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This low-cost renovation turned a bare and broken laundry into a stylish and functional working space.
The project
When we moved in there were no laundry cabinets or benchtops at all. The tap stopped working too, so we had to do most of the filling of laundry buckets and soaking in the kitchen.
Even though there were bigger projects we needed to complete, out of necessity we threw this into the mix and tried to do everything we could (apart from the electrical and plumbing, which the professionals took care of).
This was our to-do list:
- Assemble flat-pack Kaboodle cabinets
- Update tap fittings
- Move power points below bench level, as the cords from the appliances ran half-way up the wall
- Install timber benchtop
- Install shelves
- Remove tiles
- Repair walls
- Waterproof
- Tile backspash (it was our first time tiling too!).
First we did our stand-up base cabinet on the floor at one end and then put in brackets for the benchtop on the other end and one in the middle for extra strength. The Kaboodle cabinets were so easy to assemble!
We used a pre-cut off-the-shelf Pine benchtop that we screwed on to brackets from underneath.
To determine the height for the overhead cabinets we placed two of the mosaic tile sheets we were using against the wall, one above the other, and marked the wall. This worked out great – we didn't need to cut tiles to fit, and we didn't waste any tiles.
We attached the overhead cabinets to wall studs. After doing two of these we realised the third wouldn’t reach a stud, so we left this space open, added one more in the corner and added shelves in between. The shelves are held in place by screws from the inside of the cupboards.
For an added pop of colour we painted the dark section between shelves using a leftover sample pot. It breaks up all the white and draws the eye towards the timber shelves.
Next we popped the cover off the power point, tiled around it and then waxed the timber bench using some old fashioned lavender beeswax.
Everything came from Bunnings, and the total was just $1100.
Not bad for a budget makeover! It just proves that you can achieve a designer look for less if you're prepared to roll up your sleeves and choose wisely.
Before and after
How to plan a laundry renovation
With research and planning you can turn your laundry into an efficient and even welcoming space. Check out the guide How to plan a laundry renovation by experienced Bunnings Workshop member Adam Woodhams for renovation tips and space-saving ideas.
More laundry project inspiration
Bunnings Workshop member housetohome created lots more storage with this stunning farmhouse laundry renovation.
Bunnings Workshop member Rufaro gave his laundry a fresh new look with this clever budget laundry makeover.
There are also plenty of great ideas in our Top 10 most popular laundry renovation projects.
Let us know if you need a hand with your project – we're here to help.
