There’s nothing like the feeling of starting fresh on a home project, and I couldn’t be more excited (or nervous!) to announce that I’ve officially registered for the One Room Challenge! If you haven’t heard of it, the ORC is an eight-week event where designers, DIYers, and home enthusiasts commit to transforming a single space in their homes and documenting the journey. Since my laundry room has been in desperate need of a makeover, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to give it the love it deserves.
Why the Laundry Room?
Let’s be honest: laundry rooms often get overlooked. They’re purely functional spaces, but I believe they should be just as beautiful as the rest of the home. Right now, mine is boring, uninspiring, and inefficient—basically the last place I want to spend time in. But that’s about to change!
The Plan: A Functional and Beautiful Laundry Room
My goal is to create a space that is both stylish and practical. The key elements of this transformation include:
1. Upper Cabinets and Shelving Above the Washer & Dryer
Right now, there’s just a blank wall above my washer and dryer. I’ll be adding new cabinets for hidden storage and open shelving for easy access to everyday items like detergent, fabric softener, and baskets.
2. Built-In Look with Custom Shelving
Instead of installing plain, store-bought cabinets, I want to take it up a notch by making them look custom and built-in. I’ll be adding trim, molding, and extra details to create a high-end, seamless look.
3. A Clothing Rod & Additional Cabinets on the Opposite Wall
On the other side of the room, I’m installing new cabinets and a designated space for hanging wet clothes. Having a proper place to air-dry delicate clothing will be a game-changer!
4. Wallpaper & Crown Molding for a Polished Look
To inject some personality, I’ll be adding wallpaper that ties in beautifully with my cabinet color. And to elevate the space even further, I’ll install crown molding to bring in a more traditional feel.
5. Light Blue Cabinets & Trim – My Favorite Color!
I didn’t even realize how much I loved the color blue until I started envisioning this space. I’ll be painting the cabinets and trim a soft, light blue, giving the room a fresh and airy feel. It’s a subtle pop of color that still feels classic and timeless.
6. Flooring – A Future Upgrade
While I’d love to replace the flooring now, it’s not part of this phase of the project. But don’t worry—it’s on my list for the future!
The Inspiration Behind My Design
I’ve always been drawn to a modern traditional aesthetic with a fun flair—a blend of timeless design with a few unexpected, playful touches. This project is all about balancing functionality with beauty. The wallpaper will add character, the built-in cabinets will provide storage, and the soft blue tones will create a serene yet inviting atmosphere.
Getting Started: The First Steps
Now that I’m officially part of the ORC, it’s time to dive into the first steps of the project:
- Measure & Plan: I need to finalize measurements and sketch out my vision for the space.
- Source Cabinets & Materials: I’ll be purchasing stock cabinets and modifying them for a custom look.
- Pick the Perfect Wallpaper & Paint: Choosing the right shades and patterns to complement my design.
- Demo & Prep the Space: Clearing out the current setup and prepping for installation.
The Excitement (and Slight Panic) of a Timeline
Eight weeks might sound like a long time, but in the world of DIY, it goes by fast! I’ll be tackling everything step by step, and I know there will be surprises along the way. The best part of the ORC is the community of fellow participants, all supporting each other and sharing inspiration.
Join Me on This Journey!
I’ll be documenting my progress each week, sharing updates, challenges, and of course—the final reveal! If you love home makeovers, DIY projects, or just want to see how a laundry room can be transformed, follow along. Here’s to turning my once-boring laundry room into a space that makes laundry day actually enjoyable!
