Laundry Room Makeover – Take Two
So remember when we went shopping for a new washer and dryer?
Well… we decided on one. Or should I say Cason did.
I was working downstairs a few nights ago when Cason bounded down with an ear-to-ear grin and announced that he had just bought us a new washer and dryer online.
Uh…
What!?
I went into a good 10 second “shopping for a washer and dryer moments” montage in my mind, remembered how awful it was, how I couldn’t make a decision to save my life, how sweaty I got when I flipped up price tags and started comparing them to the same amount that a new Pottery Barn sectional for our empty basement would be…
.
.
.
…and decided that I would let this impromptu purchasing without my final ‘ok’ decision, slide.
Now that our new washer and dryer were on their way, it was time to get rid of the old ones. We knew that our old dryer needed some work and that these machines were 10+ years old, so we weren’t looking to make any money off of them; just trying to find someone who wanted to fix them up and more importantly… take them off of our hands.
Luckily, the day before our new set was due to arrive a friend decided that she wanted to scoop them up to replace her pair that were over 18 years old.
It was a win, win for everyone!
That night Cason started deep cleaning our empty laundry room.
Of COURSE visions of planked walls, wallpaper, cabinets and a new floor flashed vividly in my mind, but THIS time, knowing that our entire DIY budget was just spent on a new washer and dryer…I kept it to myself.
Due to a leak in our washing machine hose at one point, we had a portion of the wall and baseboard that needed replacing and fixing… so like a good wife, I went to get the supplies. As I was gathering things Cason stepped out into the garage and said “Don’t worry about it, I’ll do it in the morning before the delivery guys come.” I asked if he was sure, he gave me a “yeah, it’s fine”…and then that was that.
Fast forward to the next morning. I had to leave to visit some of the ladies from our church for a few hours and when I came back, this is what I found…
Now let’s stop here for a minute, so I can address a couple of things.
#1. I DO NOT “make” my husband do projects.
It’s so funny to me when women leave comments on our blog or FB page that say things like:
“Oh gosh, ANOTHER makeover? My husband would have left me by now for sure!”
or
“Jeesh, don’t you ever give that guy a break?”
Ack!
Do those of you who think like this REALLY believe that I MAKE my guy do projects like these!? PSHHH! Flip the switch people! It’s ME he pulls into all this crazy DIY mess most of the time! And the thing is, he doesn’t really ask… he just… does.
(hence the story about how “we” finally made our new washer and dryer purchase, lol)
This situation pictured above is the PERFECT example of how about 75% of our DIY projects start.
Me – Dreaming up possibilities and chatting with Cason about them.
Him – Usually quiet, sometimes interjecting a few suggestions here or there.
Me – Budgeting, pinning, researching, etc…
Him – Quiet.
Me – Leaving the house for more than 2-3 hours.
Him – Starting the project without me knowing and getting so far into it, that there is really no other option than to just keep going.
π
Now, I’m definitely not playing innocent here. I’ve had my share of sporadic DIY moments too, but Cason will tell you, MOST of our last-minute, jump-into-it-head-first-without-looking-back projects… are HIS idea.
This leads me to my second point.
#2. The laundry room is really HIS domain and not mine.
Once upon a time I used to do laundry.
Then one day… I didn’t.
As I hang my head in shame (and jump up in a full-blown heel-clickin’ celebration), I will admit that Cason finally insisted that HE be in charge of washing and folding the clothes in our house; for a couple of different reasons:
* I regularly forgot about laundry sitting in the washer, and inevitably would always have to end up washing the same load of clothes twice to get the mildewy smell out.
* I never remembered to check for “line dry only” clothes and would shrink about half of his AND my shirts, ruining them every time.
* I couldn’t master the “Christine Smith folding method”.
Listen up ladies and gents, I will have you know that there is a VERY specific way to fold underwear, socks and pants. Apparently Cason’s Mom required him to master this technique early on in his childhood and clothing folded any other way… well, that’s just not gonna work around here. LOL
He doesn’t make a big deal out of it, but I once realized after I had done the laundry (as a favor to HIM, because he was so busy with other things) that he had gone back and RE-folded both his AND my entire sock and underwear drawer.
hahaha!
Sleeping with the enemy, much?
π
jk
Soooo, even though I wasn’t REALLY surprised that Cason had jumped into a total laundry room remodel while I had left the house, I WAS worried that he had started only about an hour and a half before our new washer and dryer were due to be delivered.
Eeek!
Have no fear though, between the both of us we got two coats of satin white on those walls and juuuuust enough of our favorite peel and stick wood-look-a-like flooring down to make room for that new washer and dryer, RIGHT in the nick of time.
π
In fact, when the delivery guy saw the space he said, “Oh… uh, are you ready for us?”
Cason responded with, “Heck yeah! Can’t you tell? Bring ’em in!”
LOL
dang, I love that husband of mine. ha! That poor delivery guy probably thought we were nuts
So here I am, keepin’ it real.
Welcome to my laundry room as it is today:
A half finished floor.
Plain white walls with nothing cool or interesting on them.
and really no plan as to what’s going on/over them yet
A ruined exterior door from where I peeled vinyl off. (about 3 years ago)
Note to self: Follow your OWN directions on the instruction paper and wait at LEAST 48-72 hours before applying vinyl on a freshly painted surface. Doh!
The WRONG washer and dryer.
arrrg, we discovered this about 2 loads into our mountain of laundry, when Cason realized that a few of the settings he was looking forward to using weren’t actually there.
and
A light that now casts the craziest, creepiest shadows ever!
Can you see it? I purposefully left the picture above unedited, so you could get a good idea of how awful the lighting is in this space to look at AND photograph, now that the walls are all white.
Oh! and yes, this photo was taken in the middle of the day.
grrrrrr.
Now you ask:
What’s the plan!?
Meh… (shrug) we dunno.
I voted for some more thick white planks to keep the space as airy and bright as possible and Cason can’t get past his idea of colored cabinetry that provides lots of “laundry room stuff” storage. So at this point, we’re still just in the ‘dreaming up ideas’ stage.
BUT
One thing we BOTH agreed on, was that it was time for a new light that could send off a softer all over glow instead of dark shadows, and so when we stumbled on this one at Lowe’s for only $90, we thought we’d give it a try.
Cason shortened the chain and swagged the entire fixture over about 8 inches (to center it a bit more like the other one was) and ta-da! We’ve got a trendy, not-too-expensive, more modern (that’s Cason’s favorite part), softer glowing lighting fixture for our space!
It’s not a great picture, but you get the idea.
According to our appliance company it’s gonna be a little while before they can get us our correct machines and who knows when we’ll actually get around to finishing up this little laundry room, but hey, that’s how us DIY’ers roll… am I right?
Start one project at full speed, get to the point where you can live with it and then move on to the next free idea until your budget increases.
ha!
π
Unknown says
My husband does all of our laundry too. I can't, for the life of me, remember to change out the loads which involves in a series of rewashings and wrinkled dryer clothes. I'm glad there are other hubbies out there willing to help a girl out! (I fold though…because he does it wrong! haha)
P.S. I love that new light!
Nicole says
π love this post. After I had my daughter the laundry quickly switched over to my husband as well. I think he missed having clean socks, lol. Now when I pitch in and do the laundry I feel very proud of myself for helping.
I also do projects incrementally because I can't wait long enough to save up all the money it would take to do it all at once!
ershay says
Haha! You guys are a crack up! Are you possibly interested in getting rid of the old light fixture??? :0) I'm interested in it if you are!
Miranda @ Pressing On says
It looks great! Your laundry space looks really nice, even with only being half done. I have that washer (I had to replace my 4 year old washer in September, so now my set is mis-matched…grrr).
I love that your husband does the laundry, especially if he's really good at it. There are trade offs in every marriage and it looks like you guys found a great one.
Jen D. says
Ha! I love your description of how your DIY projects start. It totally sounds like what happens at our house. Good luck!
Jen
Princess.Ms says
LOL!!! those women must think you are the worst wife making Cason spend all of his time working for you!! what a bummer that you now have to wait for the correct washer/dryer. the peel-n-stick flooring looks great!!! i have some in my hallway and i LOOOOVE it! i can't wait to see the room when you guys finish!
ruosh says
wow, that is something really Great, DIY and home decor….
Anonymous says
show your kitchen already, you're killin me. lol
Gaby {lifeineight.com} says
Your laundry room is looking so good! And I love, love, love that lamp shade. I hope I can find something similar here in the UK :o) Well done your both!
Kelly Palmer says
My husband and I are renovating pretty much our entire 1939 home. We also have a tendency to start a project then move on to another one before the first is completely done. We are making progress though π I love the new light!
Michelle says
My husband prefers when he does the laundry, too. It's his jeans – he has to have them smoothed out just so. That's how a good marriage works – each do what you are best at or have particulars about π
Colleen says
Honey your husband rocks! The people who make those comments are just jealous because their husbands can't or won't do anything around the house!
johnandmarysouth says
I can't wait to see what you come up with. You will have to do a post on the Christine Smith folding method. I am one of the weird one that loves to do laundry!
Broke Ass Home says
I really like that light fixture! Good job getting that room so far along so quickly too!
Mela says
Looks cute! And I am sure whatever you do it will turn out beautiful! π I noticed you did not get the front loader this time. (Didn't you have them before?) We had a front loader washer and hated it!
Unknown says
I have the same light fixture in my bathroom! Actually we have two. Don't you just love it!!
102 Lismore Street says
I love that light! I looked at it online and would have never given it a second glance! Lowes should hire you guys to take pictures of their products…because your pic is way better than theirs! Can't wait to see what else you do in here!
Anonymous says
Love the light fixture – do you know the brand or model number? Thanks!
Bethany@http://thislittleestate.blogspot.ca/ says
I love that you clarified that you aren't the only one in your family that wants to start a project! People are always asking me too, how I can convince my hubby to do another project, and your dialogue is just like US! π I don't beg him too, we both want to, and most times he starts it and I join in for the half finished project. π
Anyways, your laundry room is beginning to look awesome! That light fixture is so pretty for your space. I really hope your appliances come quickly. Keep up the awesomeness. π
Hilarie says
I bought that exact same light for our laundry room a few months ago!!! Unfortunately, the two doors (pass-through laundry room) didn't allow a light that big, so I ended up putting it in my girls' bedroom. I thought it was perfect for the laundry room, because it reminds me of bubbles.
Anonymous says
I have that same light fixture in my Kitchen! I LOVE IT!
Anonymous says
I love that new light fixture! We recently got a new washer and dryer too! We had to though because the washer died on us MID WASH! We got a really good deal on Black Friday of last year. You know what's crazy?? We put the washer on Craigslist for $40 (just to see if we could get any money out of it – keep in mind that it's broken!) well someone bought it!! Then I put the dryer on there for $40 (we were originally just going to buy a washer and keep the dryer because we had not budgeted for new appliances at the time, but when we saw the great deal we decided to go ahead and buy the set) and no one wanted the working dryer! You better believe as soon as we put FREE on Craigslist we got a couple calls and it was gone the next day! Crazy.
Reenie says
You guys are too cute!!! Bummer on the wrong washer and dryer. I guess you get to use the wrong ones until you get the correct ones?
Michelle says
Oh you remind me of us here. We have a half done laundry room. I have had ceramic tile sitting in my front little office since February. Let's just say, we haven't had time. Hubby hurt his back and couldn't be on his knees installing tile on the floor. I do have new cabinets that we never had before on the walls (just need crown molding), and a new drop in laundry tub with an ORB faucet… I want a board and battan finish on the walls. Now thinking about it, wondering because we don't have the funds to install different flooring in the rest of the main level.. do we even tile the laundry room now? Add in the cement board and tile, are the kids going to trip, stub their toe, etc? Knowing me, I certainly know I will. LOL We have always wanted to tile the bathrooms on the 2nd floor of our two story. Debating if we should take the tile and use it up there and get something different for the main level laundry and powder room. We sold a few items we didn't need on Craigslist, so we have more funds to finish the laundry room.
Karey says
Hey I want the light you took down in your laundry room!!!!! I have looked a vary long time for one. 9 Years to be exact. I don't care what kind of shadows it casts. It would look great in my dining. Waiting to here from ya…..Heehee!
Lil Mama Stuart says
haha The truth comes out! Love how you guys can just go with the flow. I'm such a planner, which hinders a lot of my projects. Love that light fixture!
Anonymous says
Shelley, one thing I love about you is how real you are! It's kind of comforting to see that not everything works out perfectly (at first, anyway) for everyone else either! I know y'all will get it figured out, though! I loved that white chandelier, by the way! I have one just like it in black that casts fun (not creepy!)shadows in our dining room. They look like giant birthday candles, the kids say! But your new light is gorgeous and really sparkles.
Tina Matteson
singin(at)compuserve(dot)com
Linda @ Home is Where My Heart is says
Too Funny!! It's so different in our house but we end the story the same way as you. I have the bright idea and do all the fun research, my husband does all the boring research (cost, measurements blah blah blah), and because he is the perfectionist, he ends up doing most of the hard work. The only way I would be able to finish a project would be if I did it when he was out of the house! The finished product is always a beautiful room though! Really enjoy reading your blog. You're hilarious!!!
Anonymous says
I think this is WONDERFUL! Your husband does a great job! Wish my husband did projects around the house! lol π Lucky girl! Love the light fixture, and the floors (even half done) look really nice. π
Our Pinteresting Family says
With the exception of doing most of the laundry in our house my husband is the same way. He just says I think I'm going to try this…he asks my opinion but really I know he already has a vision in mind. I'm right there with you. I love the lighting fixture that you all got at Lowe's it looks great in your space. Loved this post. π Megan
Jen says
I also have a hubby that loves to keep busy. We usually have a DIY project on the go at any given time. I'm the designer and usually the project suggester… my hubby is the best to usually give any crazy idea I have a go. Gotta love him! π
We are also planning a laundry room make-over… I'd love to switch the laundry room and bathroom around, but will probably for now just come up with some better storage and a countertop across my front loaders for folding. Love your light fixture choice!
Karla @ {The Classy Woman} says
You are one lucky girl and the laundry room looks great so far! π Although I grew up with a father who did most of the cooking, DIY renovations, gardening and landscaping my own husband is not at all interested in anything house related. If I could change one thing, I wish he was more interested in building a home together by working on projects together to make it happen. Shame on those people who just 'assumed' that you 'make' your hubby do the very projects he enjoys.
LST.CLAIRSTUDIO says
Since I am the first one to comment can I have/buy the "old" chandelier? ROFL!!! I have been at the DI for years (since I started reading your blog) looking for one like it! Love the new one, it goes more with your new decor. Everything looks awesome as usual!.
Karri says
LOVE that light fixture!!!!
Can I just say that I LOVE that your MIL taught Cason how to properly fold? Because that's my pet peeve. That my husband was never taught. And so I refold (going so far as taking stuff out of the drawers b/c he makes them too messy). That's just so awesome.
The Circus says
That is SO my husband too. And it always builds to be so much bigger than it was supposed to be. But when it's done. wowee. It looks good.
Susi says
I'm excited to see the end result. I'm sure it will be as lovely as your other makeovers.
Samantha hobbs says
I have to know… Where did you get that rug?!?
Angela says
I too have a hubby that does most of the laundry. I always feel quite guilty about the whole thing, but am feeling so much better after reading your post! Thank you Jesus for awesome husbands:) Love your style and the new light is so perfect! You guys are so fun to follow (stock?) Merry Christmas!
Verna says
Awesome!
Anonymous says
Ha! I wish my man would spontaniously DIY!(although he does do most of the laundry.)
Cason(or his mom)should do a DIY post on the correct way to fold laundry!I'd love to know the secret!
Muddigrl says
They delivered the wrong washer n dryer? In the picture it looked like you were looing at a set with a glass door in the dryer… I hope it gets fixed soon π BTW I love your blog!
Janette Merino says
I absolutely love the new light!!!!
Somer says
love your blog! This post was too funny!
Glynda says
Could you please clone Cason and send the clone to Texas?
Sandy says
Love your blog and how the two of you transform your rooms from great to greater.
Your new light fixture is one of my favorites.
Kelli says
I recently discovered your little gem of a website! And I love love love EVERYTHING you've done! I've been wanting to re-do one of my bathrooms forever! It's sort of granny-ish looking (my very kind friends say it looks classy and I think by classy they mean granny-ish). Complete with a green and maroon flowery wallpaper border. Not that there's anything wrong with flowery wallpaper borders. π Anyway your ideas and tutorials have completely inspired me to just do it! And I'm actually excited about getting started. And although I'm plagued by indecisiveness and maybe a little bit of insecurity about my abilities to pull it off, I think me and the hubby can do it! Your suggestions, examples and instructions are perfect to get me motivated and ready! Thank you Shelley and Cason! You guys ROCK!
P.S. You are one lucky girl to escape laundry duty! How do I sign up for that?
Bonnie@Creative Decorating says
Well, at least it is started!! I think it is awesome that he does the laundry. When my mom was alive and still able, she would come over once a week and help out with our laundry because she LOVED doing it. Not as much as I LOVED her doing it!!
You may not have to ask him to do projects but I guaranty I would be dropping hints and pictures of what I would like to have done just hoping he picked up on them!!!!
Have a great week!
Anonymous says
I love that your husband DIYs with you! And I love that you can trust him to make decisions and he does laundry! What a catch! =)
There is so much potential in this space. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Ashford Cove says
I love your hubs. My sweet hubs and I are a bit different. I usually start a project and he comes in half way through and helps to (correct) finish the job. LOL
I do love the new light fixture. I bet it will look amazing when you are done.
Carrie - A Sweet Spot: Home says
I can already tell, that wood floor's going to look great!!
Dacia @ Lemon Drop Life says
That's so funny…my hubby is very particular about his laundry too and he would always end up re-folding his stuff! So he is now also on laundry duty π
Jenelle says
How fun! In other random news, I got an email today with the latest featured articles on Houzz…and there you were! Congrats!
houzz.com/ideabooks/5516906/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u198&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery8
Emma says
I love that your husband is so involved with the projects at your house.
Emma says
I love that your husband is so involved with the projects at your house.
Anonymous says
I have that same light fixture in my scrapbook room and LOVE It!
Janet says
Love it! That's the way I do things too! And my hubs does about 90% of our laundry too because I can't remember either to do it or, like you, leave it in the washer π He won't wash our 2 daughter's clothes, so I do that. At least your projects get started and eventually finished.
Amy says
I have that light in my dining room. love it!
Lisa @ Cozy Condo Living says
My husband does most of our laundry as well. We didn't plan it, it just ended up that way over the six years we've been married. I have a question about having a regular pendant light in the laundry room. Ours is a light/fan combo. I'm assuming it would get pretty damp in there without a fan. Does yours have one or did you get rid of it to put in the light?
Emily says
we live in cali, and would die to have a room dedicated to laundry ;0)
Anyway, don't know if you have seen this but I thought I would pass it along.
ana-white.com/2011/01/saushaβs-washerdryer-pedestals
Live In Care Agency says
Your laundry space is well organized and I should say, you are so lucky to have a husband like him. God bless you bothβ¦
Anonymous says
My fiance used to do our laundry at the old apartment (coin-op laundry room). Now that we have laundry in our new apartment, we each do our own. He won't let me do his, because I supposedly do it wrong. On the flip side, he never folds clothes! I always end up hassling him to fold up his clothes because they end up in piles in the bedroom. I'm sure things will change once we start having kids, but for now we do our own.
Pam says
Did you get the right washer? I'd hate having the one I didn't want, on the other hand if he does the laundry…and he doesn't care…so be it.
Anonymous says
I use to do laundry .. then one day I didn't … so awesome!
SarahN @ livetolist says
In love with your light (and falling out of love with my similar, less stylish, was $27 steal of a drum light over my dining room table… See it's just not 'lighting' the place up enough… could it be the one globe I've been too lazy to replace? quite possible!) Sigh… Love
Donna W says
love everything about your laundry room. The light is to die for!
Rhonda @ home.made. says
That light is fantastic… I might have to update my lighting too! I'll be shopping later today for a new washer and dryer. What did you guys finally decide on? I'm so confused by the options!
Anonymous says
Can you do a post on the peel and stick flooring? I am mainly wondering if you literally stick it on the floor or do I have to take up all the moldings and such.
~Amy says
Love the light! Can you or anyone who has commented that they have the same light give me any info…name or model#? Looking on Lowe's now trying to find it in the sea of thousands of lights they have on their site! Thanks so much! My husband is painting our laundry room as I type and our new washer & dryer are sitting in the living-room!
~Amy says
Love Love Love the light! Could you or anyone that has posted that they have the same light give me a name/model #? I'm on Lowe's site looking through the 100's of lights and am not finding it! My husband is painting our laundry room as I'm typing and our new washer and dryer are sitting in our living-room! LOVE your blog! XO!
Meghan says
My husband and I are looking for a new washer/dryer, too, and also had a case of "sticker shock". We're still shopping around and trying to educate ourselves on them so I'm curious which set your hubs decided on? Thanks in advance!
Centerpointe Moderator says
Thanks for the great post!! I cross-referenced you: centerpointeleaguecity.blogspot.com/2013/03/laundry-room-lighting-ideas.html