It’s no secret that the real improvement we need to make to our new laundry area is in the upgrading to energy efficient appliances arena along with adding some nice built-in storage to maximize that tiny room. But as we save up and plan for those upgrades, we took a few hours after Clara’s bedtime a few days ago to tackle some smaller items on our laundry list. Pun intended.
First we went to work on the glass side door. You know, the one that gave everyone a straight shot from our carport, through the laundry area and into our kitchen (here I am being creepy and demonstrating the problem, which you can read more about here).
Since we were eager to get rid of this bi-fold door that was currently acting as a privacy solution in the interim…
… at first we figured we’d throw up a cheap wooden blind over the glass side door, remove the dark pocket door, and consider our problem solved. Well, after buying a bamboo rolling shade from Home Depot, we realized how much light it blocked and after learning that our kitchen is a black hole in the mornings (it’s the only room with no windows to the outside world- the window above the sink looks out into the sunroom) we didn’t want anything that would block too much light.
That’s when we opted to go the frosting film route. We used the same materials / techniques that we employed in our basement a while ago, so you can read that step-by-step guide here (and see what film we chose). The only issue we ran into this time was bubbles.
Some serious, annoying, won’t-go-away bubbles. You always have these at some point of this process, but it usually just takes a few squeegees to get them out. But these bubbles weren’t bursting, no matter how hard Sherry squeegeed. And it totally burst our bubble (too corny- had to cross it out).
We hoped it was just an issue with not having applied enough applicator spray to each surface, but we feared it was a problem with the temperature of the side door (instructions said not to apply it in under 40 degree weather, which it definitely was on the other side of that glass). We crossed our fingers, peeled off the permanently bubbled film, scraped some residual glue off of the window, and readied ourselves to try again (fortunately our leftover scrap of film was perfectly sized for a second attempt). And this time we used a boatload more of the applicator solution to keep things nice and slippery so no bubbles could take permanent hold.
And it worked. Phew.
Our next little project was the removal of those shelves next to the door. We love bonus storage just as much as the next blogger, but we couldn’t figure out exactly what we’d want there since it’s not concealed- and we learned that coming through the door with our hands full meant that we routinely bumped into whatever was on those shelves anyway. So we decided to take them down and instead turn it into a place to hang art or a frame collage someday. Every laundry room needs a little space for the eye to rest and art always makes it feel a bit more welcoming and less utilitarian. At least that’s what the wife says. She’s more of the decorating brains. And I’m the take-those-shelves-down brawn. Although Sherry does get down with the power tools when the mood strikes.
While I was in the midst of unscrewing things (despite it being about 10:30pm) we thought we’d keep the momentum going and get rid of the shutters on the laundry room window too (to make room for an eventual set of blinds/roman shade/curtain).
So by morning, our laundry area was looking more like this:
No shutters, no shelves, but a bit of touch up painting to be done.
And we’re still getting a nice stream of morning light coming into the otherwise pitch black kitchen in the early morning. Frosting film was definitely the (nice cheap) way to go.
Have you guys frosted windows with the same film stuff from Home Depot? Have you ever encountered the not-coming-out-no-matter-how-hard-you-squeegee-bubble problem? Was it due to temperature or lack of applicator spray? Or something else entirely?
Psst- We announced this week’s giveaway winners back on the original post. Click here to see if it’s you.
Bethany says
What a great bang for your buck! That looks great!
Is there a screen door on the other side of that door? It seems redundant to have an almost full glass door with another glass door behind it. However, if you use the screen to let air in during the warmer months, then I think it makes perfect sense. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Bethany,
Yup it’s a screened/glass storm door. Might be nice in the spring and if we find that we don’t use it for a year or so, down it’ll go!
xo,
s
maggie says
I have to admit I wasnt feeling the idea of frosting your door but I have to admit I love it! it makes me think about doing our deck doors. I know most peolpe would think that is crazy but I live in a philly row home and the people behind us can see right through to our livingrooom.
On another note could you give me some advice on my bathroom? I have a very small bathroom with a sky light and no windows. so the its like I have the walls then ceiling then like a mini wall again then the skylight (I dont know if that makes any sense) this is the closest thing I could find to compare http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g211861-d212990-Heaton_s_Guesthouse-Dingle_Dingle_Peninsula_County_Kerry.html
I have ceramic tile going halfway up the walls like in the picture. but there is not trim anyway. My question is should I paint the wall and ceiling all the way up to the skylight or should I just paint the walls. The tile is a gray tanish mixture and I plan to paint the walls a pale aqua
Thanks!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Maggie,
We would paint everything! The wall, the ceiling, everything. If you choose a nice light and airy color it’ll look really cohesive and unified without feeling closed in.
xo,
s
Nicole B says
I live in a rental and didn’t want to spend a ton of money for creating privacy in my kitchen. I already had a roll of clear contact paper. To get the bubbles out I just made tiny slits in the big bubbles and squeegeed like a maniac. You can’t tell where the slits are at all. Now my neighbors can’t see me when I first get up in the morning. It benefits us all!!!
Kristi W. says
Wow, do you guys already have granite countertops in your kitchen? If so, that is awesome! We’ve been dreaming of them since we bought our house. Very cool.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, they came with the house so we’re definitely going to do our best to work with them and make the whole kitchen look airy and fresh!
xo,
s
Megan says
I used to do the windows at Gap and we had to put that frosted vinyl stuff up all the time. Your problem was too little spray. One time we put a floor to ceiling decal and we sprayed until it was dripping all over the place. The idea is that the vinyl needs to float on the spray. Also, we just used plain ol’ windex and one of our gift cards made a handy squeegee for details. It looks so much better already! I can’t wait to see how some paint will transform that dark hole of a kitchen. The whole house is so light and airy that the kitchen seems completely out of place.
Monika says
Frosted window on the laundry room door looks lovely!
I second what the previous poster suggested about the light tube if you decide you want additional light in the kitchen. Some friends of ours had one installed a number of years ago and it made a significant difference in their dark kitchen. I believe it was a fairly budget friendly project as well.
Can’t wait to see more projects!
:)
Ann Marie says
I tried the privacy film (In our old house we had A HUGE picture window looking straight at the toilet from the front porch — so classy) and we didn’t have much luck.
We ended up replacing the glass on the windows with a privacy glass for about $30 more than the film. I wish we had done that sooner.
Kelly says
Odd question: Did you let the previous owners of your new house know you have the website? I’m curious if they might decide to follow along with the reno process.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kelly,
Oh yes- they read really regularly actually! We’re so lucky they’re such good sports who are just as excited to see the house evolve and change as we are. It would be scary if we thought they were reading and didn’t want us to change a thing, but they’re really great about rooting us on!
xo,
s
Nicole says
I’ve been reading your blog for ages and find it so funny that today of all days, while I’m covered in strips of leftover sticky Gila privacy film trying to figure out how to fix my mess, you have written a post on just this subject! My problem was the same as yours. I’m not sure who thought it was a good idea to have a 5’x5′ window in the adjoining wall between my shower and bedroom, but I found it completely … invasive? weird? Seriously, just look at this pic for proof – http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs714.snc4/63416_799312134926_1525999_45330415_4677384_n.jpg!So I decided to frost it. However, short little me with HUGE piece of sticky frosting and not enough adhesive spray? Yeah – not so pretty. So I’m off to Home Depot for some removal solution and another sheet of window film to go for round two. I’ve successfully frosted our back door (in a fleeting hope to deter our creepy neighbor who thinks it’s ok to come knocking on the back door late at night), so I know I’m not completely inept when it comes to this. Glad your second attempt was better and here’s to hoping a little more solution will go a long way!
JenO says
I used to work in retail and was in charge of changing out the window displays, including the static film that screamed SALE!!! to anyone walking by. I became a pro at these film projects. My trick: start hanging from the bottom and smooth up as you are going. Not sure if this works with spray adhesive or the frosting material you used, but worth a try.
Brenda says
I read through all the comments to make sure my question hadn’t already been answered, but I’m facing the same problem and my only concern is not being able to identify who is on the other side of the door. Do you guys normally look through the window first before opening the door? What if you had no window next to the door? Just curious.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Brenda,
We have that window to the left of the door that we can peek through (which happily doesn’t have the same view into our kitchen as the door does, so we don’t feel the need to frost it just yet). We’ll probably add a blind down the road, but we can just pull that up and take a peek. Since you don’t have a window we’d recommend a blind or window covering for the door instead of frost so you can take a peek (or you can frost a smaller rectangle on the middle of the glass pane and leave a few inches of unfrosted glass around the frame that you can peek out of). Good luck!
xo,
s
Jessica says
We used frosting film to cover the sidelight next to our front door. We just used water mixed with a little dish soap (applied very liberally, the window and the floor below were soaked by the time we were done) and had no problems. A year and a half later and it still looks great!
Karen J says
Looks better already. Any chance you can expand the laundry area when you add on the garage? Or maybe add a mudroom/storage area (for dropping off backpacks, etc…) to the garage when you add it? Wasn’t sure if you had to convert the actual carport to a garage or if it would be removed and the garage added on. Anyway, that laundry room looks awfully small; it can be an issue when the kids get older.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Karen J,
The carport already has a foundation and weight bearing pillars and a real (new) roof that connects to the rest of our house, so to expand it would be pretty expensive (adding more foundation, removing the new roof, etc). We’ve decided that we’re going to try to work with what we have when it comes to the laundry room and see how we do. Wish us luck!
xo,
s
amy says
I saw the same show as Paula! It was Pure Style w/ Samantha Pynn (on my DVR). The 1 1/2 inches of clear glass around the edge looked really good, and it would allow for a *bit* of a clear view. She has tons of tutorials on her projects, so it may be on her HGTV canada page.
xx
amy
Cindy says
Hello,
I can’t help but notice that your exterior door is just like our new one. I was surprised when we received it that the grid for the windows didn’t match the rest of the fiberglass door. Looks like yours doesn’t either. Do you think I can paint them both to match?
Cindy
PS love your frosting. We did it a few years ago on bathroom windows and we just used some sticky paper- no adhesive spray necessary- and they still look great.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Cindy,
Oh yeah, you can definitely paint them both to match for a nice cohesive look. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
kelly says
that is a small laundry room,i am sure you will make it work. in that little area where you took down the shelves would be a great place for hooks. coats, dog leash, etc. we have a little closet off the kitchen and i have many hooks on the wall in there and love it. we hang umbrellas, my camera, etc. happy new year, can’t wait to see more!
carol d. says
So who won your drawing? I surre would like to….hints to the random number puller :>)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Carol D,
On the day of the winner announcement you can always click back to the original giveaway post to see who won (it’s added to the bottom). Here’s that link for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/12/fab-freebie-a-simplified-new-year/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Maggie Rose says
I’ve been waiting for this post, as we have a window in our hallway that looks right into the neighbor’s bathroom (their window is frosted, but you can still tell what’s happening, especially at night – the houses are that close!). Just wondering if the film is removeable at a later date – we’re renting and we’ll probably need the option to remove it if the landlord wants it gone!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Maggie Rose,
We believe it’s pretty easily removable (they even sell a “removal kit” at places like Home Depot- so you just spray it down and peel it back off I think). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Amy says
I’ve been wanting to get some insulating window film on some west facing doors and windows, but I’d much prefer the privacy the frosted film offers. Does anyone know if it offers any kind of protection from heat/cold?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amy,
I’m not sure. I guess since it blocks sun it might provide some mild heat relief and perhaps since it’s a film it’s a teeny bit of “insulation” in the cold as well? Anyone know?
xo,
s
Jenna says
I used to work at American Eagle in our local mall, I was quickly promoted to “large scale window cling queen” because I was an expert at getting the bubbles out of our huge window clings for the front windows (sometimes up to 8’x8′) The trick was definitely adding the warm water + a tiny bit of soap mixture with a spray bottle and then using a squeegee (I always used the edge of a credit card and worked slowly)
Betsy C. says
I don’t think temperature was your issue since I put up privacy film on an exterior porch door…in northern New York…in December. Like in previous comments, I used TONS of window cleaner, not the applicator spray, and a squeegee. It worked great and is still up a year later.!
And I can’t get over what a difference removing your shutters made…truly brightened the space and made it seem instantly fresh!
jenn says
I have 20 windows in my small (1500 sq ft house) house. It’s 108-years old, and I love it, but I couldn’t afford to buy enough wood blinds for the whole house. I bought the frosted contact paper for mine but wasn’t sure I wanted it to be permanent, so I used double stick tape for mine. I know it sounds tacky, but it worked like a dream. My windows are huge and old-fashioned, so there is a strip down the center. I used the tape there and on the edges. That way, if I ever want to remove it, I can.
Looks great, guys!
Viv Walker says
I used this on the lower half of a window in our dining room. With the window film, we could put a piece of furniture in the window. I had no problems, but we have a brand new house and the window was new. I wonder if you had some imperfections in the glass that caused the bubbles?
Alisa says
I’ve used that film stuff from Home Depot and I’ve used the kind they sell at IKEA. The stuff from IKEA is a gazillion times easier to use than the stuff from HD. It’s a lot easier to hang, and easier to remove and for less than $5 it’s definitely more budget friendly for covering up just one window.
Eileen says
To doorstop, or not to doorstop? Not the wedge things mind you, but a knob like thing on the wall so the doorknob doesn’t careen into the wall and gouge. The former owners had some small kids, and it showed on the door walls with gouges I had to patch up and repair. In the end I installed doorstops with a magnet for the entry doors (for easier entry of groceries, big items) and plain nice ones for other rooms. What’s your take?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Eileen,
We have them when needed and love that they protect walls and molding!
xo,
s
Jen says
The privacy film I used didn’t call for any kind of spray – just plain old water. I sprayed that on, then used a rubber squeegie thing (I think it’s a plasterers tool, actually) to flatten out the bubbles and work out the excess water. Worked great, and it’s hanging on some months later. :-)
orangesugar says
We used the frosted glass spray paint stuff on our front door. Unfortunately it was cold outside and it cracked on one of the panels. But the rest look good. So I guess just wait until it is warmer outside.
Greg says
Are the exposed screwholes on the door window trim driving you two nuts too? I’m not sure why, but it seems like 99% of people that install steel doors with windows fail to put in the little plugs that come with them. hopefully you can get a set at home depot. Sorry, Jeff Lewis moment :)
YoungHouseLove says
They do kinda look odd, don’t they? I was semi annoyed with them but then thought “eh, I can paint them white or cover them later.” I’m trying to channel Jenni and let it roll of my back. Haha.
xo,
s
suki says
great job on the frosted door. love the title of the post too! it’s good to get more natural light into the kitchen! i’m surprised there are no other windows. :/
Lonely Wife Project says
Already a thousand times better!
Jane says
It looks great! I do have a question for you though. Our front door to the is the original wood door that has the window on the upper half of the door. We have a basic curtain on it right now but I dont like that during the day when we open the curtain to let the light in, people can see right into the house. My husband things for safety it is better to not to any film because we cant see outside and who might be at the door until we open it. Do you have any thoughts on that?
Thanks! Jane
YoungHouseLove says
We thought about that but since we have the window to the left of the door that we can peek through we’re ok in that regard. Since the window doesn’t look in on the kitchen and only has a view of our washer and dryer it’s kind of an ideal situation. But if you don’t have a way to check who’s at the door, I woulg think that a blind or curtain might be more safe (since you can peek out before opening it) or even frosting a floating rectangle (but leaving a frame around the frosting film so you can peek through that unfrosted frame part of the glass). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Renee says
I used the frosted window technique on patio doors in a previous apartment. Our patio was right next the walkway for all the tenants. We had vertical blinds inside, but our puppy would constantly bump them so they would swing back and forth whenever someone walked by. Back then I worked at a sign shop and used the equipment to cut a custom pattern in the frosted vinyl. It was a really cool and one-of-a-kind window treatment. We could open the blinds to let all the light in without sacrificing privacy. It was super easy to remove too, just a flat razor blade to scrape it all off.
Did you consider cutting out a peep hole of sorts? Maybe a nice monogram P?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Renee,
We thought about monogramming it or leaving a strip or a frame around it but in the end total privacy was the goal! At least for now since I’m in the breastfeeding-all-the-time phase!
xo,
s
Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons says
Frosted windows/glass always look so amazing in a home — especially with all the white walls… I think it’s a great solution!
Anna says
Beware the naked dash to the dryer for that shirt you know is in there with a wide open window… Learned that one the hard way. ;-)
heyruthie says
you know those bi-fold doors would make a killer headboard, if they were refinished in some cool way (painted, covered with batting and fabric, etc.) *wink wink*
Bridgit says
Off-topic question–where did you get the cute green and white checkered rug in the entryway?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Bridgit,
That was actually on loan from John’s mom (she had them in the car when she helped us move and we just got around to retuning it to her today). I think she got it at HomeGoods or TJ Maxx.
xo,
s
LDT says
I think this area would be perfect for a mud room — without the washer and dryer taking up space. Isn’t there anywhere else those can go?
Our kids are elementary school age. And I’ve found that brings a lot of stuff that needs to be by the exit door. Backpacks, lunch boxs, papers that need to be signed, filed, coats, hats, shoes. . . .
A larger washer and dryer would also be nice once you add another child or as they grow — it’s amazing how many loads of laundry we now do!
Just food for thought :-)
Tamisha says
We built a powderroom in the old sunporch/maid’s room that has nearly floor to ceiling windows. I put up the frosting film and it makes for a nice, bright powderroom, but without the large window right behind the toilet. It reads like a white wall.
Katie says
I love it! I did the same thing in my house for the same reason…window near front door and straight shot to the couch. Weird feeding baby and people walking by! I did have the bubble issue and did the same thing by starting over. The second time I also sprayed the heck out of the film; worked like a charm! I love everything you’ve done so far! Great house bones to work with!
Patty says
Amazing what a few small changes can accomplish. Already the room looks brighter and more welcoming!
Wondering if you have considered installing some solar tubes or skylights to bring more natural light into your new kitchen? My Bro did a DIY install of solar light tubes in the (previously dark) hallways of his ranch home and now the halls are bathed in the glow of natural daylight.
YoungHouseLove says
They’re always an option down the line! We think panting things will make it a lot brighter without any major construction though. So we’ll definitely start there.
xo,
s
Laura in LA says
The door looks great! It’s the white stove in the same room with a black microwave that is catching my eye. Ackkk! I know you will make everything snazzy all in due time, and I will thoroughly enjoy following along.
Wilma says
Instead of art in your laundry room, maybe you would consider a massive chalk or white board? You can even buy chalk markers if you don’t like the idea of chalk dust. And I bet your little girl would LOVE writing on one when she gets older (I am just waiting for our son to be old enough to do so :)
Also, when deciding on chairs for the living room, just remember that there will be sticky fingers (even if you’re very careful cleaning Clara’s fingers/face/arms after she eats)–maybe slipcovers or painted wood?
Anyway, please feel free to disregard any/all suggestions–obviously, you should ultimately do what you like best!
Good luck, I love your blog.
RLB says
When you convert the carport into a garage, won’t you lose all natural daylight in your kitchen?
RLB says
Sorry. Saw my question is a repeat. Ignore.
Manda says
I’ve used the faux frosted glass (a.k.a one giant sticker) before, to add privacy to the sunroom of my apartment which doubles as my roommate’s bedroom, since we’re poor folk. We shockingly didn’t have any issues with bubbles, just with keeping the panel straight as we applied it. Luckily for us, our awesome 6’6″ friend was more than willing to be our helper for the task!
SLK says
Sounds like that kitchen is a great candidate for a skylight! (Not that I want to add anything to your list…)
Liz says
Just curious – since you’re worried about people peaking in the side door through to your kitchen, are you worried about the privacy factor through your front door? It seems like people could look right through the door to your master bedroom. That would eek me out a little bit!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Liz,
We’re used to keeping our bedroom door closed if we’re not dressed if someone’s at the door and one of us is changing (or breastfeeding or sleeping) so we’re not as worried about that since there’s warning (the door isn’t glass, so the doorbell rings first before it’s opened and anyone can see anything). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Lauren says
Wow, your kitchen is so dark! I’m looking forward to seeing the difference a little paint will make with the cabinets!
Sandi says
We use the glass frosting in a can. Here is a picture of the door we redid: http://jsrodriguez.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-to-4317.html
hsp says
Ha. I had bubbles in all of my film applications due to the I-don’t-give-a-sh*t-I-just-don’t-want-the-neighbors-to-get-a-free-show factor. ;) I did them all in ten minutes with an Xacto knife and no measuring. I was a bit more careful with the bathroom window vs. the doors since the doors are being replaced.