DIY: Updating Your Laundry Room

In the day-to-day, it is easy to allocate the more mundane tasks and unpleasant chores into a certain ‘just get it done’ category in our minds. Taking out the trash, washing the dishes, making the bed: We do these things every day without a second thought, never considering how they might be transformed into enjoyable and edifying activities. Laundry is such a one as these. It is a necessary but often dreaded task but there is an unusual trait which this chore possesses. Often it has its own dedicated space in the home, aptly called the ‘laundry room’. This space should not be taken for granted. Without sacrificing the functionality of the area, there is much you can do to a laundry room to give it an inviting atmosphere which increases the enjoyment of the task at hand. That is why I recommend a full DIY revamp!

There are many benefits to doing this renovation yourself. There is something about putting time and work into a space which makes it your own in a special way. The room has a story, a story that you designed and worked for. When you decide to do laundry from now on you’re not just completing a task, you’re taking a journey. Additionally, DIY is by definition incredibly affordable, and the additions you make can go beyond cosmetic beauty and make the space workable for you and your specific needs.    

Getting Started

The steps involved in revamping your laundry room are simple. You should start by assessing your current space as is. The standard laundry room is a glorified closet. Be sure to measure dimensions and assess the general flow of the room. Is there wasted and unutilized space? Not enough space? Identify problem areas like lack of storage, poor lighting, or uncomfortable formatting. Knowing the current space intimately will help you know what steps to take next. 

Based on this analysis, what are your goals for the space? Are you purely aimed at aesthetic improvements or is your main objective enhanced functionality? These are important questions to ask. It’s easy to scroll through pinterest, selecting random fixtures and tips, but what is it that your particular space needs? Keep these goals in mind as you advance to the next step.

Preparing for Your Update

Now that you know what your space needs you can set a budget. This will help you stay on track as you move forward. We’ve all experienced the adrenaline of an impulse purchase quickly followed by the sinking abyss of buyer's remorse. Do yourself a favor and get ahead of your future self. Decide what you’re going to spend here and now, allocating funds for materials, tools, and any professional help if needed.

Once you have your budget however you have free reign to browse Pinterest and any other resource to gather inspiration. Use magazines, Instagram, or blog posts like this to find design ideas that appeal to you and fulfill the needs you’ve come across in your space. This will help you determine specific features like color pallet, materials, and embellishment. You may even want to create a moodboard compiling your favorite ideas and concepts. 

With budget in one hand and inspiration in the other, it's time to write a design plan. Sketch a layout or use design software to visualize changes and then create a checklist correctly ordering how and when these changes should take place. Depending on the time frame you have for the project you may even consider scheduling when each step should take place. This step will help you stay motivated as you pursue the project. DIYs are notorious for being left by the wayside when the glamor fades and the hard work sets in, but this is a project worth finishing! Having a set plan as opposed to doing whatever comes to hand first will ensure its completion.

Selecting Materials and Tools

The first item on your agenda should be collecting the required things for the task at hand. Some surface-level items that you will need to acquire include painting accouterments for the proverbial fresh coat of paint. A tip from me: Opt for durable, moisture-resistant paints and finishes as well as lumber if needed. Shelving, cabinets, and organizational bins should be selected carefully, balancing budget-friendly options with quality hardware. All materials should be as durable and easy to clean as possible, utilizing vinyl or tile. Laundry rooms take a lot of wear and tear and can be very wet areas so materials that can withstand damage from frequent use and a damp environment are optimal. You will also want to procure the necessary tools for these installments such as a screwdriver, measuring tape, level, and other aids.

Getting to Work!

Now you have everything you need to get down to business! Begin by decluttering and preparing your workspace, removing obstructive or damage prone items and cleaning the area. You can use drop cloths, painter’s tape, and plastic sheeting to protect surfaces not undergoing a revamp. Opt to remove old fixtures: disconnect appliances, take down shelves, and remove old paint or wallpaper to make room for new material. 

The best rule of thumb when doing a project like this is to start with the flooring first and then work your way upward and inward. As mentioned above, vinyl or tile is usually the way to go in the laundry room where puddles and dampness are often found. When you move on to the walls you’ll want to patch holes, sand rough spots, and clean surfaces before applying primer and paint. For the finishing touch install trim, moldings, or wallpaper if desired. 

Now you have a canvas to work with and it’s time to install storage and organization solutions! This is the step in which you really see the project start to come together. This is exciting but don’t let your enthusiasm get ahead of you! Follow instructions on all installments carefully to ensure a secure fit. Aside from these, you should also implement bins, baskets, and dividers to keep things tidy and add character to the room with added pops of color. Hooks or racks for hanging items like clothes or bags are also very helpful in space that often serves as a catch-all room.

A bigger budget may allow you to consider new appliances but if not, it's a good idea to take this opportunity to clean and perform any needed maintenance on existing washers and dryers. Other fixtures, faucets, lighting, or ironing stations should also be considered if space allows.

Finishing Touches and Decor

Now for the fun part! Hit the home decor shops and add decorative elements like comfortable rugs, artwork, or plants to make the space inviting and personal to you. This is when your style really comes through as you bring your chosen color pallet to bear and choose little things that really bring the look together and make it a space you want to be in.  

As you near the end of your work you’ll want to check and recheck your list of tasks, testing that everything has gone according to plan and your goals have been met. Make sure that everything is working as intended and make adjustments if needed, troubleshooting common issues. 

Conclusion

By the end of this endeavor you should not just have a laundry room, but a new bright spot in your home. A place where one of the most mundane tasks of your week becomes a breeze. If you must do a thing which you do not like, you can at least make it as easy and enjoyable as possible. And by doing this yourself, you can enjoy the work of your own hand, and at only a portion of the cost of a professional renovator. 

Enjoy your new laundry room! If you enjoyed this post, leave a comment sharing your experience! For more DIYs, home-improvement tips, and more, check out the rest of the blog or follow the links below.