Laundry Room Glow-Up | 2013 ➡️ 2025
Before & After | Small Space Upgrade
This laundry room finally works the way it should.
The old setup (circa 2013) had wire shelves and a folding surface that became a clutter magnet. No matter how hard I tried, things piled up and laundry lingered.
What sparked the change
My front-load Maytag (12 years old) started shutting off mid-cycle. I was long over the front load units. Having to bend to do laundry, the mold and smells if you forgot to leave the door open to air dry and not needing to take my king size comforters to the laundromat. Such a pain in the you know what!
I scored this LG ThinQ top-load washer during Lowe’s Black Friday sale, and that was my sign. Bigger tub, no bending, no smells, it connects to my phone to remind me that my laundry is complete or I need to run a clean cycle (I didn’t know this prior to purchase) — and comforters fit with ease.
What I changed
• Removed all wire shelving
• Installed raw Southern Yellow Pine shelves
• One 2” x 12” x 16’ board from Lowe’s for $29.12
• Cut by Lowe’s, sanded by me
• Shelves made from that single board, with a long piece left over for another shelf
• Shelf brackets from Walmart
• Baskets from Hobby Lobby
• Decor shopped from around the house
• Rug from Ross
• Paint from Lowe’s
• Brown “apothecary” bottles = empty tequila bottles 🍾
The wood is still in its raw state. I haven’t decided if I’ll stain it yet — if not, I’ll seal it for protection.
Why I love it now
• Everything has a home
• No space for clutter to creep in
• Laundry gets folded and goes straight to bedrooms
• The Peppercorn accent wall makes the room look deeper
• Painting the door from white to Peppercorn black was the final touch
This space finally feels intentional — and I actually enjoy being in here now 🧺✨
Stain the shelves… or leave the wood raw? 👀🪵👇🏽
✨ Room inspo: Laundry Room
#laundryroom #smalllaundryroommakeover #beforeandafterhome #laundryroominspo #budgetfriendlydiy
Updating your laundry room is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can do, especially when upgrading from an outdated setup like wire shelving and clutter-prone folding surfaces. Many of us can relate to the frustration of laundry piling up and chores feeling like a burden. A major upgrade like swapping out an old front-load washer for a top-load LG ThinQ model can make a huge difference — not only does it prevent bending down, but it also tackles common issues like mold and lingering odors by incorporating smart technology reminders for clean cycles and laundry completion. One of the standout features of a successful laundry makeover is investing in quality shelving tailored for your space. Using raw Southern Yellow Pine boards is a clever, cost-efficient choice that offers durability and a natural aesthetic. Crafting shelves from a single board minimizes waste and gives room for additional storage while still allowing flexibility in style decisions, like whether to leave the wood raw or add a protective stain to enhance longevity. Another key to a functional laundry room is eliminating clutter spots by creating designated homes for everything, from detergents to laundry baskets. Incorporating baskets from craft stores and using shelf brackets purchased affordably from big-box retailers helps keep the space organized and visually appealing. Don't overlook visual enhancements such as painting an accent wall or door a rich color like Peppercorn black, which can add depth and sophistication to an otherwise utilitarian space. Adding personal decorative touches such as upcycled apothecary bottles (originally tequila bottles) brings character without extra cost. With thoughtful planning and a few DIY skills, even a small laundry room can be transformed into an intentional, enjoyable place. This 2013 to 2025 glow-up showcases how smart appliance choices, practical shelving solutions, and well-curated decor combine to improve both functionality and style — inspiring anyone to refresh their own laundry space while staying budget-friendly.