Hey friends! I’m excited to share this project with you all today – transforming my dark, dingy basement laundry room into a gorgeous and functional space!
As a homeowner living in an older home, I’m familiar with the challenges of working with quirky basement spaces. My laundry room was cramped, cluttered, and suffering from some severe moisture issues. But armed with my power tools, thrifty finds, and creative problem-solving, I gave this overlooked room a stylish makeover on a budget!
Contents
Understanding the Potential
When we first moved into our bungalow, I saw the basement as purely utilitarian. But I’ve learned over the years as a decorator that every room has style potential if you use your imagination! You can transform any unused basement into a beautiful bonus space with the proper lighting, storage, layout, and decor choices.
A laundry room makeover has so many benefits beyond just looking pretty. Who doesn’t want a laundry day to be more enjoyable? You can turn a chore into a relaxing chance by designing a space you love spending time in. Plus, a well-executed laundry room adds value to your home. So don’t overlook the possibilities of your basement!
Taking Stock of the Space
The first step was assessing the bones of the space. I started by measuring every nook and cranny – you’d be surprised what hidden storage potential you uncover!
Mapping the Dimensions
I jotted down the length, width, and ceiling height, noting tricky areas like low-hanging pipes or beams. This gave me a baseline understanding of the physical constraints I was working with.
Pro tip: Use a laser distance measure tool to get accurate measurements. No more wrangling that old retractable tape measure!
Evaluating the Layout
Next, I looked at how the space was currently functioning. Where was the workflow disjointed or inefficient? Were appliances poorly positioned? Observation is critical before redesigning any room.
The washer and dryer were crammed into a narrow galley formation, making loading and unloading painful. My rickety wire shelves always got tangled up in the dryer vent hose. Total nightmare!
I needed to open up the room and optimize the layout.
Assessing Limitations
Every basement comes with its own set of structural challenges. Make sure to identify any problem areas that could impact your plans.
My laundry room had a few issues that required problem-solving:
- Drainage problems caused puddles around the washer
- Humidity from the dryer led to mold on the walls
- Low ceiling clearance made overhead storage tricky
But have no fear – with the right moisture-proofing, ventilation, and creative storage solutions, these were all solvable problems!
Designing a Functional Space
Once I addressed the problem areas, it was time for the fun part – planning my dream laundry room! I focused first on optimizing function before adding stylistic elements.
Creating an Ergonomic Layout
I re-positioned the washer and dryer to an L-formation that opened up the space. This allowed for better loading access and airflow.
Pro tip: Consider the laundry “work triangle” between appliances, sink, and folding area to maximize efficiency.
A stainless steel utility sink went next to the washer – perfect for hand-washing delicates or pre-treating stains. I also added a folding table and laundry sorter nearby to streamline workflow.
Selecting Appliances
With more room, I could use a larger capacity washer and dryer. I chose ENERGY STAR-certified models for efficiency and cost savings.
Pro tip: Look for stackable or slim-depth appliances to maximize space!
I splurged on a washer with intelligent features like steam cycles and automatic detergent dosing. Though unnecessary, the tech makes laundry days a little easier.
Infusing Personality Through Design
Once I optimized the layout, it was time for the fun stuff – making this basement beauty my own with colors, textures, lighting, and decor details!
Choosing a Color Palette
I wanted an airy, coastal vibe to contrast the dark, cavelike feeling of the basement. Soft blues and grays felt soothing and serene.
Crisp white molding helped reflect light and keep the space feeling bright. I painted the ceiling sky blue for a fun pop of color.
Pro tip: Look at the existing floors, walls, and cabinetry to pick a complementary color scheme.
Selecting Flooring
Suitable flooring is essential in damp basements. I chose a gray vinyl plank with a weathered, washed finish. The wood-look texture added warmth without the moisture concerns of actual hardwood.
Pro tip: Ensure basement floors have a waterproof underlayment for extra protection.
I layered a chunky jute rug under the folding table for softness and style. The natural fiber material can withstand basement humidity.
Incorporating Lighting
Proper illumination was vital to making this windowless space feel bright and cheery. I installed overhead can lights on a dimmer switch for complete control. Under-cabinet lighting spotlights the all-important folding zone.
I hung a rope pendant with an Edison bulb above the sink for style and ambiance. The vintage industrial vibe is perfect for a utility room.
Pro tip: Look for LED bulbs to light that laundry room with energy efficiency and cost savings!
Selecting Wall Treatments
I wanted to add interest to the blank walls while protecting against moisture damage. Wallpaper was out of the question (peeling nightmare!) Instead, I crafted easy DIY paneled wainscoting using beadboard and trim.
The white wainscoting bounced light around the small basement space and prevented mildew growth on the lower walls. I finished it with sky blue paint above to tie into my color scheme.
Pro tip: Use mold-resistant semi-gloss paint on laundry room walls for added protection and easy cleanability.
Adding Personal Touches
What laundry room is complete without some whimsical decor details? I turned to my favorite sources for unique custom pieces:
- Macrame wall hanging with vintage-inspired laundry pins
- Gallery wall with black & white photography prints
- The wood “Laundry Room Rules” sign is hand-painted by yours truly!
I filled in the rest of the space with collected treasures like ceramic soap dispensers, fern plants, and retro laundry baskets.
Pro tip: Look for decor that withstand high humidity/moisture levels. Avoid porous materials like unfinished wood.
Maximizing Storage
What’s a laundry space without storage? I incorporated specialized organizational features to keep this room tidy.
Built-In Cabinetry
I installed floor-to-ceiling cabinetry along one wall, with adjustable shelves sized to fit bulk products. The upper cabinets provide out-of-the-way storage for items that are infrequently used.
Pro tip: Have cabinetry designed and built specifically for your unique laundry room’s measurements.
The lower cabinets contain canvas baskets for sorting delicates, towels, and ironing clothes. Everything has a home!
Open Shelving
Opposite the cabinetry, open metal wall shelves display rolled towels and my favorite soaps. The industrial piping suits the utility vibe of the space.
Pro tip: Use breathable wire or metal shelving in basements to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
Clever Space-Saving Solutions
Beyond built-ins, I incorporated some unique space-saving solutions:
- Retractable ceiling drying rack for air-drying delicates
- Wall-mounted ironing board that folds flush when not in use
- Narrow rolling cart for transporting laundry items
Pro tip: Look up and utilize vertical wall space to prevent clutter on the floor.
Final Touches
To complete this laundry sanctuary, I added special touches for comfort and convenience:
A Place to Fold and Sort
I crafted a narrow counter from reclaimed wood to span one wall, providing ample folding and organizing space. The warm walnut finish complements the coastal color scheme.
Underneath, canvas bins slide out for easy access to sorted clothes. Labels help my family keep things organized!
An Ironing Station
Ironing clothes fresh out of the dryer cuts wrinkling time drastically. I installed an industrial wall-mount ironing board that folds down when needed.
Pro tip: Make sure to situate ironing stations near electrical outlets.
A Place to Lounge
Who says laundry can’t be a relaxing experience? I added a cozy wicker bench along the back wall to fold comfortably. The cushioned seat makes an impromptu reading nook while I wait for loads to finish.
A slim shelf above holds baskets of books and magazines for entertainment.
Pro tip: Incorporate seating into utility spaces to make chores like folding more enjoyable.
Should You DIY or Hire Out?
If all these plans feel overwhelming, remember you don’t have to tackle a laundry room makeover solo. While DIY projects allow for cost savings and customization, there are also benefits to hiring a professional contractor for all or part of the job.
I handled most of the decorating and smaller installation tasks myself. However, I hired a trusted local contractor for the structural changes and complex electrical work.
Pro tip: Have pros handle demolition, plumbing changes, kitchen cabinetry installs, and electrical wiring.
Hiring a contractor can ensure your finished laundry room is up to code. They can also help you lock in any required permits or inspections. The right pro brings experience to your DIY skills that need improvement.
Evaluate your time, budget, and skill level to decide what combination of DIY and professional help makes the most sense for your basement goals and constraints.
Maintaining the Stylish Laundry Room
Prettying up your laundry room isn’t a one-time deal. Maintenance is vital, especially in humid basements. Here are my tips for keeping yours fabulous:
- Use sealants and caulk regularly to prevent moisture damage
- Run a dehumidifier to control humidity levels
- Keep a box fan running for increased ventilation
- Clean lint screens and dryer vents regularly to allow proper airflow
- Use mold/mildew-resistant paints and materials
- Store cleaning products sealed and off the floor
- Minimize harborage areas to keep away pests
Start Your Laundry Room Transformation!
Who’s feeling inspired to tackle their basement laundry room makeover? I hope my tips prove that no space is beyond stylish transformation with the right vision and solutions.
Focus first on optimizing the layout and function. Address any structural challenges. Then, infuse personality with smart decor choices and custom details. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help for complex installation or construction work.
You can take your basement laundry room from dingy to darling with the right blend of creativity and practical problem-solving! Now, get out there and create a space you love doing laundry in.
Let me know if you tackle a laundry room makeover! I’d love to see how you transform your space. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
