Before and After: This Laundry-Meets-Mudroom-Meets-Pantry No Longer Sucks

updated May 3, 2019
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(Image credit: Life Is A Party)

Like most laundry/mudrooms in existence, this one was overwhelmed. Serving as a catchall space, it held “swim gear, laundry, and other junk… tons of shoes, the vacuum cleaner, and extra pantry items (since we don’t have a pantry).” That’s enough to overwhelm any space, but one intrepid DIYer spent six weeks turning this one into a lovely, multi-purpose room.

(Image credit: Life Is A Party)

While a cheerful pup improves any room by 1200 percent, some other major upgrades are at play as well. Dannyelle of Life Is A Party made some very smart decisions that both beautified the space and made it more practical. Stacking washer and dryer sets are often a good, space-saving way to go. Opening up all that floor space—and removing an unused sink—allowed Dannyelle to add a bench with storage cubbies above. A bench is a great addition to a mudroom, as it provides a space to apply and remove tricky boots, plus a horizontal surface to set things down upon whilst getting ready to leave/enter the house.

The rug does a fantastic job adding subtle color, while tying together the brown floor, white cabinetry and appliances, and gray accessories. A laundry room isn’t really a place for a bunch of tchotchkes, but a lush plant, handy basket, storage bins, and cozy rug are practical, beautiful additions.

(Image credit: Life Is A Party)

One cubby for each member of the family helps keeps mess under control, while the closed storage can hold detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and even an iron and ironing board. The chandelier brings glamour and light to a room that can often feel musty and dark. A lot of time is spent doing laundry, so it might as well be done with some beauty around.

The chandelier is by George Oliver from Wayfair, the hooks are from Liberty Hardware, the felt and brass bins are IKEA’s PUDDA, the cabinet pulls are from Walnut Studio, and the cubbies and concrete bench were custom built.

(Image credit: Life Is A Party)

Here are a couple more nice touches: The hooks are great for guests or scarves and such, while the sign adds the potential for fun and laundry-based puns. The sign is by The Little Estate, and though the lines in the wood are there to hold letters, the whole thing brings to mind old-fashioned washboards, very appropriate for a laundry room.

(Note: Life Is A Party’s makeover was sponsored by Wayfair, Para Paints, Benjamin Woodworks, Walnut Handcrafted Leather Goods, Liberty Hardware, and This Little Estate.)

Thank you, Dannyelle of Life Is A Party!