With a new light fixture and added shoe storage this week — and the decision to skip a window treatment for now and simply frost the window when we convert the carport into a garage — we finally checked off the last item on our long to-do list:
Frost the side door for privacy— doneRemove the narrow shelving that got blocked by the open door— doneRemove the old shutters that blocked much-needed light— doneSell the inefficient top-loader washer and dryer and score new Energy Star front-loaders— doneCaulk a large crack in the ceiling— donePaint the odd brown quarter round near the baseboards glossy white— doneRefinish dinged trim in semi-gloss white— donePaint the walls— doneReplace the dryer hose with a safer all-metal one— doneAdd adjustable built-in shelving in the nook beside the stacked washer and dryer— donePrime and paint the upper cabinetry— doneReplace hinges and knobs on the upper cabinets— doneHang the ironing board to hide the large metal fuse box— doneAdd functional entry storage for shoes— doneCreate a new light fixture— doneAdd a window treatment— will frost the window when the carport is converted- Hang art to keep the room cheerful and add a spot for Burger’s leash
As we considered what to put on the wall beside the hanging ironing board, Sherry and I tossed around many ideas. Ultimately we realized the space needed more light. A few weeks ago we found a great mirror at a neighborhood yard sale for just $10 — the same sale where we found our twig-and-berry art. Picture us carrying two large frames and a hefty mirror, pushing a stroller and walking a chihuahua. That’s how we do projects.
The mirror was ideal for the big blank wall beside the door. Anything placed there needed to be relatively flat to avoid being hit when the door swung open — which is why we removed the narrow shelving the previous owners left and frosted the side door for privacy.
Hanging the mirror required careful placement because the back warned “do not hang with wire.” To ensure exact screw locations, I tore a sheet of printer paper in half, taped each half over the mirror’s hooks so the paper extended past the edges, then poked a hole through each taped spot where the screws would go. With two people — one to hold and level the mirror and one to step back and confirm placement — we pressed the paper tabs onto the wall, drilled pilot holes through those guides, and installed heavy-duty anchors and screws. The method worked perfectly and the mirror was up in no time.
Sherry and I are undecided about whether to refinish the mirror’s frame. Our first thought was to paint it white, oil-rubbed bronze, or the same deep teal we used on the built-ins. Lately, though, we appreciate mixing finishes and letting a found piece contribute to a collected feel, so we’re keeping its crackled gold finish for now. If we eventually install stainless appliances in the adjoining kitchen, the frame might feel out of place and we’d reconsider a paint job.
The mirror has been a fantastic addition. It gives one last look before heading out, reflects light into our windowless kitchen, and visually expands the small laundry room. We also hung two textured frames that used to live in our old office to display family photos above our new shoe cabinet. Burger’s leash tucks into a simple white bowl, and a pink vase we found on sale adds a cheerful accent.
The framed photos are a nod to my mom, who always kept a family collage in our laundry room growing up. Functional spaces often stay strictly functional, so adding personal touches — like photos of family trips and candid moments — makes the room feel warmer. The pictures we chose happened to match the room’s color palette, which was a happy accident.
We sourced items from many places: pictures taken in North Carolina and Georgia, frames bought in South Carolina, and a hook found while thrifting in Delaware. Those little discoveries give the wall character, even if some keys on the hook are just for local boxes and family homes.
So, the laundry room is complete — at least for now. Here’s a look at the transformation from before to done (for now):
This was the first room where we made so much progress quickly — partly because it’s tiny, more like a large closet than a room. Still, tackling one small project at a time kept momentum going.
Here’s the budget breakdown for the updates made over the past few weeks:
- New Energy Star front-loading washer and dryer: $388 (net cost after selling the old set for $250)
- Window frosting film (Home Depot): $18
- Paint and caulk: $0 (already owned)
- Built-in shelves (materials from Lowe’s & Home Depot): $74
- Ironing board cover (custom): $24
- Ironing board hooks (Lowe’s): $12
- Cabinet knobs (Hobby Lobby): $8
- Shoe cabinets (Ikea): $38
- Clothespin light fixture (homemade): $34
- Mirror (yard sale): $10
- Family photos (prints): $1
- Frames (Pottery Barn Outlet): $0 (already owned)
- Iron fly hook (thrifted): $0 (already owned)
- Laundry basket (Target): $0 (already owned)
- Pink vase (Target): $7
- Other accessories (bowls & baskets): $0 (already owned)
- Total: $624
That total is especially satisfying considering the new washer and dryer originally cost $1,198 before we sold the old units. We didn’t include the cost of items we already owned, but if someone were buying everything from scratch, adding roughly $25 for paint and caulk, $25 for frames and accessories, $3 for a plastic laundry basket, and $5 for a thrifted hook would bring the total to about $682.
We’re enjoying the newly refreshed laundry room — even diaper-washing day feels a little more fun. If you’ve updated a laundry room recently, or have small projects that made a big difference, we’d love to hear about them.