Face it: There is nothing special about a basic laundry room. Dirty clothes go in; clean clothes (hopefully) come out. But, what if your lackadaisical laundry room could transform into something more exciting? With a little design sense and a few home accessories, you can get ready to entertain in a heartbeat. Yes! With simple design and planning, you can instantly transform your side room filled with piles of clothing into a butler’s pantry, a dry bar or even an office!

First of all, to make a secondary space, your room is going to need a flat horizontal surface. If you have a front-loading washer and dryer, then you are in luck. (And not a set on pedestals. All you will need to do is to build a countertop. You can do this with plywood, a company come in and install granite… the options are endless. If you have a top-loading set, you can still build a countertop, but it will definitely take more thought.

The next step is to install shelving. If you want a modern space, use shelving that doesn’t have brackets or extra trim. For a more classic feel, use decorative brackets. This design includes many great home decor items!

Finally you will want to install a fabric skirt that, when closed, will hide your washer and dryer. To install fabric you can install a curtain rod underneath the counter-top and use drapery hardware to ensure your skirt will function and slide for easy use of your laundry room.

Consider using acrylic, glass or metal canisters with decorative flair, to store your laundry must-haves. Baskets and other decor also work well to contain the clutter. Notice the chalkboard, you can even think of it as your very own one-of-a-kind wall art!

Now…Here’s how to easily transform your laundry room into a:
Butler’s Pantry (for a holiday party) – Decorate your shelves with silver trays, platters and store your dishes and table-wear within easy reach. Hang aprons on hooks and use cuisine-themed wall hangings.
Dry Bar – Utilize shelving for wine, liquor and glassware. Line the back of the countertop with small containers containing olives, maraschino cherries, etc.
Craft Room or Office – Use boxes and small baskets to organize office/craft clutter and put a stool in your new working room!

You aren’t relegated to these options; there are so many ways to utilize your new space! You just have to get a little creative!

For more creative ideas for decorating your home visit Arcadian Home, where you can find many home decor items, including table decorations, oval mirrors and much more!