Ideas for quick + easy updates that could completely transform our dated laundry + mudroom spaces.
Last week, I shared some ideas I had for a “phase one” renovation of our kitchen – things that would be relatively simple and inexpensive to change, but that would have a huge impact on the look and feel of the space. I had SUCH a great response, with so many messages of excitement about my ideas – it turns out many of you are in the same boat, looking to change the look and feel of some dated spaces in your home, but not wanting to commit to a full blown renovation. The support I received from sharing that post was so overwhelmingly positive, that I felt like maybe I should share another space that’s been on my mind with you too, just in case it might help spark more ideas for your own home too. So today, I’m excited to dive into our laundry/mudroom with you and some of the simple and inexpensive ideas I have to update these spaces.
Easy Laundry Room & Mudroom Updates
There are some big ticket items in here that we’ll need to work around through a phase one renovation. The cabinets, countertops and flooring will, in all likelihood, be torn out whenever it is we get around to a proper renovation of these spaces, so I’d rather not sink any money into replacing those at the moment. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find a way to love them in the mean time! Here’s what I’m thinking…
The very first thing I’d do in this space is paint out those old cabinets and replace the hardware with something more streamlined. Rather than replace the countertops, I’d likely explore the option of just re-covering them with a simple laminate sheet (something like this). I’m not sure if replacing the sink would be worth it – I’m guessing if we did, this would likely mean we’d have to replace our countertops too- but, we could very easily replace that ugly builder-grade faucet. I think a new faucet could easily transition through a phase two reno as well and into the final space, so this would be an easier expense to justify. I’d also likely add in a beadboard backsplash all around this corner (our washer and dryer sit just to the right in this photo), painted out in the same colour as our cabinets. I think I’d likely paint the cabinets and backsplash out to match our trim, though would consider some other colour options here too.
I’d LOVE to add some sort of paneling around this space, but again, whatever we do will likely be torn out with our bigger renovation plans down the road, so definitely don’t want to invest too much into any wall treatments. That being said, a simple picture frame wainscotting or beadboard paneling would likely be a fairly budget friendly option that could add a lot of character in here without too much wasted expense. I’d add the same trim all around both little “rooms” and down the hallway to our main living spaces. Whatever paneling we do decide to add, I’d likely paint it out to match the cabinetry and trim as well.
While the right hand side of this space houses our mudroom and laundry, to the left of this hallway is a random little room that doesn’t have a whole lot of purpose for us yet. Down the road, I’m picturing a dog shower and some built in storage maybe, but for now, I’d be happy to relocate our mini-fridge and big deep freezer out of this space (I hate that it blocks that sight line of the windows in here) and maybe just bring in a pretty cabinet (though with three closets and all that cabinetry packed into this space, it’s not like we really need any more storage in here). I don’t know, what would you do with this little bonus space?
Phase One Laundry and Mudroom Renovation Ideas:
- paint cabinets
- change cabinet hardware
- re-laminate counters (is that even a word?)
- add beadboard backsplash
- replace faucet
- add wainscotting (either beadboard or picture frame moulding) and paint it out to match the other trim work
- maybe change up the runner down the hallway for something that ties in better with the mudroom rug
- add a light fixture to the hallway and mudroom (they’re currently bare light bulbs)
- relocate the freezer and mini fridge
- find a purpose for that little bonus room
Working through a phase one reno of this space would be SO much faster and easier than the kitchen, though we don’t spend near as much time hanging out in here obviously. If this were your home, which space would you renovate first?
Wishing you SUCH a lovely day!
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Stephanie says
You have amazing style!! Your blog is always giving me ideas. I am wanting to do budget friendly things to my house. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
You could turn that little room into a reading nook.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Stephanie! I’m SO happy you enjoy following along! A reading nook is a great idea – that little room gets such great light, it would be a beautiful little reading nook! Thanks so much for sharing!