Follow my plan to transform a builders-grade laundry room into a fresh, modern farmhouse-style space. Below I share the inspiration board and the renovation details.
Our family always enters the house through the garage—and the laundry room is the first room we see.
Yep, it’s the first thing we notice every day.
And honestly, it’s not pretty.
I did try to make it nicer a long time ago, but it still needs a lot of work.
The paint color I picked years ago has never been right.
It’s actually pretty terrible now.
The lack of windows and the fluorescent lighting don’t help either.
Here she is in all her minty glory.
When we moved in there was one wire shelf above the washer and dryer. We added another wire shelf with a hanging rod beneath it so we could air-dry clothes, and a free-standing wire unit for extra storage.
For decor I hung some adorable handprint art the kids made when they were little. Functionally the room worked, but it never felt welcoming or finished.
For years I told myself it was okay—fine enough that I could just shut the door if I didn’t want to look at it.
The problem is we never shut that door. Our dog bowls live in the laundry room, so the door stays open so the dogs can get water any time.
It’s finally time for a proper makeover. I’m ready for an upgrade that makes this space practical and pretty.
Laundry Room Inspiration Board
I want to bring the warm, layered feel of modern farmhouse style into this small space. The inspiration board helps me visualize finishes, textures, and the overall palette before I begin.
I love the mix of painted boards, warm wood tones, black hardware, and soft neutrals. It feels cozy, clean, and intentional—perfect for a room we pass through daily.
How to Update a Boring Laundry Room
The major improvements I’m planning are a new door, updated flooring, and refreshed walls. Since this room is the first view inside the house, the door will set the tone.
I’ll replace the builder-grade door with a custom wood door featuring a glass window. I plan to stain it in a rustic tone that complements the rest of the home. I may add a simple “Laundry” decal on the glass for a friendly touch.
We currently have vinyl floors, which are easy to care for, but I want something with more character. I’m leaning toward brick-look tile laid in a herringbone pattern to add texture and visual interest underfoot. That pattern will give the small room lots of charm.
The walls will be another big change. I’ll install a shiplap feature wall using painted MDF boards to speed the process; they come primed and cut to size. The rest of the room will be painted a crisp white to brighten the space and reflect light from the new fixture.
How to Create Storage in a Laundry Room
Good storage is essential in a laundry room. I plan to install unfinished wood cabinets above the washer and dryer. I’ll buy preassembled cabinets from a local supplier and paint them a neutral greige, finishing them with black hardware for contrast.
In addition to closed storage, I’ll add floating wood shelves for display and everyday items. We bought a miter saw last year and we’re looking forward to using it for shelf building and other small projects—so this is the perfect chance to put it to work.
Open shelves styled with industrial wire baskets and a few curated accessories will balance the cabinets and reinforce the farmhouse look. The mix of closed and open storage keeps the room tidy while allowing easy access to frequently used items.
We’re learning more DIY skills and want to take on projects that improve our home without breaking the bank. Building shelves and installing cabinets will be rewarding and practical improvements.
How to Style a New Modern Farmhouse Laundry Room
Because the room has no windows, lighting is key. I’ll replace the fluorescent fixture with a warm, modern farmhouse-style light—think a wood orb with black candelabra bulbs—and use bright LED bulbs to ensure the space feels well lit.
Layered lighting, combined with the white walls and reflective surfaces, will help the room feel open and welcoming despite the lack of natural light.
Adding greenery—even faux plants—is a simple way to bring texture and life into a windowless room. Faux options are ideal here since they require no sunlight. A few well-placed plants and laundry-themed artwork will finish the look.
Update: Finished Laundry Room Projects
- Laundry Room Inspiration Board
- How to Hang a Custom Wood Interior Door
- Best Tips to Stain a Wood Door
- How to Choose the Perfect Stain Color
- How to Install Floating Vinyl Floors
- Protecting Your New Vinyl Flooring
- What You Need to Know About Creating Shiplap Feature Walls
- DIY Wood and Industrial Pipe Shelving
- Laundry Room Storage Ideas
- Final Reveal
My friend Anne is also reimagining her laundry room in a French Country style, so it’s fun to see different takes on similar builder-grade spaces. We’re both excited to complete the DIY projects and upgrade these everyday rooms into spaces we enjoy.
If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to contact me or leave a comment. I’d love to hear your ideas and tips.
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