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.
Amanda says
This is my first comment :-) I think it looks best pointing down. It covers the fusebox much better and masks the hooks a little too…I feel like it makes the eye-level space look naked the other way.
Kathy says
I LOVE your paint color! I’m sure it’s here on your blog somewhere…but what color/paint brand is that? I have a laundry hallway that’s just dying to be that color :-)
YoungHouseLove says
It’s Sesame by Benjamin Moore color matched to Olympic No-VOC paint. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Corey says
Ironing board pointing up, for sure! It looks wonk the other way.. :) And I literally LOL’d at the “Then she said something about pink diamonds but I tuned her out.” Sounds like something my husband would say.
I’m loving the laundry room! Can’t wait to see the rest!
Mikki says
Hey guys…why don’t you have Sherry make a pennant window treatment like the one she made for Clara’s birthday. You could string it from the top corner edges of the moulding, letting it drop at it’s lowest point to the middle of the second row of panes from the top. It could be some coordinating fabric with the WAY COOL ironing board cover and it wouldn’t interfere with the cabinets or shelves, and definately not with the great light coming through the window. You could even put letters on it that say WASH! or CLEAN, or something “laundryroomish.”
BTW…Although I would hang the board like Sherry, the other way covers the box better…sorry Sher…gotta go with the man on this one…:) I know, I know…guess I need some pink champagne to take the egde off. LOL!
Mikki
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a cute idea! We’ll have to see if it’ll be too much once we switch up the light fixture!
xo,
s
SingleMama says
Looks great! Have to go with Sherry on this one, has to point up!!
Sue says
I’m definitely Team Sherry for the ironing board.
It looks great – love the cover! And I hadn’t thought of Hobby Lobby for knobs – thanks for the tip (the hubs and I are trying to spice up 2 little IKEA chests that we’re using as bedside tables).
Nan says
Love it — but I have to agree with Sherry that the ironing board should be pointing up!
Gracie says
I love that Tanya Whelan fabric! I have fat quarters of all the different colourways, and am planning to make napkins with them.
Also, I vote for pointing up!
Lucy says
Sherry has it on the ironing board…point up! :)
Manning says
Gotta go with sherry, it looks weird hanging upside down even if it covers more of the fuse box. I like mine pointy end up!
Tracey says
Ironing board pointed up…definitely!
Kristen says
LOVE the colors! Kudos to allowing some pink in there! What about just doing a valence in there? Instead of a full curtain. It would dress up your window but not get in the way. If you are till worried about privacy you could lightly frost the glass to allow light in but keep out any potential peepers from looking at your underthings :) Love you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
We’re not really valance people (they’re really cute but I prefer roman shades or curtains I think) but we’re definitely planning to frost that window down the line (when the carport turns into a garage) so maybe we should just skip to that step sooner….
xo,
s
Steph says
I probably would have never noticed that the ironing board looks upside down until it was pointed out, so I’m with Sherry!
Jill says
It looks like the ironing board does a much better job of covering the fuse box when pointed down, so I have to go with John on this one. However, if the fuse box wasn’t an issue, definitely would point it up. Tough call, guys!
Jessica says
Y’all make me wanna do laundry…..oh, but my laundry room is NOT pretty….not even a little bit. Yikes! Can I come over and throw a load or two in? haha!
YoungHouseLove says
Sure! Come on down.
xo,
s
Future Mama says
To weigh in on the great ironing board debate…while I like it better up (Team Sherry!), I think whoever does the ironing and then hangs it back should get to choose! You know…as a small reward for doing the ironing ;-)
Much love,
Future Mama
http://expectingablessing.blogspot.com/
YoungHouseLove says
Good answer! Maybe that’s our way of leaving our mark to say “Guess what, honey? I just ironed something.”
-John
Cheryl M says
I personally prefer the ironing board up…however, it really should be the decision of the person who uses it the most….meaning in my household that would be my husband as he “likes” to do the laundry (weird right??)…and well I like for him to do the laundry(since I H A T E it)….so I would let him choose…that being said if Sherry uses it the most then she should decide or if you-John use it the most then you should decide…but from reading your blog it seems it would be Sherry’s choice in this one.
cristina says
I’m loving this room! The pink (diamond) knobs are my favorite touch. Are you guys planning on adding crown molding to the rest of the room, to match the area above the cabinets?
YoungHouseLove says
Someday we’d love to add crown molding to a bunch of rooms in our house!
xo,
s
Christina@smallhousebigplans says
What a huge difference- it is amazing how a few low cost updates can really change a room. I am incredibly jealous of your laundry area, especially since we are now in our fifth week without our W/D- only a few more days until our basement reno is complete and I can wash the Mt. Everest size pile of laundry we have in our closet! Just posted some updates on our blog- check them out!
Julie says
I like the ironing board facing down much better because it hides the fuse box.
Kate says
I’m totally with Sherry, the pointy end should be up!
I REALLY want to paint the little half wall in our living room this weekend. The rest of the room is a nice tan and there’s a (huge) brown accent wall in the kitchen (which is exposed to the living room), but this little half wall is painted in a brown faux finish grossness (from previous owners). We also have touches of white (curtains and some other accents) and black (dining table and chairs, seen from the living room) as well as tan/brown furniture and all different wood finishes, but I can’t figure out what color to paint it to keep the room cohesive (I don’t want to introduce ANOTHER shade of tan/brown, or something crazy) while still being more attractive. I wish I had your guys’ talent, I’m sure I’d be able to come up with something great!
House on Pender says
Our laundry room is up next on our to-do list after the nursery is completed – I’m lovin’ all these easy solutions to laundry room space problems. (our laundry room is in a closet)
On the ironing board debate – I like Sherry’s direction, but John your way does cover the fuse box fully. hmmmm….
Elizabeth says
Pointing up!! And I love the new additions of pink in that room. They make me happy.
Tanya from Dans le Townhouse says
I call this the ole spit&polish. Sometimes a room just needs a little tweak to look fabulous and fresh. Great job! And good call just buying an ironing board cover.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha. The ole spit & polish = hilarious.
xo,
s
Ashley says
I’m with you John. I think the ironing “broad” is a busty gal so the wider end should be up top. ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahahahaa. Broad. Busty. Love it all.
xo,
s
Lee says
Gotta be up! Love the cover.
Miranda says
I LOVE your new ironing board! The pattern is wonderful, it reminds me of mine (except mine’s blue and brown stripes, hello Target sale!). Even though my laundry room is no where near as small as your guys’, it is big and dampish..and super darkish in an unfinished part of our basement. I believe this is a wonderful idea to hide the fuse box when the time comes for a remodel.
You guys are such quick thinkers :)
Mallory says
Sorry John, I’m with $herdog on this one. Maybe it’s a woman thing but it does look upside-down weird pointing down.
Love the new cover and cabinet pulls!!
Leigh Ann says
There is a psychological theory that states you can tell the mood of someone (a teacher writing on the board, an artist of a particular painting, etc.) based on whether their work points up or down. Maybe its a litmus test? Is Sherry, overall, more optimistic than John? Or is John just having a moody kind of day???
Probably taking that theory a little too far, but its funny to apply here! LOL!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I think John likes the unexpected/uncommon and I’m more of a fan of cheerful/happy/upward. Haha.
xo,
s
Sharon says
I DO love my ironing board cover too much. Martha Stewart Kmart. Love those Martha colors, which is important because in my 550-square-foot Manhattan apartment there’s not room in the closet. It’s on the bedroom wall. :)
Laura Andersen says
Team John! Love it pointing “down.”
C’mon, Sherry. John let you have pink stuff! ;)
marianne says
I vote point down, only because it hides the fuse box better.
Darcy says
Definitely voting for Team Sherry – Ironing board facing up! Even though it covers up more of the fuse box the other way, it just looks WRONG!!
And, I LOVE the Pink Champagne knobs — soo cute!! We have Hobby Lobby’s here in Colorado, but I’ve never gone into one — I guess I know what I’m doing this Saturday now! :-)
Mandi says
It looks great! And I’m with John on this one; it looks more balanced with the thick end up, and it covers the fuse box better!
Ashley says
Also, I’d love to see you guys add some pops of the aqua that’s in the cover…maybe in future artwork or the chandy!
Jodi says
I love the fabric choice. This is one of the few times I slightly don’t like what you’ve done. I wouldn’t have put the ironing board there. I think art work over the box would be much more appealing not only while being the room, but isn’t your laundry room completely seen from the outside? So, when people look in that window, smack dab in the middle of the view is the ironing board as art work. Just my 2 cents. Other then that, the room is really taking shape and looking good!
YoungHouseLove says
When you look in the window you see the ceiling and the top of the built ins (there are five steps leading up into the laundry room from the car port, so you can’t look into it straight or anything). Hope that makes sense!
xo,
s
Jessica says
I think pointing up….would love to do laundry at your house, as I have to go outside of my apartment and up stairs to do mine…
Sherry, I’m hopping on your spray paint train this weekend. That’s assuming I can tolerate the eleventy billion degrees it is outside.
Veronika says
Let me start off by saying that I LOVED this week at YHL! Thanks for all the great posts!
And now, the vote (I love voting, it means my opinion counts, yeah! ) So I like the Iron Board hung Johns way. Upside down, I don’t know it just seemed right even before I read the debate, it just looks better upside down, it’s as if you’re saying “you’re just an ironing board so keep your head down”! No offense Iron The Pink Board!
Skooks says
John – – I love it when you post, but I’m with Sherry on this one . . . even if the board covers the fuse box more hanging upside down, it just feels too top heavy.
Reenie says
You could ask the gal where you bought the ironing board cover to send you a yard of the material ~ to make your curtain :)
YoungHouseLove says
I love that idea – just not sure if it’ll be too much! We’ll have to see how it goes with the light fixture choice and make the call as the room evolves a little!
xo,
s
Jill says
Love the room! Could you just frost the bottom 1/2 of the window a la the door for interest? Or frost some sort of diagonal pattern on it?
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh never thought about some sort of modern frosted pattern on those windows- like chevron or diagonals. Oh man that gets me all excited!
xo,
s
kelly says
or circles in keeping with the ironing board print… it would add a bit of fun to the room.
YoungHouseLove says
I like it a lot! Still thinking we should wait for the chandelier to come into play first though- to make sure it’s not too much! Hope we can work it in though…
xo,
s
kathy says
looks great! I am preferential to the ironing board in the “UP” (pointy end up) section.
I personally think your window looks great as is – I think you’re right that having a light and a window treatment, and an ironing board on the walls PLUS storage for leashes and things might make things a little crowded and less airy.
Rebekka says
when you showed the close-up of the hooks i thought, why is the ironing board hanging the wrong way? but seeing them side by side, i think it could go either way. it is top heavy pointing down but it does hide the fuse box better. what if whoever does the ironing that week/day gets to put it back how they like it, and then that would inspire the other person to do the ironing next time!
YoungHouseLove says
I like that idea. Although I might just switch it around to my way randomly when John’s not looking. Just to keep him on his toes. Haha.
xo,
s
sue says
What a fantastic idea!!!!!!!
You guys are freakin’ geniuses!
S
xo
Janie says
Sorry Sherry, but I have to say I prefer John’s way. With the ironing board pointing down, it obscures the fuse box better. =)
Amme Jenkins says
NO WAY! I was just looking at my ironing board/iron hanger thing yesterday thinking I hated it but wasn’t sure what I could find to replace it. I love you hooks! John, interesting hanging it upside down. At first I thought it looked cool in a wow, that is different than everyone else kind of way. But, I think it makes the room (yea, I am saying this from a view from a pic) look smaller. With it pointed up it draws the eye up to make it all look more spacious.
***Give Clara a few months and your Shout stain remover gel will make it out of the ugly junk cupboard and into one of Sherry’s cute-use it almost everyday baskets!
Katie P. says
I just bought/moved into my first home. I haven’t done much other than paint, but my favorite upgrade comes in a *very* small package. I switched out the plain white knob of my coat closet to a fun blue one from World Market for $3.99. Nobody else even notices it, but it makes me happy every time I walk into my entry way. I’m definitely a “little things” kind of girl. :)
Kaitlyn says
I love the laundry room makeover! Our laundry machines are in our basement in the corner by our old utility sink. The floor is uneven and there isn’t much attractive storage, so we just keep our detergent on top of our dryer! Your makeover is inspiring me to create a better laundry nook down there. It might make me want to do laundry a little more often!
Stacey says
With the others on the board pointing up. The bottom is heavier and needs to be the first thing to hit the floor. Sherry is short!
Also, no window treatments! If you’re not worried about privacy there is no need! We ONLY have coverings in our bedrooms. Windows are like framed art. The outdoors is the art!
juliem says
It’s looking great! Sorry…..Sherry definitely wins on this one….hang it her way! :)