Our little laundry room lacked some key necessities for our family of five, and it was dated and cramped. So we decided to give it a major refresh ... see below for all the details!
Image: Clouz Houz / Photography: Zee Wendell
When we set out to revamp our laundry room, there were some key things to consider. For example:
#1: How to make the 5′ x 10′ space feel a little more spacious and bring it into this century (!)
#2: How to incorporate a utility sink for a place to treat stains, soak clothes, fill vases and such
#3: How to keep some storage space but without upper cabinetry
#4: How to install a hanging rod for delicates and create a place to fold piles and piles of laundry
#5: Create a classic and unique look for such a utilitarian space (in other words, how do you create a space to do laundry and feel inspired??)
Image: Clouz Houz / Photography: Zee WendellImage: Clouz Houz / Photography: Zee Wendell
How we achieved all our goals:
STACKABLE WASHER AND DRYER
We’ve never had a stackable washer and dryer unit, but we have to say- – for a small laundry room — we are huge proponents! By going “up” we were able to save some of the footprint of the room so we could add a sink and more counter space for folding.
UTILITY SINK
We knew we needed a sink for various tasks like treating stains, washing delicates, filling vases, etc. The room didn’t currently have a sink, but we were able to easily add a water line off the plumbing — it was already there for the washing machine. We are so happy to have this 18″ under mount sink, even though it’s small. It was a great solution to achieve our goal.
STORAGE
This room is so so small, and yet, we needed a way to store things like cleaning supplies, rags, vases, iron/steamer etc. Upper cabinets “dwarfed” the space even more, so we decided to eliminate all those cabinets except the ones over the new sink. This allowed some closed storage without feeling too heavy. Then Derrick built some open shelving under the new butcher block countertop. I found the cutest café curtains to close off the open shelving, which provides some softness to the room and adds a little texture.
HANGING SPACE FOR DRYING DELICATES
Sometimes it’s better to dry clothes naturally, so I knew we needed a way to hang them. However, the space was so narrow that the extendable hanging rods I found online were going to extend too far into the room. Thank goodness, I found the most perfect un-lacquered brass rod and brackets from which to hang our clothes! I love its size (it’s fully customizable in length), and the brass is a beautiful accent against the dark paint color.
CREATE A CLASSIC… AND SOMEWHAT VINTAGE VIBE
I knew this space lacked character (I mean, how many laundry rooms really have character?), but doing laundry is one of my least favorite chores, so I knew it needed to be pretty and inviting. Maybe if the space felt more charming, I would feel more inspired to get all our laundry done? Ha ha … So, we added new tile flooring, bead board on all the walls, butcher block countertops, and vintage inspired light fixtures to give the room some soul and character. See our mood room below for all the inspo.
CLOUZ HOUZ TIP: Add a moody, rich color to a small space that has no natural light! Embrace the darkness, and just add more artificial lighting. It really makes the space feel cozy and inviting.
See all the links below to shop this look. If your laundry room doesn’t necessarily spark inspiring and happy feelings, we hope this will inspire you to create one. Of course, we’re always happy to help!
We spent the week soaking up the island sun at The Mauna Kea. The resort, the beach, the pace... it’s all magic. We had never been and I have to say, its my new fave. Hawaii has a way of completely resetting me. I feel like a different person here-calm, clear, more in tune with myself and what matters.
Things we did that I’m telling all my friends!!
Head to the Waimea Farmer’s Market if you there on a Saturday. They open at 7:30 so arrive early for good parking, it gets busy! Try the breakfast burrito or banana pancakes. Buy the fresh fruit.
Ziplining with Kohala Zipline & Canopy Tours. Even papa went and loved it! Beware if you are afraid of heights- the slat bridges were the hardest to cross.
Check out the Mauna Lani Auberge Resort. The architecture is amazing.
Snorkel at 49 Black Sand Beach. Go early, popular spot. 🙂
Order a Mai Tai at the Manta restaurant at the Mauna Kea - I have never had one like it. The frothy topping is over the top deeeeelish.
Go to the Lava Lava Beach Club for a sunset dinner. Tables on the beach are so cute- a dreamy setting and fun for kids with cornhole games and more. Order the Coconut Shrimp and Kev Lime pie!
Save for later if you are planning a trip to this magical island. I’m already dreaming about going back!
Last week, our entire family, 15 of us, came together in Hawaii to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday. It was the first time in over eight years that we’ve all spent more than a single day together.
When we moved to Bend, we needed space, physically and emotionally. We’d been through some big, life-altering family challenges, and even though we used to do everything together, distance felt necessary. At the time, I told myself, It’s just a 3.5-hour drive, but life has a way of making visits harder than they should be. And sometimes… I just didn’t want to make the drive.
But last week? Those old reasons for space started to fade. We laughed until our cheeks hurt, played pickleball in the Hawaiian sun, cooked meals together, stayed up late playing cards, and told the same old stories that somehow never get old.
The highlight for me was watching my dad, absolutely beaming. Laughing, teasing his grandkids, looking around at his family with pride. His joy is something I will hold onto forever.
Family isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s messy, complicated, and hard to navigate. But being together almost always feels better than being apart.
So take the trip. Try the new thing, even at 80. Watch the sunset together. Share the wine and the stories. Make the memories you’ll carry long after the bags are unpacked.
Mom and Dad, thank you for showing us what family really means, and for giving us this week we’ll carry for the rest of our lives.
And because there’s more to this story than I can fit here, I’m sharing a deeper, more personal reflection in Sunday’s subscriber email. Please tell me you’re subscribed—you won’t want to miss it. 🤍
We always come back to these. Our tried-and-true paint colors we reach for time and time again—because they just work. Whether you’re updating a guest bath, picking a cabinet color, or planning a full remodel, these are the shades that make every room feel considered and timeless.
Save this post so you have the names handy next time you’re at the paint counter.
Did you know we have a free paint guide? It’s filled with our most-used hues, finish tips, and designer notes. Comment ‘ME’ and I’ll DM you the link to sign up for our newsletter and get it sent to your inbox, totally complimentary.
Comment ‘BAHAMA’ and we’ll send you everything to get the look🐚 There’s so many good pieces rounded up in this one!!
Not gonna lie... Harbour Island has long been at the top of my dream destination list (maybe even the #1 spot). I love the vibe! One day I will go and experience it for myself! Have you been?
Fun fact: before I started my design biz, I was (very briefly) an India Hicks ambassador😂 I used to host trunk shows at our house and totally fell in love with the layered, collected island aesthetic she does so well. This look was a little love letter to that era-and honestly, I still haven’t gotten over it.
Café curtains are the move when you want to make a guest room feel instantly cozier and charming... Without doing a full refresh.
We had these custom made through @pepperhome and couldn’t recommend them more. The process is super clear (even when it comes to measuring!), and the quality is so good.
Here are the exact details we used for ours: • Fabric: Flour • Style: Pinch Pleat • Width per panel: 25” • Placement: Double paneling to open fully on each side of the window
It’s a small touch that makes a big difference, especially in guest spaces where you want softness and privacy without losing light.
Also works beautifully in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms... Or any space that needs some personality or even to hide open storage like we did in our pantry!!
Save this if you got Understated Eclectic on our style quiz !
This one’s often misunderstood, so let’s break it down.
It’s bold, but not loud. Curated, but not distracting. Timeless, but not afraid of a little risk.
If you love a bold palette, sculptural shapes, unexpected art pairings, or playful contrast... this is probably your vibe. You like a good statement, but it’s gotta feel grounded.
Comment ‘ME’ and I’ll send you a link to shop 100+ finds that bring this look home.