Why This Laundry Closet Makeover Will Make You Rethink Small Spaces

Chores just got a whole lot more fun.

Why This Laundry Closet Makeover Will Make You Rethink Small Spaces

We're coming clean...doing laundry is absolutely our least favorite chore. Having to navigate piles of clothes in a cramped, uninspiring space. No thank you! That’s exactly what couple and home & lifestyle bloggers Chelsi and Justin faced when they moved into their home. With a closet that doubled as their laundry room, it quickly became a space of chaos — mismatched appliances, falling shelves, and zero function. Determined to change that, they transformed it into a beautiful, functional space that actually sparks joy. 

Before

After

Bringing Function and Style to a Closet Laundry Room 

When Chelsi and her family moved back to the land where she grew up, they knew their home needed to reflect who they were — and that included tackling their dysfunctional laundry room. “The space before was frightening,” says Chelsi. “Laundry was always piled on the floor, and we had to walk over it to get to anything. Plus, the wire shelving was falling apart and just looked terrible.” With a mismatched washer and dryer that dominated the space, they knew a major overhaul was in order. 

 

The first thing on their to-do list? Ripping out the old, wobbly shelves and installing a custom closet system that could house their washer, dryer, and storage. They opted for the perfect closet system and replaced their traditional washer and dryer with a sleek stackable unit. This change instantly created space for a counter that could be used for folding — something they never had before. “The added counter space was a game-changer,” she says. “It’s now functional AND beautiful.” 

Choosing the Perfect Paint Color 

With the closet system and appliances being white, Chelsi knew she wanted to incorporate some color into the space to bring depth and personality. Chelsi and Justin sampled Grayish, Rain Check and Motor City using our Peel & Stick paint samples and ultimately the couple landed on Grayish. “It had just the right amount of depth and color while still feeling neutral with the ambient and overhead lighting,” Chelsi mentions.

 

The decision to color drench the space — painting the walls and trim the same color — was a design game-changer. It created a sense of cohesion and made the small space feel significantly larger. “The color helped bring contrast and character while also making the space feel peaceful and calm instead of sterile,” she adds. 

Simple DIY Touches to Elevate the Space 

After tackling the paint and layout, they turned their attention to the small details that would make the space feel homey. Justin built a custom cabinet for the stackable washer and dryer, complete with beadboard paneling, a peg rail, and a small counter. They also added a counter curtain made from leftover fabric and a patterned stool to bring softness to the space.

 

Lighting was another key detail that elevated the room. They installed a brass picture light, a hanging rack, and a small lamp — all of which paired beautifully with the Grayish walls. “We also added a mirror, decor accents, and a bowl for wool dryer balls — all of those little touches made it feel less like a closet and more like a designed space,” she says. 

 

Laundry Day Just Got Better 

What once was a cramped, chaotic closet has now become a serene and functional laundry space — and proof that every corner of your home deserves a little love. “Even though it was ‘just a closet,’ we wanted it to feel calm and inviting,” says Chelsi. “Now, instead of dreading laundry day, I actually look forward to spending time in here.” 

 

If you’re looking to revamp and do your own laundry room makeover, take a cue from this dreamy makeover. Start by choosing the perfect paint color, like Grayish, and don’t be afraid to add personal touches that make the space feel uniquely yours. Because even the most utilitarian spaces deserve a little love. 

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