Asked on Jan 15, 2016
How to improve an entryway that is a bothersome eyesore
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This is what people see when they walk in the carport door. I hate the small space and need to do something on a budget. There is not enough room for doors to hide appliances.
16 answers
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How about hanging a small cabinet with doors over the washer/dryer to hold your detergent, bleach, etc. You maybe can't put doors in front of the washer/dryer but you can hide some of the misc. stuff that goes with laundry...also how about hanging a cute shelving/coat rack across from the washer/dryer. They make them that don't stick out too far from the wall and it can help keep things organized. You can keep light coats, keys, etc. all in one location. I would also paint out the area to freshen it up.
The Redesign Habit
on Jan 15, 2016
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A sliding door could work. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/diy-home-decor-how-to-make-a-sliding-door-for-under-40-apartment-therapy-tutorial-139922
Stephanie Fudge
on Jan 15, 2016
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Thanks. A curtain crossed my mind but that would make the space feel even smaller.
Geni Anderson
on Jan 15, 2016
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I feel your pain, I have a laundry area much like this one. Since you can't add doors, I think the answer is re-organize with nice storage solutions and paint as Redesign stated above with a cabinet or shelf above the w/d and add basket to sit on top of the dryer to hold whatever needs to be out. Additionally I think If you finished off the space, specifically the trim at the ceiling, baseboard and around the door and painted it, the space would feel better. To help add color, I would either replace the blinds or paint them the same color as the carpet or black to contrast and compliment the other black in the area.Blinds are very easy to paint using spray paint and restring or you could just paint the top section that holds the blinds. You could also paint the actual window or a vinyl type cling/sun catcher which is tricky and could be tacky if not done well but is easily fixed with soap and water.
Opal
on Jan 15, 2016
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I did something like this in a rental, hung sheer curtains from the top of washer and dryer to hide the shelves with the laundry stuff, nice clean look.
Debbi W
on Jan 15, 2016
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Hi Geni- this could be such a cute, welcoming space! From your pics it looks like you have a rustic framed mirror with green in the frame. Could you move that over to where the wall with the leash is, then hang it horizontally? Add some hooks to the bottom of that for the things you need to hang, like the dog leash. Paint all the walls in a color that would complement that green, also repair the ceiling and door molding and paint white. Then add a fun chevron scatter rug. Take down the mini blinds and hang a colorful roman shade in their place. I can see that you have wire shelving above the appliances, just add some baskets to hide most of the cleaning supplies. For wet shoes, I recently saw a coat hook hung upside down about six inches off the floor. Brilliant!
Country Design Home
on Jan 15, 2016
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Being the area is small I would not try to discuss anything as I think it would make it more obvious try to cover up the appliances. I put a inexpensive set of white cabinets made for a laundry room above my appliances. I would dress up the walls with a fresh coat of paint and a pretty picture. Once you choose a paint color change out the shade and put a long runner type carpet to match the rest of your color scheme.It will not be to much money.If you have a Habitat for Humanity center locally try them first for the cabinet. If not I bought mine at Home Depot. Also another thought a lot of times the BigBox Stores sell oops paint at a discounted price. You never know what color you will find and totally worth trying.
Janet Pizaro
on Jan 15, 2016
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See you have mini-slats on the door. If not needed, I might think of putting a mirror over the entire window/
Marion Nesbitt
on Jan 15, 2016
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Could you hang a tension rod over the laundry machines?Although they don't bother me,I'm just glad not to have to shlep to a laundramat every few days,I know some people prefer to hang a curtain over them. How about a seat or bench and some coat hooks?
Polly Zieper
on Jan 15, 2016
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I've seen some cute pictures or signs hanging in laundry rooms that make them more cheerful.
Polly Zieper
on Jan 15, 2016
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As @The Redesign Habit suggested, I would put cabinets above the washer and dryer. You could also put these on the appliances: http://www.vinyldisorder.com/appliance-decals-washing-machine-decals.html https://www.fridgefronts.com/Washr_Dryr_Covers_s/1935.htm If you go the fridge front route you could pick a paint colour from the decal for your walls etc.
B. Enne
on Jan 15, 2016
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Might want to consider a mirror or mirror tiles to make the space look bigger. As for the appliances, it is your laundry room, so put up a cute laundry sign of some sort. One idea is to buy inexpensive letters at a craft store or make your own out of cardboard. Spell laundry or whatever you like and paint with bright colors or stripes to make it cheerful! Don't try to disguise it, make it fun!
Barb
on Jan 15, 2016
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The first thing I noticed was not the small size but the fact it looks like you are missing quite a bit of trim moldings--around the door with the blinds and along the ceiling. I would replace the moldings, and give them (and maybe the walls too) a fresh coat of white paint. I would find a pretty, colorful (larger) runner/rug for this little hallway--something a little more substantial than the little red rug--but making sure it was something you could throw in the washer when necessary, especially if that door leads outside. Then I would pick a color from the rug and paint the inside of the door that color, as a way to infuse some color and personality into this otherwise somewhat plain space. Seeing the washer/dryer out in the open would not bother me, as long as there is not clutter piled on top of the dryer, in which case shelves or a cabinet, as others suggested, could solve that problem. Frankly, I think just some freshening up with paint (and replacing the missing moldings) would go a long, long way toward making a more cheerful and finished looking space.
Shari
on Jan 15, 2016
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Good tips
Geni Anderson
on Jan 15, 2016
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I totally agree with Shari replacing and painting the moldings will make a big difference to start off with.. I think a nice curtain on the door instead of the blind Pick a colour that you just love and paint that back wall .If you really love the colour it will bring a smile to your face every time you are doing laundry or just coming in or out that door It doesn't need to match anything else in the house it will just be a pop of colour. That's where you will pick a fabric for the curtain. Printed , floral. striped as long as the stripes are vertical. If possible change out the ceiling light fixture, The Re-Store, Craig's list or second hand stores are a great place to find second hand pieces at very reasonable prices. If its not possible to change it out. I saw something on Pinterest where they made a drum style light shade and hung it with small chains from the screws on the fixture that was already there. If a cupboard over the washer and dryer is not in the budget right now, how about a couple of shelves painted to match the hall colour. Add some baskets or cover some boxes with the same fabric as the curtain. That should keep you busy for a while. Have fun and enjoy .
Jean Myles
on Jan 15, 2016
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This was my eyesore.... Removed everything & started from scratch! I purchased 1 double door cupboard & hung it centered. Cut my old shelves to fit on each side of the new cupboard & used scraps of trim for the shelf supports. I do plan to frost the glass so they are more opaque ;-)
C
on Jan 19, 2016
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