If you’re not in the market for a complete laundry room redo, spice up your existing space by adding a few pretty, personal touches. But first: declutter. Then take a good look at any trouble spots or areas that might need improvement.
Think about how you can better organize the space, even if it’s as basic as storing frequently used items in easier-to-reach spots. For example, if reaching the detergent requires a contortionist-worthy twist, stash it for easy access inside a cupboard or on a shelf at shoulder height or lower.
If the area is clutter-free and you want to see your wares, scoop powders into attractive apothecary or mason jars. Toss dryer sheets and clothespins into decorative baskets for a pop of color and interest that’s also utilitarian. Or place essentials on a lazy Susan; keep it close-at-hand and easy to spin and grab.
Need a bigger drop zone? More room for folding clean clothes? Want to press the kids into service to sort their dirty clothes? If the laundry room is part of a mudroom, and if space allows, consider color-coded hampers for each member of the family. Once clothes are clean and folded, kids can help mom and dad by hauling their own bins back to their rooms.
Interior designer Sallie Kjos suggests punching up the room to make it more gallery-like and more personal. A favorite DIY idea of hers: frame individual black-and-white photos of everyone in the family. Place baskets beneath each one so everyone knows his or her designated pickup (clean) and drop-off (dirty) spot. Or add hooks above for each family member to hang-dry an item or two. There’s even a gentle housekeeping lesson in there: It’s never too early for little ones to learn organizational skills.
