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!
Lately, we’ve noticed some recurring questions come up around our work — where we’re located, how involved clients need to be, and what you’re really investing in when you hire a designer. This post is meant to offer clarity and context, not overwhelm.
And if you’re still wondering about something specific, feel free to reach out. Thoughtful questions are always welcome here:)
Unreasonable. Not practical. Not safe. Not “that’s good enough.”
Unreasonable passion.
For the way light pours into your kitchen at 4pm. For the way your sofa feels at the end of a long day. For the dining table that holds sunday dinners and hard conversations and belly laughs.
I don’t believe in designing homes that are just fine. I believe in spaces that make you feel something. That tell your story. That hold your memories. Because this life? It moves fast. Our babies grow up. Seasons change. Chapters close.
So yes... I’m going to care deeply about the tile. About the trim detail. About the way the space flows. Not because it’s “just design.” But because it’s where your life unfolds.
Eight years ago I started my design business when Derrick was unemployed. It was a leap of faith to help support our family. I had no idea where it would lead.
Then we chose to build this business together. Exciting… and terrifying. Running a design + renovation company side by side stretches you (as entrepreneurs and as husband and wife).
We started over AGAIN and moved across the country to Tennessee!
It hasn’t been easy. There have been dark days… stress, uncertainty, moments that felt lonely.
But there have also been incredible highs — clients who trust us, a team that amazes me, opportunities I never could have planned for.
And recently, as I looked back through my camera roll, I realized something…
It’s not just the big milestones that built this life.
It’s the quiet moments. The moments you don’t realize are building the life you once only dreamt of. 🤍
Little by little, the life I once dreamed about… is becoming my reality. ✨
If you’re scared to start over… believe me when I say, I totally get it.
Just do it. (Maybe it’s all those years working at Nike that has rubbed off on me) But seriously, show up each day for the life you want.
I’m here if you want to chat, just send me a DM. xx
This testimonial from a recent Designer for a Day session is exactly why I do this work.
To hear a client say they felt truly heard means everything to me. Beautiful spaces matter — but if a home doesn’t reflect how someone actually lives, who they are, and what they value... then we’ve missed the point.
Every project begins with listening. Understanding rhythms, routines, priorities. Designing from there.
It’s such a privilege to collaborate with clients who value intentional design, thoughtful planning, and homes that feel deeply personal.
If you’re ready for a space that feels like you, DM us to inquire + learn more about Designer for a Day!
Pink paint doesn’t have to feel girly! And if that sentence alone makes you nervous... keep reading.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I pulled together a roundup of my favorite pink paint colors.
Some l’ve loved for years, and a few I’m seriously considering for a room at our #SixthStreetBungalow... any guesses?
The truth about pink paint? It’s all about undertone. When done right, pink can feel grounded, warm, and feminine... but with an edge. Not sweet, not juvenile, not bubblegum.
Look for dusty, muted, brown, or beige-leaning pinks that read almost neutral on the wall. Avoid anything too bright or overly saturated (those are the ones that scream “little girl’s room” fast).
Save this for the next time you’re flirting with pink paint—so you can order the right samples and fall in love with the result!
With our DFAD service You’ll leave with direction, confidence, and a real olan—not just inspiration/moodboards.
What this isn’t: - A full-service design project - A shopping-for-you service - Someone managing orders, installs, or trades - A quick “tell me what paint color” consult
What it is: - Big-picture clarity with real, actionable next steps - This is for clients who want a plan they can actually act on - Perfect if you’re ready to move forward but need a designer in your corner - Professional input before you make expensive mistakes - Think clarity and direction, not execution from start to finish
If that sounds like you, Designer for a Day might be exactly what you need. Inquire today, link in bio!