Decorology

Category: laundry room

  • Bring your interiors to life with wallpaper

    Bring your interiors to life with wallpaper

    Wallpaper can elevate your room to the next level

    I have yet to actually use wallpaper in any room of my home, but considering the options out there these days, I would like to try it in my next home. Wallpaper is so much more than the stuffy patterns and colors of the past. Wallpaper today can be bold, modern, textural, quiet, fun…whatever you want for the aesthetic of your room.

    Palm is having a major moment. I want a palm bathing suit…and palm throw pillows…and this palm wallpaper from Wallpaper from the 70s. It has to be a really good quality graphic with vibrant colors. The wallpaper in the photo above fits the bill perfectly. For a large and bold print like the one above, I would get my feet wet by trying it in a smaller space like a powder room or hallway. It isn’t hard to find wallpaper these day, but make sure you find a source that is good quality and easy to install.

    The wallpaper in the room above is so whimsical, and perfect for an accent wall. It would be darling in a kid’s room or a cute boutique. Also be sure that the source of your wallpaper provides good installation instructions so your finished project looks as good as possible and lasts as long as possible.

    Wallpaper styles for everyone

    Want an artistic, botanical pattern? There are so many to choose from! And like palms, florals are having a MAJOR moment now – especially if you are into big, bold, colorful florals. I think the bird pattern below is really precious and would be perfect for a country dining room or a naturalist’s library.

    Want something really unexpected? The vintage illustration style of the cloudy sky below almost looks abstract. And in the laundry room? What an unexpected treat when folding and sorting!

    The colorful, painterly dots in the wallpaper below would be perfect for kid or even a sophisticated adult. And it lends itself to many different decor styles.

    Want to add some visual interest to your walls without any color or distracting patterns? The subtle geometric monochrome paper in this staircase adds texture and depth, but doesn’t steal the scene.

    Do you use wallpaper in your home or would you consider it? Let us know in the comments! Thanks to Wallpaper from the 70s assistance writing this post! All photos were found on the Wallpaper from the 70s website.

  • Top home improvement tips to add value to an old home

    Top home improvement tips to add value to an old home

    If you’ve ever wanted to renovate your home but never felt like you could justify it, take comfort in the fact that whatever you do to enjoy your house now will almost certainly pay off in the future.

    First, ask yourself this: is the renovation worth it?

    Is smashing through the wall to add a new room worth it? What about rehauling a tired-looking kitchen with new marble countertops? And what about digging the yard to add a pool?If you plan to renovate your home, ask yourself these questions first. If you’re really into adding value to boost your home’s appraisal value, then doing so is a good idea.

    To ensure that your money is well spent, be sure to do a lot of research and see if you have valid reasons for an upgrade. A house that’s near collapse from calamities or natural decay may not be renovation-worthy. In these cases, it’s a good option to purchase a new home through an affordable home loan. In fact, many families change location due to a bad neighbourhood or just because moving is the practical solution to their current familial issues.

    Now if you’re keen on continuing your project, then here are a couple of home improvement tips that will certainly add value to an old home.

    old house renovation

    via BusyBoo

    Upgrade the kitchen.

    A kitchen renovation needs to be at the top of your list because it’s the heart of a home. It’s where families spend a lot of time. You can start by upgrading to stainless steel appliances like electric skillets and adding countertops made from granite or stone since these easily improves the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen. Details such as shiny knobs on cabinets and purchasing a sparkling new faucet for the sink can make a lot of difference as well.

    old house renovation

    My Domaine

    Improve the bathroom.

    Old, cracked or dirty bathroom is an absolute turn-off. This space needs to be eye-catching and practical. Start by installing a vanity that can recess into the wall to save space. Good lighting also adds instant value, so does adding a window in the bathroom to allow natural light to illuminate the space.

    old home renovation

    via My Domaine

    Flooring replacement.

    Upgrading to hardwood flooring can boost the home’s sales price by 2.5 percent based on a study by Realtor.com. Hardwood flooring may require a bit more maintenance, but they make a space look more inviting, luxurious, and comfortable.

    old house renovation

    via My Domaine

    Home accessories and furniture.

    Adding proper accessories and furniture can bring new life to any room. For a limited budget, you can focus on adding the highest quality main furniture piece possible in the room and then get affordable accents. For instance, buy an expensive sofa for the living room.You’ll spend a lot of time using it plus you can get creative with the decorating.

    old house renovation

    via Pinterest

    Add a separate laundry area.

    A well-organized separate laundry room makes life easier and makes regular laundering a breeze. Depending on available space, a separate laundry space can be created by converting a closet or building an entire designated laundry room.

    End Note

    As you start with these improvements, don’t forget your budget. A well-researched strategy can up your home value as well as make everyday living for you and your family a pleasure. You can make use of different home loan types that are available and comfortable for you. Best of luck with your home renovation!

    Thanks to Newcastle Permanent for collaborating on this post!

  • 4 Tell-Tale Signs That Your Tumble Dryer Needs to be Repaired

    4 Tell-Tale Signs That Your Tumble Dryer Needs to be Repaired

    It usually happens just after the Christmas period. Your kids are due back to school after the festivities, and now you’re rushing around trying to get clothes ready. Unfortunately for you, your tumble dryer has other ideas and decides to pack up. It’s one of the worst times for a tumble dryer to break. Not only is it too cold to hang clothes outside, but your pockets are all but empty, so buying a new one isn’t always possible. Tumble dryers won’t tell you when they’re about to break, but they do give off a few good hints.

    Laundry Room Ideas

    via HGTV

    1.     Little to No Heat

    This is a pretty self-explanatory reason why your tumble dryer needs to be repaired. It’s also one of the most common problems encountered in households. Without heat, you’ll get out loads of clothes that were just as wet as when they went in. Of course, not all tumble dryers just pack up and don’t provide clothes with the heat they need. Some tumble dryers give out heat but aren’t as efficient as they once were. Either way, it’s crucial you get it repaired sooner rather than later to ensure your clothes aren’t stuck when it really matters.

    Laundry Room Ideas

    via HGTV

    2.     The Drum’s Not Turning

    Again, this is a fairly common problem in households and, although your tumble dryer can still dry clothes when the drum’s not working properly, it’s going to be very inefficient and you’re going to be using a lot more energy. If your drum takes a while to start, that’s usually a good sign to get it fixed. Some tumble dryers take a while to start their cycle anyway, especially if they’re old, but if your drum isn’t turning at all after a few minutes of waiting, you should consider tumble dryer repairs by Hotpoint as they can provide you with a quick fix.

    Laundry Room Ideas

    via Jenna Sue Design Co.

    3.     Water Leaks

    Water leaks can happen for various reasons, and it doesn’t always mean your dryer is about to die. For example, most tumble dryers have a water tank that needs emptying regularly. If it’s not, it will simply overflow, and you’ll need to clean up the mess. However, if you’re still encountering water leaks even though you’ve emptied the tank, it could be because of loose washers, bad pipework, or simply because it has built up limescale and parts need replacing. Don’t leave it to chance, though, inspect your machine thoroughly and get it repaired before repair costs keep on rising.

    laundry room ideas

    4.     Loud Noises

    There aren’t many tumble dryers on the market that can provide a quiet service. However, some machines will become much louder than others because of other issues. One of those is because of loose bearings. Another one is a tumble dryer with worn felt pads. If you notice a difference in noise levels when your tumble dryer operates, it could be time to get someone out to have a look.

    Laundry Room Ideas

    via bepurposed.com

    Of course, it’s not just the above tell-tale signs that suggest your tumble dryer needs to be repaired. Other issues such as bad odours, powerless, and extreme vibrations are also common issues that can prevent machines from working in the future. If you’ve had your machine for longer than the warranty, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your machine, and if you notice anything different, simply call out the repairman. It does come at a cost, but it’s a lot cheaper than having to front the cost of a new tumble dryer in the future when your machine is completely broken but could have been easily fixed.

    *disclosure this post in consideration with HotPoint Service

  • A home full of charm, beautiful details, and built-ins!

    A home full of charm, beautiful details, and built-ins!

    I love our home, but if I lived in this one I’d be pinching myself every morning to make sure I wasn’t still in a dream.  This is the Willow House by  Kate Marker Interiors.. It’s so serene and everything is top-quality craftsmanship.  It’s also full of built-ins and clever storage solutions.  I’ve filled our closets with adjustable wire shelving, but it’s just not the same as having built-ins.  Of course, the color palette is just right too.  White and soft hues on the walls with pops of color to breathe life into the space.

    I really encourage you to click on these images to see them full size so you don’t miss out on how beautiful the furnishings and details are.

    The house has modest, but great bones, which really lends itself to built-ins.

    The neutral walls allow beautiful furniture like this amazing table to shine.

    WWWAAAAYYYYY nicer than our laundry room.  Maybe laundry wouldn’t be so bad then.  My sweet hubby did build me a barn door similar to that one though, which I plan to share soon.

    Treat a small space just like you would a large one and people seem to not notice how small it is as much.  Even in a small bedroom, I never put the bed against the wall.

    The dormer windows still allow a decent amount of light in this room.

    Love this piece.  Since most of the furniture is in more neutral colors, this cupboard in inky blue doesn’t add to the visual business of the space.

    Holy built-ins.

    A kitchen desk in something I really want in our next house.

    See the entire home here.
    All images via Kate Marker Interiors.

  • An Extra Rug

    An Extra Rug

    The cold weather creeps in this time of year and the beautiful hardwood and tile floors make walking around barefoot almost impossible! 
    This is when my extra rugs come out! For most season, I tend to leave the gorgeous hardwood floors uncovered and enjoy how beautiful view but this time of year, my rugs make an appearance! 
    Even layering rugs can give you that extra comfort and coziness you are looking for!
    My personal favorite place to add a rug is the laundry room! It may be the one place we all don’t want to spend our time, but the warm dryer and a nice warm rug underneath my feet aren’t so bad in the winter!
    This laundry room is gorgeous.:
    via brit.co
    Do you like to add rugs in the winter? Where do you put yours?
    Leave a comment below!
  • Small Spaces done right

    Small Spaces done right

    It’s difficult to create a roomy feel when you are limited on square footage. Here are a few examples of different spaces that I think are done well for limited space. 
    A bedroom doesn’t have to be large to be glamorous. You also don’t need a lot in a bedroom to make it a bedroom! A bed and a side table will do just fine since this is a room for sleeping. Keep is simple with a touch of your personality to make it homey.
    Laundry rooms can be extravagant or simple but making the most of the space you have is what makes it stand out. This simple closet doesn’t look like much but it has everything you need.
    An office doesn’t require a room, a little nook or corner will do just fine! I love when paint is used to separate a space like this. Keep it simple and clutter free so it doesn’t matter where in the home it is!
    Closets are so personal. Everyone has different priorities for them and different needs whether it’s shelving, hanging space, or shoe storage! When the closet is small sometimes you can feel limited to how you can design it to fit your needs, but this picture proves that you still can!
    Sometimes a dinning room room table or a kitchen table aren’t a necessary! If you don’t have a large family, a dinning room might be a waste of space. This kitchen nook is perfect for small spaces and the extra storage on the side is a great bonus.
    Powder rooms tend to be small, but what do you do if you have a tiny powder room? This one is done so well! With a skinny sink to give youroom to walk and a bold pattern behind the toilet, this space looks well designed even though it’s super small!

  • A Look Back at 2014

    It’s been a wonderful year on decorology! Our viewers have grown, and I feel like I have as too! This year I got married, moved into a new home, and welcomed a new dog into our family! Here’s a look back on what your favorite posts were in 2014:

    When it comes to hanging your clothing, if your space is lacking a built-in closet, a stand-in wardrobe can be just as effective. By adding in shelving, baskets, shoe racks, drawer units and even pin-boards for outfit inspiration, you have a custom closet solution tailored to your personal needs.
    The ratings this year say that small is in! It seems we are all trying to downsize with the economy taking a toll on us this year. I’m looking forward to see what we all fall in love with in 2015!

  • Sink or No Sink?

    I am curious today to hear who has a sink in their laundry room and who doesn’t? If you don’t, would you put a sink in yours? I currently don’t have a sink in my laundry room but would definitely love to have one eventually.

    Comment below and let me know!
  • Inspiring ways to use subway tiles

    Inspiring ways to use subway tiles

    Sometimes the simplicity of subway tiles really makes me happy. They are simple, can be dressed up or dressed down, and always budget friendly. They are also a classic… but I’m interested to see what you think about them! Would you put subway tiles in your home?

    subway tile


  • Small laundry room inspiration

    Small laundry room inspiration

    When did it finally sink in that I was a homeowner?  It wasn’t when I was carrying boxes in to our living room or kitchen, it was when I walked past our laundry room for the first time.  I know it sounds silly, but I have never had my own laundry room – I either had to go to a laundromat or down the hall to the residents’ laundry room. However, since this space isn’t usually seen by guests it tends to be put on the back burner for any updates. I like to remember how grateful I am to finally have my own laundry room by keeping it functional and organized.  Below are some dream laundry rooms for inspiration

    Even if you only have a laundry nook, make it feel more luxe with an updated lighting fixture, and sleek shelving with organized supplies.
    via BHG

    Love this Stain kit idea!
    You can still make a small laundry space work for you and be pretty too. Making the most of the room you do have may take a little creativity and narrowing down your items to just necessities, but making it functional will really help you enjoy this space

    Don’t forget about the accessories! Have fun with them and mix them up since there are a lot of different small items that get put in the laundry room. Baskets and clear jars keep smaller items from creating visual clutter.

    Giving your laundry room a makeover doesn’t need to be pricey. A few cabinets and a table top to fold your clothes can really make a difference in the room. Also adding a touch of color with some paint can make it feel more like a homey space than a commercial laundry.

    If you laundry room has plenty of space you might consider a wash tub or sink, and some hang up space for those items that need to hang dry.  I think laundry room slop sinks are a must.  We don’t have one yet, but it’s on my registry! A rug can also add a little comfort to this space to keep it from being to stiff and cold.