July 19, 2009

"Blue Creek Chic" Laundry Room Reveal




7/23/09: I just linked up with Kimba @ "A Soft Place to Land" who is the gracious hostess for "DIY Day".


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I have been working on the laundry room for almost two weeks. I had posted about it here, brainstorming what I could do. I posted "all white" photographs and thought I could transform this common workroom into a romantic paradise!!! Well, as fun as it was to dream this, I knew that I had to be realistic about it. So, instead of copying someone else, or doing the trendy thing, I just did it my way..."Blue Creek Chic"!!! I'm liking that phrase, so I will probably use it a lot in future post!

This make-over got way more involved than I had anticipated. But that's okay, I actually enjoyed it.

I originally thought that I would paint either the cabinets OR the walls, but not both!!! Well, that changed quickly. First, I painted the cabinets black and that made the walls look bad. What else could I do??? I was tired of the Benjamin Moore's Silver Marlin anyway. So back to the paint store I went. I chose Benjamin Moore's Oak Ridge. It is a khaki-ish tone leaning a bit more green than red, but still very neutral.

It took me forever to paint the walls because of all the built-ins, washer and dryer, and laundry tub/doggy bathtub!! At one point, I was actually stuck behind the washer and dryer. Al had to bring a step stool so that I could bale out over the top of the dryer. I turned it on as I flung my tired body over the top. I am so glad he didn't have the camera handy!!

Next came the accessorizing, which I totally enjoyed. Since I had decided to go "Blue Creek Chic", I could do anything that I wanted, so shopping was fun and I leaned heavily toward a vintage look. I also used colors that flowed easily with the rest of my house.

Shopping for vintage elments brought back so many memories. At one time, I can remember most of these items being a part of my childhood. How I wish we had known to hold on to these very common items that now have become desirable again.

I am very pleased with the outcome and I think I have managed to keep the functionality while I improved the look. So, now I can do the laundry, bathe the Chihuahua's, sew, iron, photocopy, wrap packages, and watch my tiny little t.v. all at the same time!!


This is a long post, but it has lots of week-end finds and it's a BIG makeover, so at the bottom you will find the links to "Todays Thrifty Treasures and "Metamorphosis Monday".
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BEFORE - The Horrible, Horrible Reality!!!


This is the only area that doesn't have a real function. The broom closet is to the left.


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My office!!! This small base cabinet is located left of the washer and dryer. I had this full size louvered door next to it in an attempt to hide the exposed sides of wire shelves mounted over the washer and dryer. I decided it blocked too much, making the already small room appear and feel much smaller. So, out it went.


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College laundry and a big pile of past "Today's Thrifty Treasures" stuff on the sewing counter!!


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I just recently moved the big computer out to make room for the sewing machine I got for Mother's Day, so I had been enjoying this area before the make-over.


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Yes, I am very embarrassed!! I had no idea it looked this bad until I saw this photograph. I had become blind to my own mess. I didn't want to come in here, much less stay very long. I promise that when we had guests, the room was closed and off limits!


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Yes, I know that this area makes no sense - it's just straight up wonky!!!The original plans for this corner was to have the laundry tub sitting right next to the cabinets and then more built-ins taking it to the wall. But, our plumber would not plumb it on an outside wall, instead insisting that we turn it so that he could connect it to the bathroom that's behind it!!! I was so mad! Of course, if we wanted to actually stand in front of it to use it, we had to leave out some cabinets!


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AFTER...Much Improved, Don't You Think???

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!!!!!




AFTER: The no-function wall now has the bakers rack that I have had for 30+ years.

I made the monogrammed mirror during a class I taught at "Faux Biz" in Auburn, AL.

The newly black broom closet shows a little on the left.


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This is the "opera" tray that I posted here in another Thrifty Treasures...I flipped it over and used varnish to glue on french script paper - mosaic style. That is Al on the beach in the photograph. In an earlier post, I said that I would love a romantic laundry room. He is my "romantic element!!!



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AFTER: The office...still small, but better I think.

I got the little black wall shelf for $6.00!!!




I can also use this area for gift wrapping.

Notice the divider is now an old black, extra-wide shutter -$14.00 from an antique mall. It is just tall enough to cover the sides of the wire shelving that was already over the washer and dryer.All I had to do is spray it with the hose to finish removing the latex paint that some ding-dong used over oil based paint!!!


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AFTER:I love my sewing area.




I got this chair for $75.00 at our "Going Out of Business Sale" at Faux Biz. (I miss ya'll!)It even has rollers.






Can the lantern qualify as romantic element #2??




I added this shelf over the sewing area window last year, but I bought new vintage (oxymoron???)items to use there.

Wouldn't this old glass and wicker jug make a cute lamp?

The mason jars were mom's - I got the metal locker basket for $16.00.


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AFTER:I really needed more storage above the washer and dryer, so I built another shelf at the height of the shutter.





I adore these vintage things...and I now have a place to store extra pillows.

It looks like it sags in the photos, but it is as straight as an arrow!!! I used a level! Check out my mitered molding!!! (Thank goodness for wood putty!)


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The double sided clock was a steal from Hobby Lobby for $9.00/orignally $89.00...SCORE!!!


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AFTER: This wall didn't have anything going on before. Now it does!!!





The little round frameless mirror that I found for $9.00 is perfect over the laundry tub. I didn't want it to compete with the large framed burlap coffee bag that is right next to it.

I got the little tin dog laundry sign since this is where we bathe Bella and Harley.




The checked skirt that I made improved the laundry tub 100%!







The burlap coffee bag was purchased for $.99 @ a discount store. The poster frame from Hobby Lobby was 1/2 price making it $19.00. The print on the bag was a bit crooked. I took me four attempts to get it this straight...and this isn't straight...but it just adds to the character, right?


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There is one more thing I want to share even though it didn't change, except for a new fabric cover. This folding ironing board has been great. I mounted it behind the door so that it doesn't show when the door is open.




The cover stores below while you iron




It easily folds out to a full size ironing surface - how convenient!!!


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Please visit Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for more Today's Thrifty Treasures and also Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday for more wonderful ideas. Thanks to both hostesses for the great job they do every week. You are truly appreciated.


Rhonda


55 comments:

  1. Rhonda, what a fantastic space you've got there now! And what a lot of hard work, it looks great. I know you'll enjoy it so much. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Wonderful laundry makeover! Great thrifty treasures, too!

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  3. Great job! Doesn't look like the same room. Enjoy!

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  4. Wow, I don't even know where to start! Well, I know that I LOVE that mirror that you monogrammed, and that lantern definitely qualifies as romantic to me! Excellent transformation!

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  5. Oh my!!! This turned out beautifully!!! I love it!!! What a useful space and after all of your hard work...it is gorgeous!!!

    I love all fo the vintage touches...the grain sack is wonderful!!! I am so inspired by those black cabinets...I may have to copy your idea!!!

    AMAZING!!!

    Enjoy!!!
    XOXO
    Cathy

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  6. I would love to be "stuck" doing laundry in THERE all day! Really nice job!

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  7. WOW! That is some transformation!!! It looks so put together and nice with the addition of all your "new" vintage. Your sink even looks like it belongs there, now. LOVE its little skirt. Fantastic job!! :-) Sue

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  8. This is a wonderful transformation and very inspiring. I love all the vintage touches and the black accents. Good job.

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  9. That is some laundry room. You did such a great job. I love the clock and the opera tray. I love it all. I would actually want to do my laundry in there.

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  10. Wow - you've been busy! I especially love that chair - on rollers, no less! And I might have to copy the skirt for the laundry tub - darling! Linda

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  11. My laundry is in need of a makeover so thanks for the inspiration. Thanks also for visiting Beach Vintage and leaving a comment.

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  12. Whoa! When I saw that first pic, I thought, man, this girl is lucky to have a laundry room big enough to revamp. Then, I saw all your other photos, I'm blown away. I do love the before color, very serene and pretty. However, your new color and the painted cabinets look wonderful!!! And I love all the little details in the room, like the rack over the dog wash tub and the cool hanging clock.

    Your new laundry room rocks!

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  13. Very Nice! I love a decorated laundry room, I I really like how you did yours. I haven't been able to oonvince my husband that our utility sink needs a skirt. :( Not sure why he is opposed to that. Yours looks great.
    ... and thanks for checking out my blogs! :)

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  14. Very nice! My laundry area is just a washer and dryer behind double doors and shelves above, but needs some help.
    Glenda

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  15. Your laundry room is just fabulous. I love it. You have done such a wonderful job of making it beautiful and inviting. That fold out ironing board is something I have never seen. It looks really neat. I would love to spend time in this room. So well done. Hugs, Marty

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  16. Everything looks wonderful! I saw the clock at HL and tried to think of a place to put it in my house- now that I have seen how you used it- I wish I bought it! I ended up spending $25 at HL for $250 worth of stuff! Got to love that!

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  17. My favorite thing is your sink... a great transformation! Your sewing area is so pretty too.

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  18. Great makeover. . .I can imagine how thrilled you are . . I finally got hubby to hang and extra shelf for me in my laundry room and I am thrilled.

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  19. I am jealous beyond jealous! It looks absolutely fabulous. I know you put a lot of time into this and it definitely paid off!
    Congrats.
    Traci

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  20. Just 2 weeks? Amazing. We have a big laundry too but I never imagined it as a work area. We don't sew but now I realize we've got plenty of room for a sewing machine and table. Wow. Nice work.

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  21. Ok seriously jealous as this is soooo beautiful! I LOVE LOVE LOVE everything! The shutter is awesome, love that big frame that looks to have some kind of burlap in it? Love it whatever it is and that tray is awesome! Love the colors, love all your vintage goodies, it's alll so fabulous!

    Thanks So Much for stoppin by to see me!! Hope to see you again!

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  22. Very nice work! It turned out beautifully.

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  23. You did just wonderful, Rhonda!! You make me want to bulldoze my laundry room!! I can't sew, so I use it for nothing but laundry~and I HATE laundry, so it doesn't get used much!lol!

    You really took this project to heart and I love the shelves and the nice, neat area you have for your sewing. It is just perfect!!

    Great Job, Rhonda!! :-)

    xoxo
    Jane

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  24. I just loved your post! Your "new" laundry room looks great! Love the two romantic touches. (I can't get too romantic in my decorating at my house, so I try and sneak them in like that.)
    Thanks for visiting me.
    Mary Lou

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  25. What a great transformation! I really like your sewing area and the skirt on the wash tub. Wonderful job!

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  26. We also have one of those sinks in our laundry. I insisted on it. But in 20 years we've used it just once. Next time we have to call the plumber I'm going to have him cap off the water ines so we can remove the sink.

    P.S.
    Thanks so much for being my 20th follower. (But the candle stays!)

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  27. I love it! I love laundry room make overs, I so desperately want to re-do my own!

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  28. Wow...what a transformation and very inspirational! Thank you so much for sharing....love all your ideas....

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  29. WOW! What an amazing transformation. It is absolutely beautiful. I don't think I'd mind laundry so much if I had a room like that. Great job. LOVE the black cabinets!

    ~Amanda

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  30. Rhonda,

    It looks fantanstic! I love the wall color, too. Everything looks so neat and organized. It must be such a pleasure to work in there.

    Jane

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  31. I meant fantastic--having an off day.

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  32. So much nicer Rhonda !
    You will get so much more done , working in that pretty space ! Love the colors too !
    Hugs ~ Kammy

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  33. Very Chic! Love all the little touches, especially the skirted sink!

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  34. Hi Rhonda,
    This is just an amazing makeover! You did an outstanding job, and I'm so glad you shared all your creative changes and fantastic bargains!!!

    Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving the nice comment! I always enjoy hearing from you ...
    Bye for now,
    Bill

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  35. This is incredible! It's so so so pretty. Maybe you should have your next party in there!

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  36. Rhonda, that is one very inspiring laundry room makeover. I am definitely going to try and incorporate some of your ideas. My laundry room is on my list and I'm not making any progress. I keep looking for an "inspiration piece" and it's not happening. I believe your pictures are it!

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  37. Rhonda I was sort of cleaning out my laundry disaster area yesterday and feeling so frustrated with the mess and lack of style.
    You have inspired me to do better. Thank you.
    I am really loving the Blue Creek Chic.

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  38. Phenomenal job! I have a "walk-through" hall that goes from kitchen to garage with a washer/dryer stuffed into one side. I would love to have enough room to do this!
    Brenda

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  39. VERY classy and chic! Well done - your hard work paid off! Your "before" looks like my "now", lol!

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  40. Wow! What a fabulous, fabulous makeover. Do you mind helping me with my front door?

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  41. Absolutely stunning. I bet you could add some black trim to the front of your wire shelving and it'll look like a built-in, with the shutter on one side and the shelf on top. I'm going to be on the lookout for a big shutter like that. What a versatile piece. I love love love your new room!

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  42. Carolyn Bertram!! What a wonderful idea! I couldn't find a way to email you , so maybe you will read this. I'm gonna do it! Thank you!!
    Rhonda

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  43. Wowza! That is fantastic. All of your effort really shows.

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  44. Oh my goodness! I want to live in your laundry room! I think your shutter as divider idea is amazing.

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  45. Beautiful job! Would you mind sharing how you went about making the skirt for your sink? LOVE IT! :)

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  46. I love your blue creek chic style!!! I wish you could take me shopping I am still amazed at what paid for that clock, and I am now in desperate need of a burlap printed coffee bag!!!! How simply divine!! ~ new to your blog but I will be back, keep on posting!

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  47. just found your blog and am LOVING it!

    Happy Summer!

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  48. This is perfection! Well done~ bravo. I am off to see if you posted anything more on the great skirt you made for the sink. Details please!

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  49. Absolutely gorgeous Rhonda! I love it... I wish I could come up with a way to make my laundry room prettier!

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  50. Great job Rhonda!
    I really like your ideas. I was trying to find a creative way to make a utility skirt and your page came up. I think it's great. I'm going to try it.
    Thanks for sharing your ideas.
    Lori

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So happy you are here - I love your comments!