Before and After: This $1200 Entry/Laundry Room Is Organization Goals

Entryways and other “drop zones” can get a little chaotic. Everyone’s using that space for going in and out, which means that in addition to a lot of people, it can also accumulate a lot of stuff. That goes double when the space serves double-duty, as the one in Brandi Campbell’s home did. “Our mudroom and laundry area was a disaster!” Brandi says. “It was cluttered, had very little space, old cabinetry and counters, linoleum floors that were cracking, beige tones and zero function. This space was in need of makeover that would bring more style and functionality to our daily lives.”

The primary goal was to make the room more functional for the family, who used it as the main drop spot in the house. “With three kids, this space became very messy very quickly,” says Brandi. “We needed a space that offered storage solutions that were easy for our family of five with a limited amount of room.” Plus, Brandi wanted something that looked good!

Over about eight weeks, Brandi and her husband redid the entire space in their free time, spending about $1200. New 12-inch-by-24-inch porcelain tile laid in a herringbone pattern looks way better than the cracking linoleum. On the walls, Brandi and her husband installed shiplap using pre-primed MDF that they painted black (Benjamin Moore’s After Midnight). Fresh white paint on the remaining walls (Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound) helped it pop.

Brandi installed geometric knobs and classic hooks to corral coats and bags; a DIY floating bench holds a row of woven baskets to organize loose items.

On the other side, Brandi and her husband installed a new vanity and bronze-toned faucet. Above, they added a globe sconce in a matching gold tone. Over the washer and dryer, they mounted new cabinets with gold hardware.

The new space is a success, says Brandi. “By using a bench with baskets underneath, we really maximized the small space for our coats, shoes and bags” she says. “The dark shiplap wall and cement herringbone tile add some interest to the room, while the laundry area is kept light and bright. I just love the modern feel and how streamlined everything is, which brings a calmness to our daily chaos.”

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