Melissa Coleman, otherwise known as the Faux Martha, has built a cottage industry on being relatable. She operates in the Real Martha’s wheelhouse (think food and decor), but she differentiates herself by creating fuss-free projects, whether it’s a recipe for Homemade Applesauce or Sweet Potato French Fry Tacos—or DIY design like this simple and appealing laundry room.
We spotted the laundry room makeover on her blog recently and were impressed with the results. Melissa had four requirements for the rehab: It had to be affordable, DIY-able, and fast—and it had to include a dedicated spot for air-drying and folding clothes. She also started the design process with a few key pieces that she knew she had to have in the room: Steele Canvas bins (she likes their clean industrial look). “When designing a space, always start with an anchor inspiration piece—whether it’s a basket, a painting, a color, etc.,” she writes on her blog.
The project came to together easily, thanks to Ikea’s Elvarli shelving system—and on budget. All in all, the makeover cost roughly $1,000. (Go here for all the details, including a breakdown of costs.)
Above: Finally, a dedicated place to hang-dry and fold clothing. Before the makeover, Melissa would fold laundry on the bed in the guest room. Above: Samsung’s Front-Load Washer with Electric Dryer and Stacking Kit were among the few items from the old laundry room that remained. Above: Steele Canvas’ Small Bag Caddy with Wood Runners tucks perfectly into this deep shelf on the Elvarli storage piece.
Steal This Look:
Above: Melissa used Ikea’s design tool to customize her shelving, which ultimately came to $685. Pictured is the 3-Section Elvarli package for $535.
Above: Melissa’s Canvas Small Carry Baskets (left) have a vegetable tanned leather trim. Other options are gray (pictured), brown, and black; $101.70 each. The Small Bag Caddy With Wood Runners is $95.25. Above: The 2-by-3-foot Kingston Indoor/Outdoor Rug is $39 at McGee & Co. Above: Melissa is a firm believer in mixing high with low. Her enameled dustpan and brush are from Schoolhouse but no longer available. Mr. & Mrs. Clynk’s Dustpan in red is equally stylish and colorful; €29.90 at Andrée Jardin. A coordinating Brush is €24.90. Above: For similar hangers, try Real Simple’s Flocked Suit Hangers in Navy; $6.99 for 12 at Bed Bath & Beyond. Above: Melissa uses a Glass Storage Canister by Threshold to hold wool dryer balls and a smaller one to hold Borax; $8.99 to $16.99 at Target. Above: A fresh coat of gray paint transformed the classic Ikea Bekvam Step Stool; $19.99. Above: Also from Threshold, the Soft Iron Wall Hooks are $8.99 each at Target. Above: For a similar waste bin, consider Simple Human’s Round Step Trash Can; $24.99. Above: Melissa is also a graphic designer. Her Laundry Icons Poster is available on her site for $10.
For more laundry-room inspiration, be sure to check out:
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