that previously. The baskets are fabulous and I love the light fixture. Thank you for this wonderful post! I would love it if you would share this at our What’s It Wednesday blog party. Hope to see you there.
ReplyDeletePaula
ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
It started like the laundry room was an afterthought and now it looks like a well planned intentional space. Awesome job!
ReplyDeleteThat really is an AMAZING transformation! Thanks so much for sharing at Beautify It Monday - We hope you'll come back next week!
ReplyDeleteAhhhh...love to see madeover laundry rooms! I did ours last summer, and it's one of my favorite rooms in our house! Thanks for sharing at Wow Me Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! Great job...it's beautiful! (Over from Coastal Charm...) Congrats! wendy
ReplyDeleteGreat work on your lovely little laundry space! What a difference you made - and once again I loved reading through the whole process and seeing the pictures too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a fabulous week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
UH-Maaazing transformation, girl! Y'all did good!! I love everything about the new laundry room. Great choice on the floor.
ReplyDeleteBTW I'm just down south a little bit in suburb north of Houston. We're practically neighbors...considering the big, big world of blogging. Hope y'all made it through the storms/tornadoes okay.
Sharon @ mrs. hines class
Wow, looks FAB-O!!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome job! I love it :o)
ReplyDelete-Jacque
Wow, so much better! Sometimes it's the smallest rooms that cause the most trouble... :)
ReplyDeleteThat turned out amazing. The floors are gorgeous. Love everything about your laundry transformation.
ReplyDeleteLoved this transformation!!! The floors are beautiful and it flows so much better!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a lot of work for such a small space, but it really paid off. Looks amazing. Thanks so much for linking up at Etcetorize~
ReplyDeleteOkay, you had me at the EVER tagline on your HOH submission. So you set the bar high. I mean, really. And I'm judgmental. Not a hater, so don't hate. But when you tell me EVER I expect amazing. So please tell Chris (and his bat signal answering dad) they do amazing work! Best EVER!
ReplyDeleteAnd this was a long post. And I'm a busy lady. My teen son is out at a movie, my tween is playing a computer game, my beagle is snoring up a storm, and a How I Met Your Mother repeat is on the TV. See, crazy busy household here. But I hung in there. Only because you are a very entertaining 20-something!
:)
Linda
The transformation is wonderful. You really utilized your small space very well. I don't really understand what people have against IKEA. I think if you choose carefully, they have some very well-made items. We've used several of their Expedits in different rooms of our home, & no way are those things going to be falling apart anytime soon. I like the baskets & have used some of those as well. Congrats on a a great room redo!
ReplyDeleteCAS
Great makeover! I am in the middle of a bathroom makeover and have been inspired! Thanks
ReplyDeleteGreat makeover - love the new space. Also I love that you think he was 50% aware of what he was getting into when he married you, sometime I wonder if mine was even that certain of what he was getting!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day. ~Amy @ Permanent Kisses
Looks great!
ReplyDeleteOMGoodness!!! You guys ROCK! I'm totally in love with that floor. The beadboard and the storage are awesome too! Great work!
ReplyDelete--Katie
@ Creatively Living
Those little surprises are never fun, but your new laundry room looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou and your hubs did a fabulous job - such a challenging space, but you made it charming and functional!
ReplyDeleteNow, for your question on IKEA. I LOVE IKEA - if you are careful with your selection, you will find that they make a quality product. In fact, we just completely gutted and remodeled our entire house - and we chose an IKEA kitchen (if you would like to see our transformation here is the site:
http://cdm-arewethereyet.blogspot.com/2012/04/kitchen-final-reveal.html). We have also used the EXPEDITE bookshelves, a nightstand, a headboard, a dresser, and a buffet in our "new" house. I'll feature all these in future posts. So, you can see that we are "sold" on IKEA (and we have to travel three hours one way to get to the closest store).
BTW - I found your blog via the Uncommonly Yours Link Party.
Hugs and Happy Easter -
Carol @arewethereyet
Wow, great transformation! I love the tile and the extra storage - nice job. Thanks for linking up.
ReplyDeleteI ADORE your stone floor. where did you get the stones??? I love these. THESE ARE THE ONES that you actually find in Italian farm houses.
ReplyDeleteLook great! Thank you for sharing it at our linky party http://www.finecraftguild.com/party/
Thanks! Im glad you like em! I got them at a local granite and marble auction here in Dallas but you can also get them at Home Depot... they are just 3x6 travertine pavers... and I love them... Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteStunning makeover, just love it!
ReplyDeleteWill be featuring it tomorrow
XO
Kristin
I know I already left you a comment, just wanted to say how happy I am that you are getting featured all over! You totally deserve it (give your hubby something extra since he worked so hard too!).
ReplyDeleteJessica
stayathomeista.com
Seriously. Amazing. Makeover. Adore the floor and the beadboard. I'm a bit obsessed with beadboard myself. Your hubby is quite the handy guy! Well done to the two {or three} of you!
ReplyDeleteXO
This is an incredible transformation! I love how you took us along on your journey with the pictures and commentary on your post. It is a beautiful room!
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Trish
You two did an amazing job on this makeover! Props to you! Thanks for linking up at The Kurtz Corner, you have been featured today! Stop by, check it out, and grab a featured button! :) You will also be pinned to The Kurtz Corner Link Party Features Pinterest board!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thekurtzcorner.com/2012/04/tuesday-tutorials-link-party-no-31.html
http://pinterest.com/Thekurtzcorner/the-kurtz-corner-link-party-features/
That looks great!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love how your post tells a story. Entertaining and informative.
Great job and after all the hub bub, it is so worth it!
I am so glad you came by to link up to the party at Embracing Change!
Please come back this week again! I would love to have you there!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Stunning makeover, love the floor. I also like how you balanced the top by adding the baskets. Your posts are always so entertaining. Great job!! There's no hope for mine, it's down in the dungeon. Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration at Sunday's Best.
ReplyDeletePerfection!
ReplyDeleteI'm not an Ikea hater! I love that place. Seriously. But probably mostly because our budget is quite tiny. I love the makeover, though! Complete transformation. I think my favorite part is how you guys decided to bring that beadboard into the laundry room for a more seamless look. Successful week of updating and remodeling!
ReplyDeleteThe room looks great! Our last house was built in the fifties and I am very familiar with starting a 'small' project only to end up with much larger issues! (we also frequently fall into the 'while we're at it' and might as wel' trap)
ReplyDeleteLove the beadboard - you can never go wrong with beadboard
I featured this today! Duh...how could I not? It's kind of amazing and everything that I want!
ReplyDeleteGirl, this is so Drab to Fab! I would love to trade laundry rooms with you now, please! This week's party is live again, thanks so much for linking up all of your great posts to the party!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amynjesse.com/2012/04/drab-to-fab-link-up-12-features.html
Congrats! Have a lovely weekend! :)
Amy @ Sugar and Spice
Featured! Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeletehttp://makinglemonadeblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/refresh-your-nest-friday-28.html
What an amazing makeover!! Totally LOVE it!! We loved having you at our "Strut Your Stuff Saturday.' We hope you'll be back again soon! -The Sisters
ReplyDeleteGreat way to utilize the space in your 'grown-up room'...
ReplyDeletegood job! love the color and the tile is gorgeous!
Love your blog!! My hubby and I just made our 1st trip to IKEA (Atlanta) today...we are in LOVE!!He even agreed to go back with me when we shop for our house (when it's done). You're husband is a better sport than mine. LOL I'm the doer, he's the watcher and picture taker. :0) I don't mind, my mom is a DIY'er and my dad was general contractor, it's in my blood! I look forward to more of your posts!~Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful Transformation! You had very little room to work with, but you, your husband, and his father really did make it work. I have to say, we don't currently have a house and every one of them we have looked at as been a fixer upper that is in our price range here in MO. Your blog and many other DIY Blogs really help families like us with ideas to brighten and fancy-up bull old nasty rooms and furniture. I really appreciate people like you. Thanks for sharing and keep it up!
ReplyDelete*Ashly*
P.S. I was born and lived in Texas for a long time, moved to MO a while back and met the love of my life here, so I stayed. I lived in Denison, Sherman, Amarillo, Borger, and Hereford TX. I do miss TX a lot. My whole family lives down there. Mainly in Amarillo and Denison/Sherman.
I love the new laundry room! Baskets are a fetish of mine ... both wire and natural. Loved reading this!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful! It's funny how a little project always turns into much more.
ReplyDeleteI guess I am the only one who loves Ikea.
Really, really great makeover. I especially like the storage cabinet. I thought it was hiding your hot water heater?? If you upgrade to a tankless water heater, they are so small you don't even really need to hid them!
ReplyDeleteIs there a chance you remember which door you purchased? I have looked online and I'm not finding one that looks like yours. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe room looks great! Our last house was built in the fifties and I am very familiar with starting a 'small' project only to end up with much larger issues! (we also frequently fall into the 'while we're at it' and might as wel' trap)
ReplyDeleteLove the beadboard - you can never go wrong with beadboard
i see this is an old post of yours, however, it popped up when i searched on google. i was searching for ways to stack a standard washer and dryer. i don't want to buy the stacked unit. anyway...my question to you is how did you stack your washer and dryer? did you use any of the frames/brackets i have seen on line? or did you just put them on top of each other?
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
ReplyDeleteComments make my heart happy... and I read every ONE of them... thank you so much for taking time to make my day!