Cheery Laundry Room Transitional Laundry Room, Minneapolis

The cheerful laundry room was the first room to be redesigned, and it inspired all of other rooms on the basement level. New countertops and cabinetry, colorful built-ins and a painted concrete floor transformed this space. A cute set of curtains hides drying laundry when guests come over. "She loves doing laundry now," says Penfield of the client. "Who wouldn't?"Paint color on built-in shelves: Raspberry Pudding, Benjamin Moore and Cocktail Hour, Hirshfield's

Rooms and ClosetsOrganizing an entire room or closet might take more time than you bargained for. To break the project up, set aside tasks that can be tackled while you're watching TV or listening to music.Trying on clothes. It's tough to keep focus if you alternate between sorting piles by category and trying on clothes for size. Set aside clothing you need to try on and deal with it later, which could mean today or next week.Untangling necklaces and bracelets. This is best done with a needle under good lighting. Testing out batteries. Even though you may think it will only take a second, this activity is a minefield of unforeseen distractions. You'll probably need time to hunt down your rarely used battery charger to check levels.Expert tip: Keep your to-do list close by so that you can jot down all the items that will need attention at a later time.

One of the first upgrades to make to a laundry room is adding counter space. Front-loading washers free up space on top of the appliance, so it is possible to install a counter over the washer and dryer. Make sure to leave space for the machines to move without hitting the counter. You’ll need to install wood blocking to support the counter — don’t rest it on the machine.Shop washing machines on Houzz

11. Contractor Tips: Wise Advice for Laundry Room DesignWhile laundry rooms used to be seen only in basements, they're now found on virtually any floor of new houses — which means they need to look better and be more efficient. This story covers all the basics, including adding storage, making sure your doors swing in the right direction and soundproofing the space.

3. Colorful Minneapolis laundry area. Small spaces like laundry rooms can be great places for bold color. Houzzers took a cue from this one, saving this photo for its brightly painted shelves and handy hang-dry space.

4. Add fabric. If you don’t have a window to dress, perhaps there’s an open-shelving situation that could use a little drapery. Bring in pieces that are more commonly found in your living room to prove that this room is just as important. Picking a sharp and intentional palette also drives that thought home.

Dry hanging above if not stacked

Curtains to hide mess from driveway and entrance? Hokey?

Shelves, counter space, cabinets, space to hang clothes

The look of the curtains covering the workspace

Hanging space & counter over machines