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Budget-Friendly Laundry Room Updates You Can Do in One Day or Less

December 17, 2021
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Even if you don't have the time and budget for a full-scale laundry room renovation, there are a slew of easy, inexpensive changes you can make that are light on the "renovation" and heavy on the design impact.

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
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Quick Laundry Room Updates

The laundry room is a space that gets used on a regular basis, so why not design it like you would the rest of your home? We have pulled together 20 design ideas that can be done in a weekend and will leave this space feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

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Photo: Alise O'Brien Photography
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Switch Out the Lighting

An easy fix, in almost any room, is to switch out the light fixtures and upgrade with something a bit more stylish. We often don’t think of lighting in the laundry room, but new fixtures can change the mood, look and vibe of your laundry space in no time at all.

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Photo: Kyle Caldwell. From: North Fork Design Co.
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Replace Cabinet Pulls

This fix might seem small, but it can really make a big difference in your overall look. If you have cabinets in your laundry room, consider switching out all the hardware to something more trendy. These sleek black knobs and pulls add contemporary contrast to the bright white cabinets of this laundry room.

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Photo: Spacecrafting. From: Martha O'Hara Interiors
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Install a New Sink

Situated between two bedrooms on the upper level of this Lake Minnetonka home, this crisp white laundry room provides a cozy environment for doing daily chores. The room features all white cabinets and drawers with modern black hardware, a white subway tile backsplash and beautifully simple ceramic sink.
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Photo: Jared Kuzia Photography. From: Kristina Crestin
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Retrofit the Cabinets

Modify the inside of your cabinets with additional storage options to meet your needs. Take the doors off to create open shelves so you can sort different types of laundry or let each family member have his or her own basket.

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Look Behind the Door

Incorporate more storage by maximizing the space behind your door. A handy shelf is perfect for stowing your iron, laundry detergent, cleaners and cloths. Find a system that has a hanger for your ironing board, as a bonus.

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Photo: Brian Bieder. From: Maggie Griffin
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Double Up Your Washer + Dryer

Another great idea, for those who have the space, is to add another washer or dryer. For anyone with a large family who spends a lot of time doing laundry, an additional washer and/or dryer could end up being a relatively small investment that can pay off with huge savings in time.

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Photo: Bethany Nauert. From: DMAR Interiors
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Hang Curtains

Bring color and pattern into your laundry room with fresh curtains. This relatively inexpensive option can really add some pizzaz to your utilitarian space.

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Photo: D2 Interieurs, Jane Beiles. From: D2 Interieurs
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Bring In Pattern With Wallpaper

If you really want to change the look of your laundry room quickly, wallpaper is the way to go. Since laundry rooms are typically small, it's a fun spot to experiment with a bold pattern.

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Photo: Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography
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Tidy Up With Hooks

Keep your counters and floors clutter-free by adding plenty of hooks throughout your laundry room. Hang tools, extra hangers, clothes or anything that helps you organize the space.

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Photo: Lisa Vollmer Photography. From: Jess Cooney
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Change Fixtures

Similar to switching out cabinet hardware, a change of sink fixtures seems like a tiny update, but it can have a huge impact on the total look of your space. Opting for burnished brass or gold finishes takes your space from outdated to totally trendy.

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Photo: Brandon Stengel, Farm Kid Studios. From: Sicora, Inc.
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Build a Countertop

If you have a front load washer and dryer, amp up your storage and folding area by installing a countertop above them. This adds function and storage to your small laundry room.

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Photo: Ryan Garvin. From: Brooke Wagner
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Tile a Backsplash

Since you're usually working with petite spaces when it comes to laundry rooms, you don't need a ton of material to create an eye-catching display. Tile the small area behind your washer and dryer to deliver instant style. These three-dimensional tiles add a hint of grandeur to the utilitarian space.

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Photo: Tessa Neudstadt
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Upgrade Your Hanging

Hanging clothes can really take over your laundry room. A slim drying rack that mounts to the wall is a smart space-saving solution and helps manage your delicates. When not in use, it simply folds flat and stays out of your way.

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Photo: Christina Tello
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Add a Folding Table

If you have the available wall space, add a folding table. Not only will it help save your couch or bed from piles of laundry, it creates a convenient spot to fold laundry without taking up any floor space.

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Photo: Grace Blu Designs. From: Grace Blu Interior Design
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Incorporate a Table

If you have a more spacious laundry room, embrace it with furniture that maximizes the space's functionality. A centered table provides extra storage, as well as a sorting and folding area.

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Photo: David Duncan Livingston. From: Ann Lowengart
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Hang a Rod

Simple yet oh-so useful, add an extra hanging rod to your laundry room. Opt for one you screw into the wall rather than a tension rod to ensure it can withstand the weight of wet clothes.

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Photo: Amy Bartlam. From: Jenn Feldman Designs
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Go Vertical With Storage

Open shelving keeps all your laundry must-haves within reach as you tackle stains, washing and drying. With little cost and time investment, you can install simple floating shelves. Use baskets to hide away cleaning supplies, while still having them right on-hand.

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Photo: Julie Soefer Photography. From: Laura U Design Collective
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Trade Out Cabinet Doors

Tired of your typical cabinet doors? Try something new and unexpected. This laundry room transforms simple glass doors with a fun frosted effect and etched words.

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Photo: Tessa Neudstadt
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Give Everything Its Place

Add an open cabinet with wire baskets for additional stowing spots. This laundry room features built-ins, but you can quickly pick up a bookcase or shelf at a local retailer or home improvement store. Wire baskets make it easy to spot what you need and keep everything stashed away.

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Hang Artwork

Adding artwork to your laundry room immediately elevates the space and makes it feel less like a utility room and more like a true living space. You can pick up on any design themes you already have throughout your home, or go in a completely different direction and do something fun and bold.

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