Snips, Snails & Puppy Dog Tails: June 2011

I’ve been wanting to fix up our laundry room for some time. We did some initial work when we moved in to convert an old closet into a pantry, but had pretty much left it alone after that. Our laundry room is more than just a place to clean our clothes. This room is also home to our pantry, the door to the backyard, and a walkway to our rec room. Because it is a small space that needs to serve all these purposes, I needed it to be more functional AND attractive.

Step 1: paint

This is almost always my first move when updating a room. Paint is inexpensive (especially when you can use a color that you already have, like I did in this room) and makes such an immediate impact. I also repainted the ceiling. Although you don’t often notice that a ceiling is in need of paint, it ALWAYS makes the room feel brighter and cleaner.

Step 2: remove the ineffective shelving and add cabinets

When we initially added shelving to make our pantry, we used some of the leftovers to create a shelf above the dryer. We didn’t think this through very well, and while it added some storage space, it was difficult to reach anything and was unattractive. So, I took it down and Tom installed cabinets on either side of the window. The cabinets are great! They have so much more storage and hide all of the unattractive laundry supplies. They anchor the room, as well.

Step 3: a matching washer and dryer

In all honesty, this was completely unnecessary. But it is ooooh so nice! We had to purchase a new washing machine right after we moved in because the one that came with the house overflowed and died on us. We did not purchase the matching dryer because the old one worked fine and it was an additional expense we didn’t want at the time. So for the first year we lived with a front load washer and a top load dryer. This wasn’t a big deal, except that it made the workspace on top of the machines a little less usable.

When we began this project, we debated whether to get the matching dryer. What we discovered as we began to think about it further is that in the year since we had purchased our washing machine, two newer models had already been released. Both with slightly different dimensions and looks. We decided that if we wanted to have a matching dryer, we had better buy it quickly before we were no longer able to find it. We found our dryer’s model for a great price from a clearance appliance store in Colorado. It had a couple of blemishes, which is what made the price so great, but we were able to inspect it before accepting it and it has turned out wonderfully.

Because we now had two machines of equal height, I asked Tom to create a folding station for me. He did a little internet research and came up with this: a piece of countertop from Ikea ($39, baby!) and quarter rounds on the ends to keep it in place. We put some drawer liner (the cushiony, rubbery kind) on the machines to keep it from scratching and VOILA, we had a place to fold clothes!

Step 4: a laundry sink

The room actually already had a laundry sink, but we removed it when we moved in. It was old and the galvanized faucet that came directly out of the wall was hardly usable, and covered in paint. It sat unused for a year. When we decided to makeover this room, we went back and forth about whether or not to reinstall a sink. It took up precious space, but was also a bonus for washing out heavily soiled clothes, shoes etc. In the end, we decided it was worth having it. Tom took apart the old galvanized faucet, repaired the giant hole in the wall, and installed a new laundry sink. While we could have lived without it, it is so nice to have a place to throw VERY dirty stuff until I am ready to deal with it. There are just some things that you don’t want to wash out in your kitchen or bathroom sink. Enough said.

Step 5: a drying rod

Because it is a small space, there isn’t room for a drying rack. I’ve seen wall units that have arms that fold out for drying clothes, but even these would take up too much space since we need to be able to access our pantry. So my ingenious husband rigged a shower rod between the two cabinets for my drying rack. It is a perfect use of what would otherwise be unused space and it doesn’t limit our mobility in the room. I love it!

Step 6: update fixtures

This was easy. New overhead light and a new brushed nickel doorknob and we were one step further away from the 1960’s. Every little step helps. :)

Step 7: accesorize

I dressed the window with a simple valance using some striped home décor fabric that I had found on clearance at JoAnn Fabrics.

The hooks replaced an older set of hooks, which were incredibly ugly. The new ones came from Ikea and are helpful for holding miscellaneous items.

Earlier this year I scored several signs at Goodwill. “Bless this Mess” just needed a little distressing and it was ready to be displayed. Not bad for $1.99!

The laundry definition came from Sprik Space. She offers lots of free printables. I just saved it and printed it out at my local copy shop. I think it cost less than a dollar for the color copy. The frame was one I already had. I spray painted it white and then distressed it by sanding it and dragging it along the concrete in our backyard. Very technical stuff. :) I made the burlap mat by cutting a piece of burlap and taping it around the mat that came with the frame. Pottery Barn has frames with burlap mats that sell for $39. No thanks—I’ll make my own!

And there you have it, our new laundry room!

Can’t remember if I have written about Jack’s desire to be a chef yet, but lately Jack has stated that he wants to be a chef when he grows up (and a fireman, and a space ranger, and a builder…). However, he wants to be called Chef John, not Chef Jack.

For Mother’s Day, Tom’s parents gave Jack and me a cooking class at PCC. It was a class especially designed for kids Jack’s age to learn to cook special breakfasts for Mother’s and Father’s Day. Jack learned how to make a quiche, a fruit salad, and herb-crusted pan fried tomatoes.

The first item he made was a mini veggie quiche. Jack cut up all of the vegetables and put together his quiche all by himself.