When I last posted an update on my laundry room progress, it was summer — time has flown. One of my favorite parts of fall is turning inward: simplifying, decorating and making the home feel cozier. This laundry room refresh isn’t an extensive renovation; it’s been a slow, intentional process. For more than five years I wanted to brighten and organize this room, but it kept dropping to the bottom of the to-do list. Since we use this space every day, it finally deserved some attention.
Earlier this year I set home goals to organize and beautify several areas. I didn’t complete everything I hoped to, but I made meaningful progress in multiple rooms and felt good about that. Life gets busy with new seasons — family changes, moving, or work commitments — and sometimes plans need to be adjusted. Adding book contracts this spring shifted my schedule in positive but demanding ways, so I simplified other parts of life to keep balance.
I decided to tackle this laundry room because it was one of the last rooms painted in a dated swine color, and updating it would feel like a real victory. While I considered fixing the master bathroom and closet too, those projects will wait until next year since they’ll likely be more expensive and complex.
I enjoy working on this compact laundry room. It’s not huge, but it’s a true room rather than a tiny closet space, and it didn’t require an elaborate renovation. I briefly imagined subway tile or a new sink, but practicality won out and I chose simplicity. That choice has paid off.
Previously we painted the walls and cabinets white to simplify the color palette; in small spaces a cohesive tone helps the room feel calmer. We replaced the harsh fluorescent light with a lantern-style pendant — a green Barnlight Electric fixture — which softened the space and added character. We also made a no-sew roll-up fabric shade that brings pattern and warmth to the window. Simple changes like these made a big visual difference.
Other than those updates, we mainly cleaned and organized. Cleaning the sink felt like a major accomplishment compared to what it looked like before. I’ll share more cleaning and organization details in future updates.
On the functional side, I focused on simplifying rather than adding built-ins. Though a folding counter over the washer and dryer might have been useful, the room is so tight that we don’t fold laundry there. We carry baskets out to hang and fold clothes elsewhere. Since our washer and dryer aren’t on pedestals, we had usable surface space on top. We chose two baskets for organization: one for delicate or special-care items and one for cleaning rags. The baskets add texture to the room while serving a clear purpose.
I love the simplicity and how the room is coming together. It’s not an overnight makeover, but each small improvement brings the space closer to feeling clean, tidy, and thoughtfully arranged. I plan to share more details in December and then show the completed organization early next year.
What are you thankful for this week? I’m especially grateful to finally have my first-ever pretty laundry ROOM! 🙂