Making the Most of a Small Space: My Quest for a Pretty Laundry Room!

Greetings Friends! What to do with an awkward space--for years that has been my small laundry room dilemma. Since my home does not have a garage or basement and the attic access is extremely inconvenient, it has been quite a challenge to maintain organization and pretty didn't enter the equation...

Earlier this week, I shared my fun washer and dryer bling.  Who knew $20 decals could make such a difference?! Believe it or not, that wasn't my first step to revamp the room...

...First, I was in need of inspiration, which may sound like a no brainer but let's face it--this is anything but inspirational!  This photo was in January before my last attempt to declutter and reorganize but it is still embarrassing! Over the years, I have repeated this cycle more times than I can care to count--purge, organize, clutter sneaks up on me...repeat!  Something had to give! 

As I've said before, I needed storage space but most of the items I needed to store wouldn't fit into pretty little baskets--picture the awkward sized items you may have in your garage or basement.  Now picture storing them in a fraction of the space! Back to my inspiration...would you be surprised it came from this vintage tablecloth? If you've read my blog--probably not ;) It finally dawned on me that I could make a curtain for the utility shelves.  I chose several tablecloths from my thrifted collection and compared the size with the shelves.  This was the one that fit and ultimately became my color palette. I also added red accents to contrast the two shades of blue.  As is often the case with my projects, one thing led to another but not necessarily in the order you might imagine...

Since corralling storage has been my biggest challenge, I began there.  First I painted the utility shelves and then organized the contents before adding the curtain.  (I'll be sharing more on exactly how I did this on Wednesday.)  Once the curtain was hung, I actually saw potential for pretty and that's when I got excited and ordered the washer/dryer decals which prompted spray painting my drab brooms and dustpan gold, yes gold!  

I was channeling my inner glam--so then of course, I needed a chandelier!

As I waited for my lovelies to arrive, I continued to work.  These shelves also got a makeover with my favorite chalk paint, Americana Decor Vintage. 

The morning I painted them, I decided that I would prefer to use galvanized containers rather than baskets.  I found these great tubs from Ikea for $2 at a yard sale the same day! 

On the top shelf, I used large baskets I already had for storage. My sweet blogging buddy Jo sent me the gorgeous tag with a lovely gift awhile back.  I knew I would find the perfect use for it--thanks Jo! If you're wondering, the jar contains prickly seed pods of moon flower.

The shelves were organized and I even had room to hang some potted basil.  The cute rug is from Lowe's--chenille and so soft! By this point, I had cleared out a small shelving unit that previously took up most of the counter.  

I realized I would have enough work space to create an herb drying station and then it occurred to me, that I really should paint while I was at it! Here's the cream but rather dingy walls, also visible in some of the before photos and the forest green countertop.  

What a difference my favorite wall color Behr Loft Space makes! I also used a pale gray counter top paint.  I had not used it before and wanted to try it.  I love the color--I did not like working with the paint and would not recommend it! I am so glad I tried it here because I cannot imagine trying to paint kitchen counters with it and I'll share more of my thoughts on it soon. Having said that, I couldn't be happier with my herb drying space--complete with chandelier! The mini size is perfect for the room. 

A few more details...

Remember to utilize over the door storage! 

I used a vintage tablecloth to make a curtain for the storage shelves,  but vintage linens can also dress up windows...

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...and even yard sale baskets!

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I am convinced the soft gray paint has a calming effect and I can't decide if I am more smitten with the gold decals or chandelier! I am equally excited about space to dry my herbs where I once battled constant clutter.  The room is still tiny but finally feels organized. Tiny, but multifunctional. Tiny, but pretty! 

Have you made the most of a small space in your home? Does one thing lead to another...and then another... as it does with me?  I would love to hear your creative solutions!