..So it begins.
Now that the air conditioning is fixed in the house I can start setting my focus on starting some of the smaller projects around here and there are many. I know I said I would do a video tour but somewhere in the boxes that my husband moved to the basement lies the battery charger to my camera…and my camera is dead.
I want to start with something that I can tackle on my own to prove to my husband that if I take my time I can handle some of the smaller projects around here. I have been known to start projects and not finish them, so this is my redemption project to show him that I can paint within the lines and take an idea from conception to completion without his help. Y’all pray I don’t have to ask for his help!
I am giving myself two months at the most and under $200 to make this transformation. Here are the before photos.
Looking into laundry room from kitchen
Excuse my mismatched washer and dryer set. I will get the matching washer eventually *insert sad face*
These black doors are killing me
Inside of the coat closet
Inside of the pantry
I have seen some photos with black door frames and it looked decent. I will see, but I’m almost certain primer and white paint will be my friend…but you never know.
Let’s get into this dirty grout. Ick. I am going to try to scrub it clean myself before calling in someone to do it. Have mercy on my knees.
Yep. I am going to scrape the ceiling.
Have mercy on my arms
Looking back out into the kitchen
So here are a few of my inspiration photos:
85 Comments
Reginia {PoisedinPrint.com}
August 13, 2013 at 3:46 pmCongratulations again on the new house; and selling the old one. Yall are champs. 🙂
You’re going to do well with your projects. Do the easiest one first and go on from there. I’ve seen black doors too via Pinterest but I’m partial to white.
Mimi
August 14, 2013 at 7:23 amThanks! I sure hope so. I normally try to rush through things but I’ve read enough DIY blogs to know I need to chill, take my time and really plan out what I am going to do before I start.
Jehancancook
August 13, 2013 at 4:14 pmHmm..this makes me slightly inspired to do my laundry room also. It would be a lot easier than the task that you have to complete, such as maybe paint and decor but I’ve never thought to doing anything to the room that I spend the least amount of time in.
Mimi
August 14, 2013 at 7:23 amI think this calls for a trip to Ikea next week 😉
Jehancancook
August 14, 2013 at 10:57 amSounds like a plan!
LaShawn
August 13, 2013 at 7:29 pmI’m excited for you!!! And I’m inspired! i’ve been in this house for 8 months and I’ve done nothing but unpack!! Can’t wait to see what you do!
P.S. This has me thinking about my small laundry room. Hmmmmmmm
Mimi
August 14, 2013 at 7:22 amUmmmm yes. I can’t believe its been 8 months already. Get started, I’ve been waiting to create a beautiful and calming home space. I think it makes a difference.
Amber
August 13, 2013 at 7:50 pmYay! Can’t wait to see your progress. I need to get on the Home Improvement train!
Mimi
August 14, 2013 at 7:22 amYou started your bathroom. That totally counts!
Candace (NYStateofMoM)
August 13, 2013 at 7:58 pmYay!! It’s a great size I’ve seen black doors too that look so chic…good luck w that ceiling 😡
Mimi
August 14, 2013 at 7:21 amI am seriously toying with the idea. The ones I’ve seen that worked had a white frame. I am thinking to paint the frame first and see how I feel.
Alisha
August 13, 2013 at 8:06 pmI can’t to see the finished project. If you need help I’d be more than happy to help. Just give me a heads up since it will take me almost 4 hours to get there. lol.
Mimi
August 14, 2013 at 7:20 amYou playing! I will call you here!
Tia
August 13, 2013 at 9:13 pmI am going to enjoy watching you decorate your new home!! So exciting! I love the inspiration pics!
Mimi
August 14, 2013 at 7:20 amThere is so much to do. I’m slightly overwhelmed but I have to just settle on one thing and see it through until completion for starting something else.
Dani @ OKDani.com
August 13, 2013 at 9:17 pmMore power to you homey. I couldn’t. So excited to see the transformation!!!
Mimi
August 14, 2013 at 7:19 amI indeed have my work cut out for me.
Mrs. Delightful
August 14, 2013 at 7:02 amWAIT!!! I love your kitchen, and we’re not even in that room yet. (I know, take several seats, LOL)
I’m looking forward to the transformation for the laundry room.
Mimi
August 14, 2013 at 7:18 amI can’t wait to have something to come and add to your link up! The kitchen needs some paint too. We’ll get there!
Kita
August 14, 2013 at 8:26 amGirl I been in my house for….6 years and I we just painted last year I am not the one for decorating but maybe you will inspire me. I actually like the black doors the white doors get dirty with kids and stuff touching them.
Aracely
August 14, 2013 at 10:01 amI can’t wait to see the finished product! You have a nice size laundry room. Ours is probably half that size. Great inspiration photos.
Mimi
August 15, 2013 at 7:26 amThanks! We shall soon see what my interpretation turns out to be
Krissy
August 14, 2013 at 12:55 pmyay im glad y’all are all moved!
I have some suggestions if you don’t mind them.
I don’t think anything is wrong with those black doors. It’s the choice of wall color that is all wrong. I think a bright white would make it look great or even some wallpaper that can tie the black in.
Do what you can with the floor but maybe get a carpet runner the length of that room and that way the floors won’t matter so much.
Go on and get you some silver spray paint and give your washer a makeover. If it ain’t broke. . . you know the rest. Ride it til the wheels fall off.
It’s a great room and a very nice size. I know it will be great when you are done.
P.S Good luck with those ceilings. I saw the popcorn being removed on Property Brother the other night and it was quite a job.
Mimi
August 15, 2013 at 7:31 amWe are on the same page. I am going to try to put some effort into cleaning the grout but my plan is to throw a big rug down there and call it a day.
If I didn’t need the space to tie into the kitchen I would probably go with white trim and keep the doors but the colors will be way off. I have to see.
Nawl on the washer situation! It is truly on it’s last leg just trying to pay off some stuff before we get it.
Can you come and help me scrape the popcorn off the ceilings?!
Krissy
August 19, 2013 at 3:25 pmI def would come help you with that ceiling if I was local. Actually I’d come help you with then entire thing.
Erica
August 14, 2013 at 2:50 pmI’m partial to the black doors as well. I think the paint on the wall and blank walls to tie in the black color is the issue. The HomeZada inspiration pic is really nice. With two little ones I’d be afraid to have that much white though. LOL. Function is key for laundry rooms and organization and storage which you have with all the cabinets is a bonus. Good luck, can’t wait to see the transformation.
Mimi
August 15, 2013 at 7:42 amI am really trying to figure out how to make the doors work but because it has to tie into the kitchen I am a little lost. I have to search out some more inspiration photos to see if I can find something that works. I still think I would paint the trim around the door white. We shall see!
YUMMommy
August 14, 2013 at 7:30 pmI think that two months is more than enough time to whip that laundry room into shape. No need to injure knees scrubbing that grout. You can get one of those grout pens and just paint it back white or cream. Love the clothes pin wreath. It looks pretty easy to make. Can’t wait to see the transformation once it’s complete.
Mimi
August 15, 2013 at 7:47 amHmmm…a grout pen? *head to Lowe’s*
Kimberly
August 16, 2013 at 5:33 pmI can’t wait to see the transformation! We just bought a new house (our first), and I know it will take us a while to really turn the house into a home…design-wise. I never even thought to make the laundry room nice. Maybe that would actually inspire me to do laundry on a regular basis. LOL. I love your inspiration photos…especially those safety pins. Cute! Like other folks, I was thinking that the black doors are nice. You don’t see those in a lot of homes. Have you been checking out Houzz? They might have some ideas aout what to do about the black doors and trim. Now, about scrubbing that grout and scraping the ceiling…you go, girl!
Mimi
August 19, 2013 at 7:25 amI stay on Houzz. Stay. I just have a hard time taking things from inspiration to real life because I am so literal. Like I will be trying to find the exact piece instead of something that is similar and available. I am going to do better.
Congratulations on the new home, it will indeed take time. I keep telling myself because I want this house completely done in a matter of months. I keep telling myself this is our forever house. I have time!
Kimberly
August 20, 2013 at 8:58 amThanks! It definitely takes time. I look forward to seeing what you do with your space!
Carla
August 17, 2013 at 10:53 amThat’s some laundry room! I need a laundry room that size. And speaking of a new set.. girl. I’m just trying to convince myself that the set that I have is good enough even though I really want a new front load set. Maybe for Black Friday. IDK.
I’m sure if you pace yourself, you’ll be able to get things done. Patience is key, And I’m sure with the kids in school, you’ll have more time to get things done. I can’t wait to see how everything comes out. Good luck!
Mimi
August 19, 2013 at 7:28 amI didn’t get the front load set I ended up getting the dryer that matches a washing machine that top loads but has the capacity of a front loader and it doesn’t have an agitator so you can fit a comforter in there. It was cheaper and the man said it had the same capabilities. A no brainer!
Mylah Stanton
August 18, 2013 at 10:58 pmCongratulations on your new home girlfriend!!!
Mimi
August 19, 2013 at 7:29 amThanks Mylah!
Weekend Wrap Up | Lipgloss & Binky
August 19, 2013 at 8:13 am[…] Early Saturday evening the baby and I headed out to do some accessories and paint shopping for the laundry room. […]
Julie @ Growing Days
September 11, 2013 at 4:28 amI had to laugh about the starting/not finishing projects–I’ve been known to do the same, but mine are usually huge garden projects. We just have too much creativity and not enough time, right?! We went through a major renovation a year ago, and it’s really time consuming–but it’s such a happy day when it’s done. Your laundry room is going to look great. We spend so much time in the laundry room that it should look good, but it’s usually the most neglected room decor-wise in the house. I love the wreathe you showed, and I think I need to steal that idea for our laundry room–too cute. Good luck with your project!
Mimi
September 12, 2013 at 8:11 amI am theeeee absolute worse at starting and not finishing but not this time..I think!
I am in love with your blog. I am wanting to start a garden and thought I would have to wait until the spring but I found some great information on your blog and I’m pretty sure I am going to start doing something in a few weeks. You definitely have a new reader!!
masha
September 11, 2013 at 3:22 pmof course you can do it! 🙂 I think it’s great to announce to the world when you decide to tackle a project – you’ll be more motivated to actually finish it. and you’re husband is gonna be damn proud of you. 😉 I’m quite curious about the end result (I like your inspiration photos). BTW, love the peek into your kitchen. <3
Mimi
September 12, 2013 at 8:18 amEXACTLY. If I say I am going to do it on the blog and then people start inquiring about the progress that will be the kick in the bootay that I need!
Liz
September 11, 2013 at 10:19 pmUgh, those popcorn ceilings. I feel for you!! And I must admit, I kinda like the black doors, but I understand white might open up the space a bit. Please post progress pics along the way. My laundry room is in desperate need of some love.
Liz
PINKx3.com
Julie
September 12, 2013 at 12:17 pmYour inspiration photos makes me wish I had a prettier laundry room and I am envious of the size of yours! 🙂 Good luck with your renovation. I can’t wait to see the end result!
Vee
September 12, 2013 at 6:42 pmYOU CAN DO IT!!!
I hate that you apologized for the mismatched washer and dryer. There are so many people who would love to have ANY type of washer and dryer. 🙂
I’m excited for your redo and I think you can do this. There isn’t anything major that you have to do, just take your time and do it right the first time.
One of our fellow bloggers just wrote a post about grout.
http://theroadtodomestication.com/2013/09/12/grout-cleaner-extraordinaire/comment-page-1/#comment-2426
[email protected]
September 12, 2013 at 9:04 pmGood luck! That’s quite a project. I am also guilty of starting and not finishing projects. I think we should start some kind of support group where we all go and finish each other’s projects! My hubby would explode if I took 2 months to finish a project. At the most, I get a week!
Pam
September 13, 2013 at 11:40 amI love that white laundry room . . . so clean and fresh looking. Ours isn’t bad, but it isn’t good. One thing I need is a place to fold clothes. I find myself dumping them into a laundry basket unfolded and there they stay (and get all wrinkled!). Good luck getting your project done!
Lindsey Whitney
September 13, 2013 at 6:51 pmI love the clothespin wreath, what a cute idea. Laundry rooms… so needed and yet, always so ugly. Looks like you’ve got a great plan!
Angela
September 13, 2013 at 10:43 pmWell, you’re braver than I am! With 4 cats, 2 dogs, and 2 toddlers, my redesign and redecorating days are far, far in my future. LOL. Love what you’re planning though… can’t wait for my turn!
Isabelle Goyer
September 14, 2013 at 11:25 pmGood luck with your project! I must admit that I looooove the black doors 😉 and like Vee said, there is no shame in having mismatching washer and dryer! Can’t wait to see the result!
Carla
September 15, 2013 at 12:06 pmOh, I am anxious to see how it goes with such a small budget! As for that grout, just pour some bleach on it and let it set for a few minutes. It will clean right up. Good luck. Love the ideas you are considering and I will be checking back.
Mimi
September 16, 2013 at 7:40 amMy budget is small. Not to mention $100 of it was a gift card from our realtor. I still haven’t hit the budget but I’m sure I will. Just hopefully not that much over. Are you serious about the bleach? I didn’t think to try that but trust me I am going to. That grout is disgusting. Crossing my fingers. Thank you so much for the tip.
Heather @ Work from Home with Kids
September 15, 2013 at 8:29 pmCongratulations on your new home! How fun, to be able to decorate and make it home. I can’t wait until I am able to do this too. Your inspirational photos look right up my ally! 🙂
Mimi
September 16, 2013 at 7:39 amThank you! It is fun. I have been waiting a very long time for this moment. I have to realize that it will still take a tremendous amount of time until I can get it where I want it but it will come.
Mary
September 15, 2013 at 11:17 pmCongrats!!! Have fun…enjoy and please show us your improvements, thanks for sharing! 😉
Mimi
September 16, 2013 at 7:38 amI spent my entire Friday evening in there working. Talking about Friday night party! I will definitely share the progress. Thank you for stopping by!
Dawn
September 15, 2013 at 11:19 pmI love the size of the room, ours is so tiny. I also love the black doors and would choose a light brown color for the walls. Looks like you will have some fun redecorating and I love the ideas you have.
Dawn @ http://dawnsdelightsart.com/stm-weekly-freebies-bracketbooks/
Mimi
September 16, 2013 at 7:37 amYes! Get out of my head. I finally decided to go with a light brown on the wall and I am painting the cabinets white. They are all primed and ready for paint.
Arianne
September 15, 2013 at 11:32 pmYou’ve got some great inspirational photos to get you started! I can’t wait to see how the finished room turns out. Good luck!
Mimi
September 16, 2013 at 7:35 amNow if only I weren’t so indecisive. I think I have finally narrowed down the paint colors! Choosing paint colors is a life altering decision. Maybe I should’ve given you a call!
Tracy @ Using Time Wisely
September 16, 2013 at 1:24 amHow fun! I love your inspiration pictures. I totally understand about removing the popcorn from the ceiling. We had our home built and tried to get the builders to put in smooth ceilings. However, that option was not available, so my husband spent the first two years in our home scraping the ceilings. Bless his heart! It was a lot of work, but it looks so nice without the cottage cheese look. 😉
Mimi
September 16, 2013 at 7:36 amI’ve given up on scraping the ceiling. I think eventually I will have someone professional come in and do it but for right now my husband works alot and if I start then it might be a minute before he can come and rescue me and it will be looking a hot, half done mess!
Kennie
September 16, 2013 at 12:03 pmWow Mimi! This is a cool project, and you’ve got some really good inspiration photos. Have you seen the clothes pin light over at Young House Love? It’s a DIY project for the laundry room. One of your inspiration photos reminded me of it. What did you decide on the black trim? I can’t wait to see your finished project!
Mimi
September 17, 2013 at 8:14 amI looooove Young House Love. I haven’t seen that but I am headed to put it in the search box. I did decide to keep two of the doors black and just paint the trim white! I think it is going to look nice, if only I can get it finished!
Kate
September 16, 2013 at 4:22 pmCan’t wait to see what you will do with this room! Love your inspiration already, it will be super modern once your done 😀
Mimi
September 17, 2013 at 8:11 amTo be honest I am in knee deep right now. I can’t wait to see it done as well. I’m just telling myself a little bit at a time!
Ruby Showalter
September 16, 2013 at 5:34 pmYour inspiration photos are lovely!!! All the best as you revamp; I’m rooting for you! (and hoping hubby won’t need to bail you out!)
Mimi
September 17, 2013 at 8:04 amYes..thank you!! I need the cheers. I was told last week I have 2 weeks to finish. *bites nails*
Sarah
September 17, 2013 at 12:04 amI just did my laundry room. Well, it’s too small to actually do anything with, but I put a tension rod up to store spray bottles and hangars. And to give me a place to hang clothes as they come out of the dryer. I also cleared the top of the washer and dryer of all the extra stuff. Still, that was enough to make a huge difference. Looking forward to the final result!
Mimi
September 17, 2013 at 8:01 amSometimes cleaning the clutter is enough to make a difference. I’m not at that point yet!
Emily
September 17, 2013 at 2:27 pmI really like your black doors and cabinets, if I had the space I would do that in my laundry room. Our laundry room is located in our main floor bath, having so much black paint would make the space feel dark and confined. A silvery-gray wall color would like nice with your dryer set. Have fun, can’t wait to see what you decide on!
Stephanie @ CrayonMarks&TigerStripes
September 17, 2013 at 4:48 pmI love that this is your “redemption” project. LOL! I know how that goes! I must say I love the black doors and cabinets. It is so fun to redo rooms and decor! It’s one of my favorite things to do!
Liss Lovejoy
September 17, 2013 at 5:15 pmI would kill for that laundry room, its a great size. When you clean the grout use baking soda and peroxide with an electric toothbrush. Crazy how good it cleans. I can’t wait to see the finished product.
Gina
September 17, 2013 at 7:57 pmYet another person here, jealous of your laundry room. It’s a lot nicer than mine! I just try to spend as little time in it as possible. 🙂
I think repainting the doors will make the biggest difference. Do that first!
Mary
September 17, 2013 at 9:34 pmI am happy for you and that you got a new house. I love the ideas that you gave, These are super great tips. Thanks for sharing!
Crystal @ WisdomSeekingMommy.com
September 17, 2013 at 9:50 pmPersonally I really like your black doors 🙂 Absolutely love the chalkboard cubbies!!!
Jasmine
September 17, 2013 at 10:16 pmGood luck! I’m looking forward to seeing your COMPLETED + NEW laundry room! 😉
Louisa
September 17, 2013 at 10:19 pmA little at a time… We’re also in the process of redoing our home and we’ve been doing it one room at a time one piece of furniture at a time. It may take a while but eventually we’ll get there. It’s a good idea to have some inspiration to get your home done. Good luck to us! 🙂
sara
September 18, 2013 at 8:47 amSounds like a great project. I’d love to see you succeed in doing the makeover for under $200.
Michelle
September 18, 2013 at 3:10 pmYou’ve got such a great space to work with! Excited to see how it turns out. The before and after photos are my favorite! Love the inspiration photos as well!
Elizabeth Johnson
September 18, 2013 at 3:38 pmWell, looks like you’ve got your work cut out for you!! I wish I was brave enough to give a tour of my laundry room! aaaah…maybe I’ll follow your footsteps and give it a go this month. In fact I think I will, why not? I may actually like doing laundry, especially if it looks like that beautiful white laundry! Gorgeous! Thanks for this! And good luck!
Yona
September 18, 2013 at 7:09 pmGood luck on the makeover – I’m notorious for planning a project (not even starting it) and then abandoning the ‘thought.’ I kinda like the black doors, but I can see how it can get a little old. I love your first two inspiration pics, especially the second one. I also think the chalkboard wall features look cool.
Modern Gypsy
September 20, 2013 at 1:43 pmI’m so inspired looking at your photos! I need to convert my spare room into a proper guest room – right now it’s a dumping yard! Every time I go in there I feel too overwhelmed to even think of how to begin sorting it out!!
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Happy Hiller
January 6, 2020 at 11:44 amGreat revamp! I love the result!