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.
sarah says
loving the laundry makeover step by step! you really crack me up- *Then she said something about pink diamonds but I tuned her out.*
i like it pointing up.
that’s what she said.
Ashley @ DesignBuildLove.co says
OMG! LOVE the ironing board cover! It literally couldn’t be more perfect for this space- bright, cheerful, and totally great with the grellow! Definitely off to check out that etsy shop! :)
OMG-YHL says
I LOVE the fabric you used for the ironing board! It’s actually the same print that I used as Sue-the-napkin-esque color inspiration for my dorm room last year. It’s so pretty and it looks great in your laundry room! It’s been quite a room transformation, can’t wait to see the final product!
Molly says
I’m with John. Pointed down. And if you don’t need a window treatment, shoot, don’t put one up. Keep it light, bright and beautiful. You guys are doing great things over there.
christina spargo says
Sherry wins on this one:) Up looks much better.
Nora says
It definitely looks better hanging the Sherry-way.
Sarah says
Just can’t get enough of y’alls humble little abode. I’d definitely leave the ironing board pointing up (pointy end up) so that the heavier end is at the bottom. In the reverse, it looks too top heavy {i.m.o.}.
Keep up the UH-mazing work!
Lynne Wesenberg says
Gotta go with Sherry…I like it hanging pointy side up. Love the cover and the new knobs too. Only you guys could take a teeny walk through room and make it look so clean and nice :)
Aubri says
Upside down ironing board is AWESOME! John wins… Sorry $herdog.
Liz says
My vote’s with Sherry. The point should go up. It looks unbalanced teetering precariously on the point. Humble opinion, of course :)
This weekend I will by priming and painting my childhood canopy bed for my daughter’s first big girl bed!
Alexh says
Team Sherry on this one…great job all around!
kimberly says
I LOVE THAT YOU USED THE TERM ‘LADY-WIFE’! my husband uses this all the time, it seemed like such a strange, specific kind of term, but it was so cute to see that you use it as well!
heartartz says
Love the laundry room makeover
The hanging ironing board rocks!!!
I do like the pointed side up … more normal. But having the wider side cover the fuse box looks better!
As for window coverings.. how about those pull up pull down mini honeycomb shade in white. My best friend has them and they work great and do not stick out too much. You can have it fitted to window and they open up pretty flat to the top of window. I realize that is a pricier option but so worth it.
As for chandelier
I came across this cute one today and thought .. I so can see Sherry doing this!
Need more ribbon…i’ll send you some!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/66839911/bucket-of-light-large-multi-colored-pink?ga_search_query=pink&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5580172
YoungHouseLove says
More ribbon! Haha. Funny. I keep telling John we have to make a chandelier out of all the unmatched socks that we have from laundry malfunctions!
xo,
s
Erma says
Your ironing board looks like it’s going chin-ups. haha!
I love how your laundry room is getting along. You guys make even the smallest spaces look great!
Leah says
Your laundry room is looking so adorable! Since privacy is not an issue with your window, I think a roman shade mounted inside your window molding in a fun, happy fabric would be cute just to add some more personality, color and fun! And, you can just leave it pulled all the way up to continue to let in the nice light you have in that space. Just an idea! ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Definitely another possibility!
xo,
s
Alexa says
While I agree with Sherry, the ironing board looks upside down with the wide section on top, it covers the fuse box much better. So, I vote for upside down.
Great improvements!!
Megan says
It looks so fresh and tidy! I really like the cover and the allowance of pink and yes, John’s way is upside down and weird. Silly boy!
Michelle says
It hides more of the fuse box hanging down, but I agree with Sherry in that it looks a little…confused.
Vicki K says
Great job on the laundry room! Clean fresh and convenient. Love the glass knobs! I just bought some similar.
My vote is with Sherry on the ironing board. Definitely should point UP!!!
Alexa says
PS – I used double sided fusible web to hem a curtain – no damage to my ironing board – but killed my iron! Clearly fusable web should be used with caution on gauzy fabric. I’m happy though since the old iron has been replaced with Puff, the Majic Iron – who’s pink and very powerful.
YoungHouseLove says
Oooh, Puff does sound magical. And pink would work in my laundry room. Hmmm….
xo,
s
Anna says
Sorry John, I have to agree with Sherry on the orientation of the ironing board. I guess we all pick our battles. Good luck!
Kristina says
I am with $herdog. But also, mad props to John for allowing the pink. I’m only allowed pink in my daughter’s room so far.
Suzanne says
I side with $herdog on the ironing board position! Sorry John ;)
LURVE the knobs-pink diamonds are a girls best friend…
Lauren says
I like the ironing board pointing down. Yes, I agree with Sherry that its upside down and looks funny. But, pointing up it looks like an ironing board. Pointing down it looks more like its meant for decoration until it hits you and you’re like ooooh its an ironing board.
Kate says
At first glance I sided with Sherry, but then I realized that John’s way hides more of the fuse box so I would go that route.
marissa says
I have to agree with Sherry, it looks kind of weird and upside down the other way. Maybe you are just a pioneer of a new ironing board hanging way. : )
MS says
Sorry, John…the ironing board goes Sherry’s way. This may be like that toilet paper roll question though. And someone mentioned the same glass frosting stuff for the window and I think that’s where I’d go with a window treatment too for that area. Not visable enough to demand pretty curtains and once the garage is closed in, not sure you’ll want to draw any more attention to a window that looks into your garage than necessary.
Ofelia says
I store my iron board pointing down, behind the bedroom door… How did you do your cover iron? mine’s has stains and I must change it.
YoungHouseLove says
I ordered it from Etsy- check out the link about it in this post. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Pamela says
This phrase kinda tickled me:
“…we used long strong wood…”
P.S. – Just curious as to John’s reasoning on putting ironing board pointy side down? Was it a purely functional choice (to cover breaker box)? Or was he diggin’ the aesthetics? Both? Neither? Such intense questions for a Friday that need to be answered…Ha. :)
YoungHouseLove says
He loved covering the box and said “more pretty fabric was at eye level as opposed to the skinnier side.” I just think he dares to be different. Haha.
xo,
s
Carly says
1. I love-love-love-loved the Bill Compton reference. And in the same voice, John, please read this aloud to Sherry… “It shall be placed as it was in the photograph on the left (Or ley-eft).” Ha!
2. So obviously that means my vote (because I’ll always vote with Bill Compton so long as Eric Northman isn’t mentioned in this post… which, I just control-f’ed this baby, and no, he is not mentioned!) is for the one on the left. Aka Sherry’s. Winner winner, Chicken dinner!
3. Ironing board so pretty! Knobs so pretty! All so pretty!
-Carly (http://www.createliveblog.com)
YoungHouseLove says
Ley-eft has us cracking up. Hilarious.
xo,
s
Val says
Looks great! I wish we had a laundry room! Especially one right off the kitchen. The scary, scary basement is so depressing.
Kelsey says
So funny…our ironing board is so shoved in a closet and falls on me everytime I go in there. We too have the electrical box next to the washing machine and I should totally do this too, but then I would have to actually iron, right!?
Suzanne Supplee says
A cute set-up like this might actually make me want to iron. Operative word here is “might.”
Erin says
Just wanted to add my 2 cents to the ironing board debate: I definitely agree with Sherry that the smaller end of the ironing board should face up otherwise it looks like it is upside down.
Janet says
Here’s an unusual ironing board! Seems like there would be only one right way to hang it…
http://www.lazyboneuk.com/products/Ironman-Ironing-Board.html
:)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I don’t know. John might want him upside down…
xo,
s
karen says
Up..UP!
MB says
Sherry is right. The ironing board should point up otherwise your tiny speck of a wife will have to lift an unwieldy 5 foot piece of metal with the weight at the top. Awkward. Lovely redo of the laundry room by the way.
paintergal says
Definitely agree with Sherry. The ironing board must point up, otherwise it looks like it is ready to dig into the floor. If it points up, it’s ready to take off (rocket-wise) which is a more preferable mode for ironing boards.
Ashley says
i love you guys! there i said it. ive never commented but these past few posts have been too funny not to say anything. You guys are amazing, HILAR!! you made the prettiest baby on earth, and give yourselves good nicknames (im looking at you $herdog) ive been reading everyday for about a year and a half, im only 20 though and still in college so…all these great tips are just floating around in my head just WAITING to be used on my first place, which will be a fixer upper…bc lets be honest ill be poor but also excited to DIY a buncha projects a la sherry and john. thanks for giving me prime procrastination material =] keep up the good (funny) work
Gretchen says
I dream of having a laundry room! Yours is looking great! I vote for John’s method of hanging the board b/c 1) it covers more of the utility box and 2) the hooks blen in better since they are flush with the straight end of the board.
Mary @ stylefyles says
the secretly fantastic thing about the knobs (which I don’t think you pointed out) is how they match your new piece of wall – art (aka: the ironing board). SCORE! But now you officially have to change the knobs every time you change the ironing board cover (actually, no you don’t. I have zero authority over your house. But you knew that).
Ok, I’m done.
ps love that ironing board fabric too!!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Replace my new cover? Nevaaahhhh! Haha. I want it to last forever.
xo,
s
Kayakgirl73 says
Up, even though it doesn’t cover the fuse box. Ironing boards are usually stored pointing up. I think it makes them more stable and easier to handle.
Asta says
My solution to the ironing board dilemma is that whomever did the ironing last, gets to decide which way the board hangs.
YoungHouseLove says
I think we’re gonna go with this- it’s a battle of wills to the end.
xo,
s
Erin @ One Project at a Time says
Personally, I like upside down better because it hides the fuse box more. (The other way my eye is drawn to the box, even though it’s painted the wall color.) Not that I’m picking sides though, love you $herdogg.
Sarah Jane says
Such a conundrum! I’d usually say ironing board pointing up, but with the fuse box to cover, I think pointing down may get my vote. I think I’s try to live with it that way for a while anyway, and switch back if it drove me nuts. Love its cover, by the way, and I’m with the readers who suggested skipping window treatments in there. I wouldn’t want to do anything to jeopardize the light and bright feeling you’ve got going on in there. Just beautiful!
Nicky H says
I think Sherry has skinnier friends than you. ;)
And I like the ironing board up- it looks “right” but down hides the fuse box better, so it’s a toss up from me.
Third, I wanted to say that I love LOVE your blog. We owned a home until December, and now we live in base housing (technically a rental), so I can’t use a lot of what you do as inspiration, but I can hang my ironing board in the laundry room- and I love that idea. Right now it’s in the garage with all the unpacked boxes!
Thanks for your wonderful blog, and for your sense of humor. I enjoy visiting with you every day. :)
Ellen says
I gotta go with Sherry…the other way is “upside down and weird” – too weird. Love the cover, though, now I want one just like it!
Stephanie says
Just wanted to say that I’m with Sherry – it just looks weird for the ironing board to be painted down. Love the cabinet knobs!
Carolyn says
I vote for the upright ironing board. Sookie would hang it this way as well.
Angela says
I’m with you on this one John… love that when its upside down (as Sherry would say) that it covers more of the fuse box :)