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.
seansmom says
I vote with Sheri…ironing boards should always point “up”.. :>)
And for a window covering, have you considered contacting the etsy store where Sheri got the cover and seeing if they might be able to supply you with enough material to make a matching valance to bring a bit of that cheery color to the other side of the room?
YoungHouseLove says
Definitely another possibility!
xo
s
Elizabeth says
Love the ironing board cover!! So cheerful.
I agree with Sherry’s way but do see that John’s way covers more of the fuse box.
Do you have a link to the hooks you used from Lowes..I would love to hang my ironing board the same way :)
YoungHouseLove says
We couldn’t find them online but they were in the hardware aisle (near knobs) at the store.
xo,
s
Carissa says
While this was a very funny post, I have to vote with Sherry. Ironing board up. Can I ask how you’re going to have your dryer open on the other side? I would like to switch mine!
YoungHouseLove says
I think you can contact the company and get a “door kit” that allows you to reinstall them on the other side. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
katy says
my husband (the total polar opposite of handy) did ours without any special kit…..of course, it does pop open at random now (like while the clothes are drying and I dont discover it till later and they’re all wet) cheers!
Emily says
I like the ironing board “upside down” but that’s probably because I never iron so it didn’t even occur to me that it was upside down.
Stacee says
You can buy a silicon sheet to use on ironing boards so none of that gooey mess will destroy your cute new cover!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks! I will go through great lengths to protect this gal!
xo,
s
Katie J. says
I think I’m with John on this one… I know it’s been said, but it does hide more of the fuse box. I love the cover and the knobs, though!!
Maureen says
Love the shelves and the ironing board cover !
Even though ‘top down’ covers more of the fuse box, it does look a bit..upside down. More importantly, when I close my ironing board, the release bar is towards the ‘tip’ and therefore I can release and hang while still keeping the legs from unfolding. If I had to release, FLIP, and then hang….I think the legs would win.
Victoria says
Love this idea! I would like to do something similar with my ironing board.
Jackie says
I like it pointing up. i dont like the shape as it points down. it feels wrong….lol
shar y says
You two are just the cutest. I like Sherry’s way for the board, sorry John! Love the pink knobs and it does make me want some pink champagne. BTW, you can put strawberries or raspberries in regular champagne and it can “pass” for the pink versions!
YoungHouseLove says
Fun tip!
xo,
s
Jill says
I’m going to have to go with John on the direction of the ironing board…it’s the one my eye gravitated towards first. I like the way it covers the entire fuse box. I love your new and improved laundry room. So cheery!
Susan says
I’m with Sherry on the ironing board direction. It looks like a necktie the other way, especially with your new cute cover. Love the knobs too.
katrina says
“the place where ugly stuff goes to be ugly” ha ha ha! I have a few of those places in my house too!
My vote: although I do think it looks upside-down, I like it better John’s way because it hides more of the fuse box. Sorry $herdog!
Candace says
Love it. But ew…definitely John’s way looks upside down. Sherry has my vote.
Mary says
One more vote for the upside-down iron board option! If the board is right-side up, then it looks a bit tacky with the electric box showing from behind–like a fail attempt to cover it up. Ironing boards are just funny looking things, no way around it. In this case, I really think you should go for the practical value of more coverage of the fuse box. For support for this cause, see here: http://www.hypheninteriors.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image71.png for someone else who did the same!
Christi says
I have to go with team John. Something about the right-side-up board looks unbalanced. Plus, it’s probably easier to grab the wider end from the top when taking it down. :) Either way, it looks adorable…lovin the cover (especially the pink!).
Tarin says
Visually, I like it pointing up, but get the appeal of covering more of the box when pointing down. How will you ever decide?
And a question. I am a somewhat new YHL groupie and just read that you had a kitchen designer on your first kitchen re-do. You are both so talented…was it really necessary?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes!!!! If we were doing a major reconfiguration in our new house we’d use her again! It was a free service from a pro who knew things about code and maximizing space that we never could have figured out! She didn’t choose finishes or hardware or lighting or flooring for us – she just helped us put the dishwasher in the right place and maximize storage space! Priceless. We actually like turning to the pros when they know more than us in those major makeover situations (especially when it’s a free service!).
xo,
s
Candice says
I love your laundry room! I think the pointy part of the ironing board should go up. When I was a little girl I remember my mom putting a new ironing board cover right over the old one. I bet she had five covers on the ironing board at one time, making it nice and soft. Boy, they sure didn’t make the covers out of pretty fabric back in the olden days (the 1960s).
cole says
Sorry Sherry; I agree with John this time. Pointing down just seems more natural and it covers more of the fusebox. LOVE the pattern and colors on the cover. Good find!
Cathryn says
I would frost the window panes to match the glass driveway door. No bulky window treatments, no loss of light, but lots of privacy (especially if you do wall in the carport into a garage). Unifying the glass surfaces will look chic, too. You could even frost a glass globe light fixture to match.
Marla says
I was going to vote for Sherry’s way b/c I like it better, but will have to go with John’s b/c it covers more of the box door.
Colleen P. says
I like it pointing down, personally!
I have seen a solution that still lets light in through the window but doesn’t extend out in any way, and still gives you privacy. She used, of all things, interfacing, such as one uses to firm up collars and reinforce cuffs.
http://coudremode.com/interface-your-windows
YoungHouseLove says
Fun!
xo,
s
betty in munich says
In the German language where every noun is either masculine, feminine or neuter – ironing board is neuter: das Bügelbrett. Just a fun fact from Munich for you. But I agree that with the fabric it is a she.
If you were to do a poll of your comments I wonder if it is exactly 50/50 ironing board pointing up or down.
BTW, no curtains needed. I love all the light that floods in the room and seeing the trees outside makes the room even that much more cheery. The pink champagne knobs are the icing on the laundry room cake.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- so interesting! I love learning that other language stuff.
xo,
s
Rachel @ Common to Moms says
I know rooms are always evolving but do you have any in your house that you consider ‘finished’ (like everything on your checklist for the room done?) I feel like that’s a milestone- first completely ‘finished’ room in the new house… Based on your checklist, the laundry room is almost there!
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah I think the laundry room might be the closest! Or Clara’s room since we just painted and put in all her furniture and art. Although little tweaks like the closet ribbon chandy still pop up!
xo,
s
Sheila Zeller says
I see where you’re going John, but I’m with Sherry! Hanging upside-down the ironing board looks like it’s ready to attack the floor on impact! Love the new cover, love the champagne pink knobs… and when does the pink diamond arrive? Isn’t it #5 next year? Hmmm, a year to save and plan for it ;-) Just say’n!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Didn’t J-Lo get a pink diamond from Benny Affleck? Totally within John’s price range. Haha.
xo,
s
Rachel @ Common to Moms says
PS The Laundry room looks great and I love that John is not afraid to let a little pink in.
Lindsey says
Sorry John, but I totally side with Sherry on the positioning of the ironing board. I just bought my first house five months ago, and the laundry room was the first spot to get a makeover–it’s still the project I’m the most proud of! Before it had yellow, 70s-style linoleum, dark wood cabinets, and a sickly yellow paint job (no windows, so it was like a dark, dank cave). I used that Rustoleum cabinet refinishing kit to give the cabinets a creamy, French country makeover, tiled the floor, added bronze hardware, painted the walls a pale grey-lavender, and added a bronze and frosted glass light fixture (it was just a bare bulb before.) I still show it off to new visitors!
YoungHouseLove says
That sounds so pretty!
xo,
s
Danielle says
I really like this ironing board hanging idea! And there’s a DIY tutorial. :)
http://www.thehouseofsmiths.com/2010/02/wash-dry-press-fold-repeat-please-tell.html
YoungHouseLove says
Cute!
xo,
s
Kim says
Team Sherry all the way…it’s funny how even an ironing board can have a way that looks right or wrong to us. :)
Stephanie says
Those knobs are so pretty! I crossed something off my list after three years! I finally caulked all the places I needed to after our kitchen remodel. I don’t know why I was so scared, but I thought of you guys and did it by taping off with painters tape and it looks awesome. I’ve been smiling and glancing at it all day. It really wasn’t that bad of a project, but doing it with the grout lines from the backsplash scared me.
Also, at the end of my sewing class I took a few years ago, it was my goal to make a roman shade for my kitchen window. I found some instructions online and it even needed a blackout lining b/c it is a south facing window. It looks great and I can totally see one in your laundry room b/c there are so many cute fabics to choose from.
Tyleet says
Definitely upside down, as it covers the entire fuse box, rather than leaving it peeking out the top.
Melanie says
Team Sherry all the way! I think it’s a lefty/righty thing. If you iron predominantly with your right hand, you would put your clothes on the board left to right.
IF the board faces the other way, then you would have to get it down and turn it around.
Isabel @ bourbonsugarmint says
My not-so-newly wed cousin once told me, “The wife is always right, even when she’s right.” But I still think pointing up is better. Even though you can still see some of the fuse box, I think you’d be too focused on the pretty pattern to really notice. :) Loving the new door pulls as well. Whenever I hear pink champagne, I think of Cary Grant in “An Affair to Remember” saying life should be bright and bubbly like pink champagne.
Brenda says
Love the mini-makeover! Also, if you’re Dexter, you’ll need plastic wrap, trash bags, and black leather gloves too!
YoungHouseLove says
Seriously! And slides for the blood samples!
xo,
s
melinda says
Cute! Good job guys. Pointing up gets my vote, because I’m lazy and it’s easier to hang up that way.
Dude. Makes me think of a surfboard… :-)
Megan says
Wow, you guys do such amazing work with a small space! Love everything about it. And I totally agree with John to point the ironing board down. It gives more of a focal point and a statement. Should I really be saying that about an ironing board?!? It must be from the rocking ironing board cover!
Linda. says
Love your laundry room. You guys are so cute. However, that board is upside down. I vote “left”.
Christine says
Looks way better pointing up (so Sherry’s way) – it’s like a surfboard! You’d never put a surfboard pointy-side down.
Hannah Jacklyn says
Love the progress in here!
guessing it’s just too narrow a space for any kind of folding table? a flat surface to fold things on is always nice.
the colors are so cheery in there, and I love your ironing board cover. Looks like the direction it faces is under hot debate! I am going to put in one more vote for small part facing up- both because it seems like it would be easier to take down, and because it just looks “right”
I say this calls for a practice run where you each see how easy it is to take down and assemble the iron in each configuration! Maybe make it a timed event? get Clara to hold a stop watch?
Hannah Jacklyn says
and to clarify, i didn’t so much mean a table that folds…but a flat space on which one could fold laundry…however if the table folded too, that would be cool.
YoungHouseLove says
We thought a lot about how we want to use that room and we both think we just prefer to fold where we can spread out (on our big sectional or on our bed) so we figured a pull down table might just be too much for such a narrow room (it’s just 3.5′ wide!). Now I’m off to teach Clara how to use a stop watch. Haha. Love that.
xo,
s
jane davila says
One tip I learned the hard way about preventing gunk on your ironing board – pick up a box of regular baking parchment paper at the grocery store. When you’re going to iron fusibles rip off a length, lay it on the ironing board (you can even pin it onto the cover). When you’re done, roll it up to use again, or if it gets gunky, toss it. NOTHING sticks to parchment paper. It’s magic and is probably made by unicorns or something.
YoungHouseLove says
I totally agree. I have had the same made-from-unicorns theory myself. Will have to try it!
xo,
s
Chelsea says
I think you two should make a deal, whoever does the ironing gets to hang the board back up “their way”. A little incentive to tackle the worst chore ever :)
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
I’m with John, I like the ironing board pointing down. It hides the panel better. Love the new knobs on the cabinet.
I might love my ironing board cover too much also. It’s a B&W Damask. I love it. :) And I love the pink in the room. John’s a good hubby for that. ;)
Cheryl says
Pointing up (Sherry’s way!)
Arnice says
The ironing board looks better John’s way, only because it covers up the whole fusebox. I’m planning to sew some roman shades for some windows in my kitchen. I loved them bare, but privacy recently became an issue when someone broke into our home (without taking anything). Your home is really coming along nicely.
Lady Goats (Gina) says
I think you could cross off the “hang art” because… the ironing board is SOOOO art!
Ellen says
Don’t know if someone else has already suggested it, but you can buy a non stick sheet (teflon or some such) at the craft/sewing store to protect the ironing board cover (and the iron) from the goo. It would primarily be used for applique, but same idea goes here. I love the whole setup, we have stacked our washer and dryer because of YHL!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah I love that tip! Gotta protect my baby!
xo,
s
Suni (Sunny) says
It DOES seem like Hobby Lobby is always having a 50% off sale… because they ARE! Every item in the store is 50% off every other week. So if you find something you want but it’s not on sale, give it a week – it will be! They also often have 40% off and regular priced item coupons online – so if you need it now, and that last 10% doesn’t bug you, you can usually (not always) get anything at LEAST 40% off!
YoungHouseLove says
Never knew that about online coupons. Thanks!
xo,
s
Ann Marie says
It’s really starting to come together! Sorry John, I agree with Sher-Dog on the ironing board placement. Your way covers the fuse box more, but it just looks wrong! I’ve been Pinning some easy roman shades, they may be an option that won’t crowd the shelving.
Handy Man, Crafty Woman says
pointy side up!
what is this “ironing” thing all of you speak of, anyway? lol