As much as we love having our new built-in shelves in the laundry room, they did kinda get in the way of our oh-so-fancy ironing board storage system. You know, the one that made a clanging noise whenever the spin cycle kicked on?
So clearly the ironing board had to find a new home. Earlier on we thought about making a little cubby so the ironing board could slip into our built-ins, but we wanted maximum space for baskets and bins and bowls (instead of breaking things up and making it narrower). We contemplated just shoving him (her?) in a closet somewhere else in the house, but somehow it felt like he she it belonged in the laundry room… just not looking all busted and ugly.
Those nice little dark streaks? Would you be surprised if I told you they were residue from Sherry’s oft-used no-sew hem tape? Picture the wife hanging her head in shame. And an old more-fun cover that we had was also ruined in a similar manner (ripped – oops). Maybe Casa Petersik is where ironing board covers go to die?
Sherry contemplated sewing a new cover herself (possibly out of ironing-board-disfiguration guilt), but after popping over to Etsy (specifically, here) for some inspiration, she instead found herself inspired to buy a charming little handmade-by-someone-else cover (long story short: she was enamored with the fabric and unable to find it herself at a few local stores that she hit up). So 24 bucks later we had a much more presentable looking ironing board that Sherry is excited to display 24/7 (and has vowed not to maim). She’s more into that ironing board cover than a person should be.
Do I get any husband points for letting her go the pink route? Even I’m man enough to admit that it looks pretty awesome with the grellow walls.
Obviously leaning on the wall wasn’t our storage solution. Nope, we wanted to hang this lady (now that it’s pink, I’ve decided it’s a girl) on the wall. We briefly considered some sort of pulley system from the wall or ceiling that would allow it to fold out for in-room ironing, but thanks to the space being about as narrow as a bathroom stall, we decided we’d much rather hang it somewhere to store it, but keep it removable to accommodate ironing in a more spacious room (Sherry’s partial to the living room, I like the bedroom). The perfect wall for the job was this one (opposite the door) since it had some eyesores of its own to be covered – er, accessorized?
Yup, remember those two painted-over fuseboxes? We figured hanging our chipper little ironing board there was a multi-tasking solution. This way we can easily access the fuse box by simply removing the iron (just like a framed photo or bulletin board, which some other folks opt to hang there instead).
Since all of the ironing board hook / caddy things we found at the store also had a spot for an iron (and our iron ain’t pretty enough to showcase, plus we worried about slamming into it since the room is so narrow) we decided to “make” our own by repurposing two jumbo sized coat hooks from Lowe’s (about $6 each). To hang them, we used long strong wood screws and intentionally drilled into studs (so we didn’t risk hitting any wiring that runs to the fuse box and got a nice secure hold).
The hooks worked perfectly – which was quite a relief since they were the only ones I could find that I hoped were big enough to accommodate the wide ironing board bar and attractive enough to pass TWT (The Wife Test). The only thing we were somewhat undecided about was which direction to hang the ironing board. Sherry preferred the look on the left (pointing up), and I liked the version on the right (which Sherry thinks is “upside down and weird”). Feel free to rock the vote and weigh in on your favorite ironing board direction. Can you handle the excitement? Oh the things we debate around here.
But this is my post, so the rest of the pics will have it hanging my way. Sorry lady-wife. By the way, we realize the ironing board looks a bit far from the appliances (especially from this angle) but that’s intentional because:
- we wanted to position it over the fuse box
- we didn’t want to be banging into the ironing board every time we opened the washer door, so it’s happily out of the bang zone. And if we ever get around to switching the way the dryer door opens that one won’t bang either (right now it swings the other way).
Oh, and notice the missing cabinet doors two pics up? That’s because we had another little project going on at the same time. Those built-in cabinets that we inherited are great for concealed storage (aka, the place where ugly stuff goes to be ugly) – but they were sort of an off-white color that clashed with the freshly painted white trim, and the hardware was kinda blah.
In fact, we had another jeepers-creeper-where’d-you-get-those-peepers-knobs situation going on like this oldie but a goodie. Except this cabinet monster is a vampire since we’re in the midst of watching True Blood Season 3 on DVD (no spoilers – we’re only halfway through). Just picture it saying “Sook-eh, that was not my intention” in a weird Southern accent a la Bill Compton.
So off came the doors, knobs, and hinges. Here’s the old hardware (white eyeball knobs & brass hinges) next to the shiny new replacements. The pink glass knobs (yes, there’s me permitting pink again) were around $4.00 from Hobby Lobby after a 50% off sale (is it me, or are they constantly having 50% off sales there?). The brushed nickel hinges were $3 a set from Home Depot. Together they make for a much more updated (and fun) finish on those cabinets.
But first the cabinet doors and frame needed a coat of Kilz no-VOC primer and two thin coats of white semi-gloss paint (Olympic Premium No-VOC Base 2), which you can barely detect making a difference in these photos. You can kinda see how the door on the left has been framed with fresh paint around the edge. Maybe. If you happen to have binoculars or a magnifying glass next to your computer.
With primer and paint dry and the new hardware screwed in, things were back in working order within about a day or two (although we kept the doors cracked for another 24 hours, just to combat any stick-age).
Not the most dramatic makeover you’ve ever seen, but hey – sometimes it’s the little tweaks that make us the happiest. Sherry says those pulls remind her of pink champagne. Not that she’s ever had any, but she thinks it sounds fancy. Then she said something about pink diamonds but I tuned her out.
Oh and if you’re curious as to what’s actually in that cabinet… in a word: junk. In a few more words: a drill, paint and supplies, seldom used laundry items, bungee cords, and some saws. You know, the usual. If you’re Dexter or something (saws, drills, and bungee cords? yikes).
Oh but before I go, here’s our updated laundry room to do list.
Paint the odd brown quarter round near the baseboards glossy white
Redo all the dinged up trim (also in semi-gloss white)Paint the wallsReplace our dryer hose with a safer all-metal oneAdd adjustable built-in shelving in that nook next to the stacked washer & dryerPrime & paint the upper cabinetryReplace the hinges and knobs on those upper cabinetsHang the ironing board to obscure the giant metal fuse box- Get a new light fixture <- DIY something? maybe a small chandelier?
- Add a window treatment (maybe a homemade one?) <— ?
- Add other functional storage near the door for shoes, Burger’s leash, etc
- Hang some art to keep it cheerful
We’re still debating the whole window treatment part, hence the question mark. That window isn’t a privacy issue (you just see the top of the built-ins and the ceiling from outside) and we wonder if even a simple roman shade would just crowd things since the window practically grazes the built-ins and the white trim and mullions are nice and clean on their own. So we’re planning to figure out the light fixture and then make the call.
Anyway, what’s up with you guys? Anyone have an ironing board cover that they’re loving a little too much? Do you have some small projects like new hardware & hinges or a coat of primer & paint that you plan to cross off your to-do list by the end of the weekend? Anyone want to come over and do some laundry with us? Seeing how many people we can pack into our tiny 3.5′ wide space could be a good time. Or a science experiment (my guess is 32 & Sherry’s pushing the envelope with 43).
Psst- We announced this week’s giveaway winner. Click here to see if it’s you.
Psssst- To jog your laundry room memory, so far we’ve replaced the washer/dryer, taken down window shutters & cluttered shelves along with frosting the door (all here), filled some ceiling cracks, painted the room, and added some built-ins.
Alison says
John I vote for your way because it covers up that panel better. Sorry Sherry. I love the new cover, I wish my husband would let me go with pink. Its not like he ever uses it.
Mollee says
I vote for Sherry’s way for the ironing board too. Sorry John, your way just looks wrong. And since you’ve already given in with the (super cute!) pink ironing board cover and knobs, why not completely submit to Sherry’s discretion in this room?
Shannon says
When I was remodeling the room where our panel is. I was told NOT to put anything over the breaker box because IF there was ever a fire, it needed to be easily visible to fire fighters that might need to cut the electricity off quickly.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for the tip! I think that’s something that varies by locality since we’ve seen so many folks cover theirs in our area. We painted ours in our last house too (& hung coat hooks over it) and the electrician + inspector never said anything when we sold. The good news is that it’s in a completely makes-sense place in this house – so it would hopefully be easy enough to find (especially if I get my way and we turn the ironing board so you can see it peeking out – haha).
xo,
s
Julie F. says
I like Sherry’s way!
Megan says
definitely up! It looks awkward the other way!
I love the fabric on the ironing board. I think you should find some just like it and make a valence or something for your window. Though…it might be too much in a small space like that!~ Just an idea! Can’t wait for the day for us to be able to afford to fix up our house like yours! :( It will come!!!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s definitely a possibility! We’ll have to see how things look when we add a light and some art on the wall across from the washer/dryer!
xo,
s
Katie says
Looks great you guys! In my opinion you don’t need a window treatment if privacy isn’t an issue. And the ironing board looks better Sherry’s way (with the pointy end up) – sorry John!
katy says
I love you guys; your posts are killing me lately. In a good way.
Sherry’s way gets my vote. Sorry John, but that gives me the hebejebees. Like toilet paper hung the wrong way. Shudder.
Stefanie says
Love how you used the ironing board to cover the fuse box. Brilliant!
Susan says
I wonder if it might be a little more child friendly with the ironing board pointing down. It seems that there might be less surface/weight for a child to lift and drop against there fingers and head. Now you have a new twist in your favor, John!
Jennifer says
About the ironing board — my vote ultimately goes to it pointing down. Yes, I agree, the more traditional way is for it to point up, but I like that it covers the fuse box when it points down. It looks cleaner that way.
And regarding the window — maybe have some fun with some frosting/etching details, or a faux stained-glass effect? That way, you’d have some interest in the window — plus an an arty touch — but not take up any extra space.
YoungHouseLove says
Always a possibility!
xo,
s
Crystal S says
How did you attach the knobs on the inside of the door? Hobby Lobby has great knobs, handles, and switch plates, but they never include the hardware that’s needed to finish the job??
YoungHouseLove says
Ours had the little washer and nut that we just unscrewed and used to attach it on the back. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
LavandulaLady says
casting my vote for the board to point down, simply because of fuller coverage of the circuit breaker box. otherwise I really think it doesn’t matter too much.
Talitha says
I’m going with John’s way, pointing down. It covers more of the fuse box that way! It’s looking good:)
Carole White says
Definitely the pic on the left!!! Before I read the text I thought the one on the right looked upside down & weird, lol. Sherry totally wins.
Nicole says
Ironing board pointing UP!! Team Sherry.
Danielle says
pointing up. sorry. pointing down makes me feel like when i look down at my shoes, you’re going to smack me in the nose.
j says
Team $herdog all the way! The upside-down and weird way is too top heavy and distracting, despite its fuse box coverup.
Carla says
Love the knobs. The upside down ironing board is weird, but covers the fuse box better so I say go with it. And I love my ironing board cover a little too much too (sort of a weird dark yellowy green with quatrefoils) – along with my cordless iron I almost don’t hate ironing.
Amelia says
i agree that window treatments would probably just crowd it. i know sherry pinned this awesome painted window film treatment that would probably look awesome in there. (really i just want to see it executed somewhere in your house because i’m sure you guys would do it beautifully.)
JoDi says
Looks great! I prefer it right side up. It looks really weird in the upside down position!
Ashley says
Team Sherry on the ironing board direction!
cindy says
how about a chandelier in your laundry room…..i put one in mine here
http://camerasandchaos.blogspot.com/2011/02/laundry-room-redo.html
I think your room looks great!!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, so pretty. Love the art too.
xo,
s
Caity says
I didn’t read through all 600-something comments, so I’m not sure if I’m the first to be immature here, but…
*teehee* You said “Bang zone.”
And I like the board pointing up :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- that’s what she said!
xo,
s
Erin says
I thought John’s post about tuning out Sherry’s pink diamonds comment was hilarious. John is definitely a guy. :) sounds like something my husband would do.
Amy @ this DIY life says
Two things. 1- I have to go with Sherry on the upside down and weird front. 2- Do you know how many times my head said TWSS in your point number two? (At work when recounting “That’s what she said stories via email, text and IM we got lazy and went with TWSS.) I may watch the Office too much…or need better hobbies.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it’s a gift of ours. Working in some accidental TWSS stuff. We aim for at least once a week. Haha.
xo,
s
Jenny says
I say whoever irons gets to put it back up how they prefer it! (Sorry to stereotype, John, but I bet it would point up most of the time!)
Jamie B. says
I vote Sherry’s way of hanging the ironing board.
Stacie says
I was hunting the internet tonight looking for fabric for various projects I have around my house and came across your ironing board fabric. I thought I’d share the source with you if you should ever need it for future projects. I love your use of it on the ironing board! Can’t wait to see if you use more of it.
http://www.fabricworm.com/tawhdoglmu1y.html
YoungHouseLove says
Love it! Thanks so much for sharing.
xo,
s
Ali says
I’m back with a question thinking about that cabinet hardware… did you guys ever have problems installing new hinges on your cabs anywhere in the house? Our brick rancher here in BA was built in ’72 and when we go to install new standard hinges (just like the ones you have pictured above), it bumps the doors outward enough that they won’t totally close anymore. Have you had this happen? And this is even after making sure that the hinge is mushed up (technical term, you know) against the door so that it’s as good of a fit as possible.
YoungHouseLove says
We always bring the old hinge with us so we can get something the exact same size and thickness. Sometimes if a part of the neck is longer or thicker it won’t close as well, so we try to get something as exact as possibly. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Connie says
The sad truth is that ironing boards that are used need to have their covers replaced. I’ve scorched my way through several covers over the years. The one I’m using now is more than ready to be replaced but I’m not sure what I want. Do I want a strong pattern like yours, or would that be too annoying to iron against? I’ll be curious to know what you’ve decided after using this brightly colored—and very pretty—cover for some months.
My board hangs wide side up in its holder. Until I tested, I thought that was the only way it would fit. After years of storing it that way, I wonder if I could switch.
YoungHouseLove says
Folks have recommended a teflon sheet or just a regular cotton sheet to iron on to save my sweet little ironing board (especially when using hem tape). I might just be committed enough to keeping her in tip top shape (although I am known to get lazy).
xo,
s
Connie says
Another thought: If you had a Teflon pressing sheet, that would prevent gunk from iron-on tape from accumulating on the new ironing board cover.
Mine came from Nancy’s Notions. The first one lasted more than ten years, and the new one appears to be heavier so I’m hoping it will last even longer.
http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/teflon+pressing+sheet+11+half+x+18.do
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much- that definitely sounds like something we should pick up!
xo,
s
leicia says
I LOVE how you two are watching True Blood! That rocks my boat….. You seem such an ordinary family – but here you are just like the rest of us….. vampire crazy…… Can’t wait for season 4 to come to Australia
Elayne says
Sherry’s right. Plus, with it pointed up your eye naturally goes up rather than down.
And my vote for the window treatment is a film on the window rather than blinds or curtains.
Christy G. says
As much as I want to give Sherry my vote (girl thing), I must go with John … I like it hanging upside down better because it conceals the fuse box that much more. However, I absolutely LOVE the ironing board cover and the fabulous pink knobs! You guys always impress me with your projects and show that the little things truly do matter and make a HUGE impact! Also, enjoy your writing styles … you guys never cease to entertain. :)
Holly says
What ever happened to scary basement laundry rooms like I have? Just kidding, looks great! I prefer the upside down version for some reason although it does seem wrong :)
Trianna says
I think whoever does the most ironing should get to choose which way to hang the ironing board. If it was me I would pick Sherry’s way as I am short and would want the heavier end down, also I am right handed and want the narrow end of the board facing left when I am ironing. It seems like it would be easier for me to position it that way if the pointy end is up. Also I keep imagining a shirt on the ironing board and the neck and shirt would be doing a handstand if it was Johns way, if you can picture that? Love the cover and knobs, very bright and fresh. I vote for a faux stain glass effect on the window in colors that match the rest of the room. Maybe something like this: http://pinterest.com/pin/72211924/ here is another: http://pinterest.com/pin/17050951/.
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that first one is really soft and pretty! Thanks for the links.
xo,
s
Laura says
I was all set to say that I vote with Sherry all the way on the ironing board direction, and then I happened to notice that hanging it “upside down” does actually cover more of the fuse box. So I gazed at that one another 10 seconds or so to really let the image sink in and decided it doesn’t actually look that weird once you get used to it, and surprisingly I now change my vote! I say let it point down!
Lynn says
I’m with Sherry….Pointy side up! :)
Lynn says
Oh…and looks awesome! :)
Allison says
You guys are awesome and hilarious. And as I was painting our fireplace last night, I found myself thinking WWJ&SD? (What would John & Sherry do? Bracelet style) Does that make me creepy, or does it just make you guys DIY inspirados? Maybe both.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s quite the compliment. Meanwhile I’m always thinking What Would Jeff Lewis Do? Or What Would Sarah Richardson Do? Or What Wouldn’t My Mom Do? Haha.
xo,
s
Beth says
I’m with Sherry on the positioning of the board. The whole room looks cheerful and fun and leaves me contemplating the sad state of my own laundry room (AKA another horizontal place to accumulate junk)
Ami says
Sorry, little John (my husband is also “John” and a junior, so the entire family still refers to him as “little John” and now I can’t use the name without the “little”) Anyway! Sorry, but I like the ironing board facing up. To me, it looks like its trying to drill into the ground the other way. And I think facing down may be bad feng shui-you know like a horseshoe. :)
Jen says
Sorry John, but I agree with Sherry when it comes to the ironing board hanging facing up :)
flyingbird says
” Then she said something about pink diamonds but I tuned her out.”
That made me crack up. I think the only way I’m ever getting pink diamonds is with cabinet pulls too….
Jenny says
I’m with Sherry. Pointing up looks better! Sorry John!
lesli devito says
great solution. That is not much pink, in the big picture and in fact I think Pink is the best of all possible classy colors. you will find it in very classy home.
Sara B. says
I love the ironing board cover. I actually just discovered that my iron went missing. So, I’ll have to invest in a new iron before I can even think about the board.
Erin says
I love those knobs and I actually have them in green in my own laundry room! I got them at Anthropologie and they were a lot more than $4 each so you got a great deal! I wish we had a HobLob here…
I like the look of the ironing board pointing up better, but I like that it covers more of the fuse box pointing down. Conundrum. Hmm.
Erin McDonough says
Sorry John, but Sherry is right. Pointing down is weird.
Jane says
The ironing board looks very nice indeed. One thing thats not working for me in your laundry room is the floor, for me it looks a bit dingy.I think white tiles in the same size and pattern will open up the space more and make it feel more airy. If it was for me I would definitely add it to the to do list.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes- that’s on the long term list! We think there might be hardwoods under that gross vinyl that runs into the kitchen, but to uncover them we’ve have to remove the lower cabinets in the kitchen (since the hardwood is hidden behind plywood and vinyl flooring) so it’s a down-the-road project for sure!
xo,
s
Tara says
I am weighing in with the direction to the left:) So, glad to see you are the Sookie and Bill wagon too:) It is so great. You are in for a treat for Season 4. The books are great too. Sherry should have said “John, please”. In the Bill Compton, “Sookie, ple-ase” southern tone when you asked to hang the ironing board your direction:) Looks great though.