I am so super stoked about today’s post! I think you’re really going to like it (psssst, did you see the word “giveaway” in the title?). It’s a long one though, so you’ll have to work for it.

By now I’m sure you were wondering if I was ever going to get crafty in this lovely home of mine ever again. And believe me, I was too. This project was just what I needed to give me a kick-start! I partnered with Home Depot, P&G, and Maytag for their #BrilliantHEClean Campaign and challenged myself to make doing laundry more awesome.

Yes, it’s a tall order! Did you know the average family does 400 loads of laundry a year? That’s a lot of time spent in or around the laundry room. I do know a few people who love doing laundry (speak up, you weirdos!), but for me this is a CHORE. The gathering, the sorting, the folding…I don’t enjoy any of it.

But I think if my space was more luxurious, I might hate it less. Our laundry room is in our unfinished (for the most part) basement, otherwise known as the Man Cave. It’s a little scary down there, and I’d probably stay out if it weren’t for the washer and dryer. Let’s just take a look at what we’re dealing with. There are a whole bunch of things wrong with the following photo, but I’ve taken the liberty of pointing out just a few of the more bizarre, including weapons storage.

laundry room before

I bought all those cabinets at Goodwill probably 3 years ago in hopes of someday using them in the basement. I didn’t quite follow through (one is on the floor, if you notice), but better late than never I suppose.

The plan:

(1) Make a wall. This is an interior wall that houses one side of the staircase, so I decided to forego all the normal wall installation business and just plank it right on the studs. Purely cosmetic!

(2) Reconfigure the cabinets and make everything more uniform.

(3) Add hanging space and more storage.

(4) In general make the space more intentional and functional….oh and more awesome.

So, I started with the wall. I decided to get plywood sheets ripped into planks since that would be the most economical way for me to accomplish the look. Unfortunately I think the plywood was bowed or the panel saw was a little off because my planks did not come out very consistent. This caused a lot of problems with the gap and leveling, but I already had the planks cut so I just went with it.

At this time I’d like to give a HUGE shout out to my husband who helped me with my mess of planks! He even finished up the bottom of the wall after I left him to go hang out at the gym….for 6 hours… {love}

sneak peak

After the planks were up, I was still having serious doubts. The gaps were large and uneven. This idea was quickly approaching legitimate fail status- even for me, the queen of the almost fail- and you know that’s bad. But I’m nothing if not persistent. Or crazy. Take your pick.

planked wall unpainted

This is not a time for “quit while you’re ahead” or “cut your losses” talk.

Press on.

When faced with an almost fail, my next step usually includes paint. I had already planned to paint the planks, so I took that as a good sign. Two coats of BM “White Dove” (also on my kitchen cabs) color matched in Behr Ultra went up on the “wall.” Sorry for the glare, part of the paint wasn’t dry.

white planked wall in progress

Hmmm. When in doubt, continue to paint. Other things.

The cabinets needed a good sanding and de-greasing, then I slapped on two coats of a light french gray I had on hand already. Things were starting to look up! I was in such a good mood that I went hunting for new hardware while everything dried. When I got back, the hubs and I installed the upper cabinets on the wall. Now this post is getting a little verbose, so I’ll just put up some glamour shots. Keep in mind that it’s not done, but it’s a pretty nice overhaul if I do say so myself. I’ll be posting more details next week.

laundry room makeover 1

laundry room makeover 3

laundry room makeover 4

laundry makeover 2

What do you think so far? I still have to do a few things:

(1) Install a shelf under the right upper cabinet (the one I bought for this project won’t work as it turns out).

(2) Cut a new countertop that covers both cabinets and screw them together.

(3) Finish trim work around all the holes.

(4) Get a new rug :)

Now Home Depot, Maytag, and P&G want to help YOU makeover your laundry space. To celebrate the #BrilliantHEClean campaign, Home Depot is offering a $100 gift card with the purchase of a Maytag Powerwash machine & 150 oz. Tide.

P&G THD Tide Maytag Promotion Image

While I’m telling you about a bunch of free stuff you could get, head over HERE to enter the Brilliant Clean sweepstakes. One winner will be chosen at random to receive an e-design consultation by Jenny (of Little Green Notebook), a Maytag Washer and Dryer, a year’s supply of Tide, and $5,000! Ten runners up will receive a year’s supply of Tide.

P&G THD Tide Maytag Sweepstakes Image

Jenny is an amazing designer and blogger, and if you don’t already read her blog…well, what are you doing?! Check out her before and after laundry room and some great tips to getting yours in shape (click HERE).

P&G THD Tide Maytag Laundry Room Tips Image

But the best part is yet to come! ONE of YOU can win a $500 Home Depot gift card. Yup, just one of the many bonuses (yes?) of being a LCH reader (and thankyouforyourpatiencewithme).

Enter below using the Rafflecopter widget. The winner will be drawn next week!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

****As part of my participation in this campaign, I have been compensated for materials used in this project. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.****

93 Responses

  1. Nicole

    The wall and your laundry area look GREAT! I’m envious! Maybe with a gift card from Home Depot I could make ours glamorous too! :)

    Reply
  2. Jennifer S

    Your laundry room is looking really great! If I won, I would be working on flooring and trim throughout my house.

    Reply
  3. Melissa Hurdle

    Looks great! I love the walls. If you look at my pin boards you will see I’m obsessed with laundry rooms! Thanks for a chance to make my own better!

    Reply
  4. Lindsey

    I’m buying a new house that needs a lot of renovating, so I’d use it for the many projects there!!

    Reply
  5. Babette

    This would be perfect for us because we are redoing our kids’ bathroom and we are replacing the tub and mirror. Could so use this!

    Reply
  6. Tamara Ahrens

    I would work on revamping our garage storage if I won. I don’t like all the “organized mess” I see every time we come home. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  9. Sandy

    You’ve got me inspired, Rachael! Love what you’ve done so far! Keep up the great job! xoxo

    Reply
  12. Aimee

    I have to ynk out & replace all of my pipes & redo the laundry room because of drainage issues, so if I won, that’s what I’d use this for

    Reply
  14. Heather Hayes Panjon

    I’d Replace The Shelves In My Bathroom And Add Some New Décor.

    Reply
  17. Lindsay P

    I have a laundry closet. I’d LOVE to get an all-in-one washer dryer to open up the space above for some shelves.

    Reply
  18. @hungryelle

    Definitely a huge transformation (and you’re just part way through!) — I actually like the look of the wall as is! Question though: will you be bringing any color other than gray/white into the space?

    Reply
  20. Brooke

    The laundry room in our soon-to-be new home is awful! I would take down the ugly and small shelves, paint the walls, and install a rod. Because the room is pretty large I would also install or find cabinetry and shelving for storage for seasonal decor.

    Reply
  22. Margot C

    I probably would paint and put shelves along that entire wall of my garage where the washing machines are. And put a little rug there.

    Reply
  24. Kelly D

    I would like to put tile down on our kitchen floor if I win. Thank you.

    Reply
  26. Katiep

    I would love to add some board and batten to the kids room, paint the master and my laundry room needs a revamp too! So much to do!

    Reply
  27. Mary

    I would love to paint some rooms in my home and repair some fencing outside.

    Reply
  29. Brei H.

    I would finish our laundry room! Right now there are no walls, just studs. We would get drywall, paint and flooring!

    Reply
  31. lizzy

    I am in the process of combining my 2 sons into one room! I would use this to paint and decorate!

    Reply
  33. Lucas

    It turned out amazing. I knew you didn’t need my help! I’m proud of you. What project would I tackle if I won a gift card? I would probably build some “on the wall” shelves to serve as little Eliza’s (our 2 year old) clothes storage.

    Reply
  34. Erika W.

    I have a bunch of projects to do because I’m getting ready to move into my first house! There will be lots of painting to come. The laundry room definitely will need a rod for hanging clothes and possibly some open wood shelving or cabinets! I’d also like to have a fun light fixture, a rug and some cute wall décor in there too!

    Reply
  35. Natasha

    This looks awesome! I think I would tackle my son’s bathroom, which really needs updating!

    Reply
  37. Betty Baez

    I would add shelves to my laundry room and also paint the laundry room bedroom and bathroom!

    Reply
  38. Laura Jacobson

    Oh I love what you did! My laundry room is in the basement with cement walls. I have never thought about painting them, but sounds like it would really lighten it up! Its always so dark and dreary! I would love to spruce it up with paint and some new cabinets!

    Reply
  40. Amanda Hoffman

    if i won i would paint the house with brighter colors
    follow on instagram
    instagram.com/pinkghosta

    Reply
  42. Jennifer Marie

    Wow, if I won I would finish our shower in the basement that has been waiting to be completed for 10 years!!

    Reply
  43. Angie

    I would re-do my bathroom with the winnings, or maybe the laundry area in my garage

    Reply
  44. Kathy Moody

    Your laundry room looks amazing! I love it. I really want to give my master bathroom a makeover! Thank you so much for the giveaway! Have a wonderful weekend. :)
    Kathy

    Reply
  46. Brecken

    Great job on your laundry room….. it looks awesome! if I win I would probably spend the $ on paint for multiple house projects :)

    Reply
  47. Melissa S

    We are preparing to paint the inside of our home, I would use the gc towards that if I won.

    Reply
  48. Natalie S

    I would spruce up my guest bath with some new fixtures and add some baskets to the laundry room

    Reply
  49. Tracee

    I feel like I hang dry more clothes than I dry in the dryer so we have this huge drying rack which takes up so much room I can hardly access the dryer when I do use it. If I won I certainly would look for a solution to accommodate both beautifully!

    Reply
  51. hausfrauChelsea

    I’d be changing out lighting from contractor globe to cool recessed. Just the push I’d need!

    Reply
  53. Susan Christy

    I would paint my laundry room, and buy some curtains for the family room.

    Reply
  57. Tammy S

    If I won I would use it to redo our bathroom. We need to replace our shower.

    Reply
  59. tammigirl

    I want to do a plank wall on one of my laundry room walls. Maybe? I would like to paint it lavender or lilac. And put up super shelving. And a hanging rod. I also have an antique drying rack to put up. And an antique ironing board to use as decor – somehow.

    Reply
  62. Michelle C

    I would love to install new closet systems in my two little one’s closets. Thanks for the chance to win!
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

    Reply
  65. Ben

    I’m on a shared computer trying to enter the contest; please disregard the twitter entries saying @aaaaaaaangela; it should be @adagherkin07!

    Reply
  68. Stephanie Ann

    I’d love to redo my bedroom!! it’s been the same for the past 10 yrs! it needs an upgrade!

    Reply
  69. Carolsue

    I would get some paint for our bathroom — it has needed painting for quite awhile!

    Reply
  70. tammy shelton

    I think I would buy new Wall Art with an inspirational quote to inspire me every day.

    Reply
  72. Jen Stenger

    We have so many projects that I could use the gift card on!! But day I think I would use it towards a deck and landscaping to enjoy the remainder of the summer!

    Reply
  74. Holly B

    I’d love to install some shelving in our laundry room and give it a new coat of paint!

    Reply
  75. Jenn McClearn

    I would use the gift card to start the renovation of my master bathroom it needs a lot of help!

    Reply
  77. Becky Richied

    I am in the process of redoing my kitchen and the floor is the last item I have on that list before I start in the dining room with a new paint job.

    Reply
  78. Meghan Finley

    I’d update my laundry room as well. Dying to level the floors under the washer/dryer, paint and go crazy

    Reply
  80. rachel

    Our sunroom could use some mega help — ugly tiling and rough cedar walls! I’d work on that.

    Reply

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