Some more pics of the spot where you were thinking a door. Also IMO this looks like a huge space for laundry and IMO works well with the kitchen so not sure what your comment meant.

I really don't understand why you bought this house. You have several threads going and it sounds like you are spending hundreds of thousands on things that are such a waste.

If it was my house, I'd want the laundry room to look similar to the kitchen, i.e. continue that awesome Arts & Crafts style cabinetry. If you want to lighten it up, get painted cabinets. Change out the countertop for a matte black quartz and get some fun, colorful, handcrafted backsplash tile to brighten things up.

These are kitchens, but you can use this for cabinetry/backsplash reference:

Classic & Charming Family Home · More Info

Saint Paul Craftsman · More Info

Wilshire Kitchen, Portland (Photo: Matt Niebuhr) · More Info

Your right, I have a few threads. One on the living room, one on the formal dining room, and one on the laundry room. We bought the home because it is in the community we desire, location to work and school, a large lot with a private wooded back yard - all things we cannot change. We can change the interior of the house. 100's of thousands is definitely not accurate. Kitchen - changing flooring, lights, paint, and possibility of the countertop. Living room - removing a supporting beam (already received a quote of 3500 to do this), painting, lighting. Formal living room - painting and removing some built-ins. Laundry room - more extensive renovation. I dont know what market you are in that this would cost 100's of thousands of dollars.

Patricia Colwell. My comment was that the cabinetry in the kitchen is all custom cherry wood cabinets with granite counter tops, high-end farm style sink, tile backsplash. The adjacent laundry room pictures is a low end synthetic counter, no backsplash, and factory cabinetry. I meant I would like the quality of the mudroom/laundry room to match the kitchen. I have attached some photos of what I would like it to look like. I also included some additional pictures of the space.

You mentioned quite a few high end projects, like moving a fireplace and adding 72 doors and windows.

I live in an area will a very low cost of living, and there is no way that beam can be removed and replaced for $3500. There is a reason the original homeowner left it or put it in.

Maybe multiple hundreds is an exaggeration, but from everything on your list, it’s every bit of 100. Your laundry room is the size of most kitchens, what do you think it will cost for new cabinets, counters, sink and backsplash?

How much do you think it will cost to remove tile floors, replace subfloor and then install wood in 2 very large rooms? I’m just stunned at the amount of money people spend on cosmetic changes.

I have no concern for the cost, it's your money. It's more of a feeling of "more money than brains". It's not even about high end finishes, it's about moving a fireplace for no reason other than, "I want to".

@tdgoetz "Many individuals make 500k+ a year..." Yes. Those individuals are in the top 1%. But that's great for you if you are in that segment. Most people aren't. A lot of people asking for advice on this forum have remodel ideas that go way beyond their budgets, so the question isn't unreasonable.

It seems like you know what you want to do here as far as cabinets, sink & counter goes. Your other questions regarding moving doors, creating mudrooms, etc are difficult to comment on without a floor plan.

I believe in my OP I stated the reason for moving the fireplace. The living area is dark with only the two small windows on each side of the fireplace. The lot is a beautiful green space which backs to a park. I would like to have a view of that natural space as it was one of the biggest selling points in buying the house. Also, the stone used for the gas fireplace (no chimney) does not fit the style I envision for my home. I suppose my desire for more light, a view of the backyard, and a dislike for the current look is not a good enough reason though in your opinion. Thanks for your comments though, very helpful.

Lovely bones in this house! You are certainly trying to do a lot, too! Maybe if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed you could hire someone to help bring it all together? Otherwise if you are pretty positive of what you want and how to get there, you are certainly getting a lot of ideas here! Happy renovating!

I’m not a professional designer, but here’s my thoughts. A laundry room isn’t an area guests will be enjoying when they come into your home. So the laundry room’s priority should be functionality. Granite on the countertops would be a waste if only because of the use of cleaning products for laundry that can eventually ruin the finish of the granite. Maybe another solid surface that would be more durable? Formica makes many new patterns that look like granite and can be used to create the counter over the washer/dryer. As for the cabinets, I would leave them or move them to another area but possibly add some shelving over the sink? Or add a closet rod for hanging clothes? The cabinets on the back wall could be altered to used as hampers to sort laundry. If you have children, they would be a perfect area to keep boots, cleats, baseball mitts etc. Check the internet, Pinterest, Houzz for organizing laundry rooms and gather ideas on what would make your time easier.

I'm sorry someone has begun to question your plan instead of offering answers and thoughts to your questions. I personally enjoy making a house my home by making upgrades and changes - and as long as the changes are worth the expense/hassle to me, I have never regretted the money I spent. You are blessed with a beautiful home. The cabinets in the laundry do look to match the kitchen, so you are probably looking at just adding granite. Adding a door -- where the window is -- seems like a good way to add light and accessibility. Sounds like turning this into a type of mudroom might be a good idea, as long as you will not miss the folding/counter space. Get a picture of your vision and go for it!

You are lucky to have found a home in the location you want. I agree with dee_mckervey - possibly a designer wouldn't be a bad option. They can add ideas you haven't considered (like a mail station & shredder) and - more importantly- point out potential problems in design. Personally, I don't like hardwoods in the kitchen & laundry rooms. These rooms are high traffic "wet" areas of the house. Tile is far easier to keep, more water resistant and longer lasting particularly with kids and dog toenails - and the dirt and sand they generate. You don't have to worry about drips around the sink & dishwasher as you load or unload. And, should the dishwasher or washing machine "spring a leak", you are still OK (not so with hardwoods). You have a plethora of counter tops already and a permanent counter over the washer & dryer would limit your choice of future machines (I prefer a top load washer because they don't mildew). I like the farm sink but would opt for stainless steel in the laundry room so I could "do anything in it" - or possibly a deep laundry tub (wash large things, small dogs and babies). And you could have a bar over the tub for drip dry items. I'm a fan of matching the kitchen particularly if you will be leaving the laundry room door open and can see it from the kitchen. I like matching the granite, tile backslash and cabinetry. I would think about open shelving due to the dusting & cleaning nightmare they usually generate - Maybe more matching cabinets instead. Storage is something of which you can never have enough. I would only replace the storage/utility closet with the bench and built-ins after you have considered where all your stuff will live and whether you might enjoy stockpiling any necessities (Costco paper towels & TP, etc.). Will your family really use "the bench and built-ins"? If the picture above (with the closet & bench) is the "utility closet" to which you refer - I'd keep the closet and make the bench built in. (Just measure and make sure all your appliances and stuff can fit through the doors and halls so you can move in and/or update appliances in years to come) - Happy renovating!

It really comes down to your budget. If it were me, I’d invest enough to update but not gut. If gutting, look at lots of inspiration pictures to help with choices.

You can do so much with what is there. Floor is neutral and cupboard doors are modern enough - they will really be transformed with paint and new hardware. I‘d also paint walls.

- Add quartz counter and backsplash above sink and new lighting

Add functionality, shelves, drying and working area on back wall, could remove cupboard doors for sorting, shelving over sink, etc

Increased functionality/interest to bench area

It looks like the laundry room is a great size. I think the cabinets in the laundry room blend well with the kitchen cabinets. Not having a visual of how the kitchen and laundry connect to each other it is difficult to tell how similar they need to be. Can you close the door to the laundry room? We have a laundry room in a vacation home that is off the den. We keep the door closed for aesthetics and for the noise when laundry is being done. I would not put a counter on top of the washer and dryer. When you replace the washer and dryer the sizes may be different. Also for repairs it is easier if there is not a counter above them. I can’ tell how much but it looks like there is counter space on the wall with the window. If you replace the window with a door, it should still give you adequate space. I like the idea of hanging a drying rack above the w/d. I would not put wood floors in a laundry room. I am not sure about wood floors in a kitchen. We have them in our primary home kitchen as it is open to dining and keeping area. If you don’t see a water spot and wipe it up quickly it can be a problem. Since you seem to be doing quite a bit of renovation, it may be a good idea to consult with a design specialist.

Location location location is, in my opinion, the most important feature of a home. Kudos to you for finding that and then working your plan in to your new home. Best of luck in your new home !!!

I added a counter over my washer and dryer and am glad I did. Nothing falling behind dryer, easy place to fold etc. My husband talked me into making one where the top can slide off. it doesn't look like it but it is mounted on 2 x 4s attached to wall and takes 30 seconds to slide off if washer/dyer needs to be worked. on.

Tdgoetz I would have answered suedonim75 inquiry with "none of your business", if I even answered it at all. You don't owe her any explanation. I bought a home in the area I wanted, great views, yard, proximity to hubs work, and good floor plan. I put in a few hundred thousand to make it perfect for our family. Worth every penny. Family and friends here every weekend to enjoy our perfect welcoming home. And our home has tripled in value.

One word: COLOR! This nice, large laundry room needs some "oomph" so you'll want to use it. I'd recommend hiring a professional to give advice with the transformation of this room--and any others that you're considering changing.

Here to say the same as granny4eight. It is your home, you don’t owe anyone explanations. You picked it for the location and that is what matters to you. Many commenters stated they like to make the home their own. I do too! You should do your home however you see fit. Enjoy your new home!

Hard for me to relate to someone who has so much disposable income that they can plan to make a huge laundry room as upscale as their kitchen. Knock yourself out...do as you will.

I completely disagree with those that say you don't owe anyone an explanation for wanting to change the laundry room. As anj_p said, many, many people come here asking for ballpark figures on what it would cost to do x, y and z and often experience sticker shock when they hear what to expect cost-wise, even in a low cost of living area.

I am not a pro but I agree that since this isn't a space meant for guests, function should be the priority. If you really want the laundry room to match the kitchen as far as quality, could you contact the real estate agent or previous owner to find out the maker of the kitchen cabinets and consult them into coming up with a plan for the laundry room? I don't have room in my laundry room for a rod to hang clothes, but your inspiration picture does, so over the sink would be a good place for one if that's something you want. If you do not need the cabinets on the window wall for additional storage, I would remove them and put in a bench and cubby system. We have a utility tub in the laundry room and is comes in handy, so I would probably change out the smaller sink for either a bigger one or something like a utility tub.

Enough with the judgement already.

Chocolatebunny123 : The problem wasn't someone asking why they they were changing the laundry room. Someone actually asked in a not so nice way, why did she even buy the house in the first place since she's wanting to change so many things and she has a few threads on houzz going. THAT doesn't require an explanation.

Tdgoetz, you do not need to justify and explain why you’re spending the money, or how much it will cost! People shouldn’t make comments about that, as A. it’s your business and B. I’m sure you have your reasons. We, too, found ours in a similar situation, but we are doing our reno in smaller steps....sometimes it’s good to live in a space and really get to know it before making reno decisions. Had I had the time (between closing and moving in), the foresight and idea, I would have switched the location of my office and laundry room with our current guest room and en-suite bath. Alas, we didn’t really have the time, needed the bath and laundry (because we were renovating the master bath), and now that both laundry and bath have been completely done I had the epiphany to switch the two suites!! I may still do this down the road if I don’t some lying-around money, but hubs, of course, thinks I’m nuts. Oh, well....live and learn. As to your laundry room, I totally understand why you want to reno it....I would use (since you want to keep things light) lighter wood than in the kitchen (but similar style), and lighter counter tops, either granite or quartz. Good luck!