Makeover of the Week: A Lackluster Laundry Room Gets a Sleek, Stylish Refresh

By
Colleen Sullivan
Colleen Sullivan
Colleen Sullivan
Colleen has been a contributor at MyDomaine since 2019. She also writes for Brides, Today.com, Business Insider, and HGTV. Previously, Colleen worked on staff at Vogue, Working Woman, McCall’s, Health, and HGTV Magazine, and was a contributor for Brit + Co and MIMIchatter.
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Updated on Nov 22, 2019
laundry room after

Tessa Neustadt

This 1920’s farmhouse had a lot of charm but not when it came to the laundry area. “The room was small, closed-off, and all-together not very functional. It got a lot of use with two children, a cat, and a dog living in the house, so I wanted to make the space more polished but still very utilitarian,” explains designer Stefani Stein.

Meet the Expert

Stefani Stein is a Los Angeles-based interior designer and owner of Stefani Stein Inc., which was established in 2014. Stein loves to work with local craftspeople and artisans to create a relaxed yet refined aesthetic, and was named one of California Home + Design's 'Rising Stars' for Fall 2019.

Before:

laundry room before
Courtesy of Stefani Stein

“While the existing laundry room did have some storage, it felt lackluster aesthetically and needed a visual refresh.” 

After:

laundry room after
Tessa Neustadt

“I wanted to provide the family with the space and tools they needed to make a dreaded chore more enjoyable,” notes Stein. “They loved mid-century modern design, so I incorporated bits and pieces of that aesthetic into the space while still honoring the home’s Spanish farmhouse architecture.”

What Changed:

  • Color theme: A neutral palette with hints of blue and grey creates a calming environment.
  • Cabinets: Custom millwork includes a rack by the window allows fresh air to help with the drying process, along with a lower draw that conceals a built-in food and water bowl station for the dog.
  • Hardware: A mix of polished (satin copper) and raw (untreated leather) pulls were used on the cabinetry.
  • Tile: Hand painted blue and white tiles compliment the Spanish architecture of the home while the grey and white tiles have a lively star and cross design.
  • Countertops: Durable and easy-to-clean butcher block was an easy choice for the laundry room cabinet tops.
  • Ceiling light: With its unique wire cage, the white and copper pendant was a nod to the owners’ love of mid-century modern design.
  • Floor: An antique area rug balances the old with the new.
  • Baskets: Wire baskets on tracks pull out, making it easy to store accessories.
  • Appliances: Relocating and stacking the washer and dryer created space for a dog alcove. 

Shop the Look:

pendant lamp
Roll & Hill Bluff City 14-inch Pendant $790.00
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copper pulls
Schoolhouse Edgecliff Pull, Satin Copper $34.00
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leather pull
Superfront Leather Handle LOOP $16.00
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