Laundry Room Makeover: Choosing Coastal Finishes & Storage
Thinking about a laundry room makeover or even a pantry makeover but not sure where to start? That’s exactly where I was—struggling with storage that wasn’t efficient and counter space that barely existed.
These two adjacent spaces in my home needed better organization, a smarter layout, and more room to actually use them.
Before the laundry room makeover and pantry makeover, this was my reality—limited storage, wasted space, and barely any counter room.👇
Back when we built our home in 2008, the cabinetry in these rooms was an afterthought, using remnant pieces that weren’t designed with the spaces in mind.
That meant storage wasn’t as efficient as it could be, and the lack of proper counter space made daily tasks more difficult. (If you’ve ever felt like your laundry room was more of a dumping ground than a functional space, I get it!)
Creating a Space That Works for Us (& Might Work for You, Too!)
I wanted these rooms to feel calm, fresh, and highly functional. The goals?
- More counter space for folding laundry and organizing pantry essentials.
- Custom cabinetry designed specifically to maximize every inch of storage.
- A solution for kitchen clutter by moving frequently used appliances into the pantry.
- A coastal-inspired aesthetic that felt clean, bright, and intentional.
Behind-the-scenes look at the process of creating a laundry room and pantry makeover that’s both aesthetic and functional.👇
✨ Unexpected Bonus of the Pantry Makeover:
My pantry counter now doubles as a bar area when we entertain! Since our kitchen tends to be a natural gathering spot, shifting the bar setup into the pantry has helped eliminate congestion.
Now, guests can grab a drink without crowding the kitchen—a small change that made a big difference.
Design Choices That Made All the Difference
Cabinets: The Star of this Laundry Room Makeover
The foundation of any well-designed space starts with great cabinetry. Whether it’s a laundry room makeover or a pantry makeover, thoughtful storage is key to making the space work for you.
My original cabinets were mismatched and inefficient. So, I worked with Rockland Custom Cabinets to create storage that fit the way we use these rooms.
The result?
Shaker-style cabinets in Niebla Azul (a soft, coastal blue by Sherwin Williams) that are timeless, functional, and make everything feel put together.
The new custom-built cabinets maximize every inch, with a tall section for cleaning supplies and pull-out rolling shelves for easy access. The upper cabinets? Designed to hold a large laundry basket, perfectly placed to catch clothes from the chute—because why not let gravity do the work?
So really take time to think about how you typically work (or WANT to work) in the space you’re updating. Because, let me tell you—having storage that actually makes sense is a game-changer.
💡 Helpful tip: Love the idea of blue cabinets but feel nervous about commitment? A muted shade like Niebla Azul reads as a soft neutral while still adding that dreamy hint of color.
Curious why I chose this shade? Here’s my full breakdown: The Best Coastal Blue Cabinet Paint Colors: Why I Love Niebla Azul
💙 Highly recommend: Deep, wide drawers! Once you have them, you’ll never go back. If you’re designing a space, swap standard lower cabinets for extra-wide drawers—they make organizing (and actually finding things!) so much easier.so much easier.
Countertops: More Workspace, Finally!
Lack of counter space was one of my biggest pain points, especially in the pantry. A pantry makeover isn’t just about shelves—having usable workspace for meal prep and organization is a total game-changer. I wanted something bright, low-maintenance, and budget-friendly.
While stone would have been lovely, it just wasn’t in the budget for this laundry room and pantry makeover. But that didn’t mean I had to settle for something uninspiring! I chose a marble-look laminate that instantly brightened the space and gave it a clean, classic look—without the high-end price tag.
✨ Biggest Win: The extra surface space is a total game-changer—now I have room for folding laundry, unloading groceries, and keeping things organized.
💡 Helpful Tip: Love the look of marble but need something budget-friendly? Matte-finish laminate with subtle veining gives an elevated look for a fraction of the cost.
Flooring: Classic Hex Tile with a Modern Twist
So many samples, so much second-guessing… but this laundry room makeover flooring was worth the debate!
I am so glad I trusted my gut on this color combo!
I knew I loved the hexagon shape from the start, but I hesitated on going with white—would it feel too stark? Too hard to keep clean? Let’s just say we spent many days with many different colors of hex tile samples laid out, second-guessing everything!
Spoiler: It was 100% the right choice!
The charcoal grout contrast was the real MVP. The pattern is timeless, the contrast is bold, and the darker grout is a lifesaver in a high-traffic space.
💡 Helpful Tip: Love light-colored floors but worry about upkeep? Darker grout hides dirt, minimizes staining, and keeps floors looking fresher longer.
Love this idea? Keep it handy.
Email this to yourself so it’s ready when you are!
Hardware: Small Details, Big Impact
The details truly make the design, and in this case, the hardware was the finishing touch that pulled everything together. I went with Golden Champagne hardware, and I love how the warm gold tones pop against the cool coastal blue of Niebla Azul—it’s the perfect balance of breezy and elegant.
- Mixing knobs and pulls kept the look feeling balanced and intentional.
- Large pulls on lower drawers = easy access and a sleek, modern feel.
- Knobs on upper cabinets = clean, streamlined, and just enough detail.
The right hardware makes all the difference! Mixing knobs, pulls, and handles adds both function and style—customizing the look to fit the space beautifully.
It’s a small upgrade with a big impact—the golden tones bring a sun-kissed coastal warmth against the cool Niebla Azul cabinets. The perfect mix of breezy and elegant, exactly what I wanted for this laundry room makeover.
💡 Helpful Tip: When choosing hardware, think about both aesthetics and function! Pulls are great for large drawers, while knobs keep upper cabinets visually light. Try mixing both! That’s what makes it look custom!
Lighting: The Perfect Coastal Glow
Lighting can make or break a space, and let’s be honest—laundry rooms and pantries aren’t exactly known for great lighting. So I swapped out the builder-grades fixture for two boho coastal flush mounts that fit the fresh, airy vibe I wanted!
Check out this wood-beaded beauty – the perfect finishing touch to my Niebla Azul cabinets.I love how the natural wood beads soften the light, casting the most gorgeous glow while adding texture and warmth.
And if you want something a little more playful? The tassel detail on this one adds a fun, relaxed touch that still fits the breezy coastal aesthetic.
💡 Helpful tip: Ceiling height matters! If you’re working with lower ceilings, flush-mount or semi-flush lighting keeps things feeling open while still bringing major style. Want the same breezy coastal vibe in your space? Look for woven, beaded, or rattan fixtures—they add warmth without overpowering.
Backsplash: A Soft Coastal Touch
Instead of tile, I went with large palm leaf wallpaper for a subtle, textured backdrop. The soft, muted tones create a dreamy backdrop for the Niebla Azul cabinets, while the champagne hardware gives it that polished, high-end feel. It’s modern, classy, and just coastal enough without shouting ‘beach house theme gone wild!’
🌿 Why wallpaper instead of tile? It creates just as much impact without the long-term commitment (or expense!)
If you’re torn, think about how often you change your style. Wallpaper lets you switch things up without demo work! I’ve shared the coastal wallpapers I’m loving here — check them out and get tips on how to style them!
If you’re looking for a less permanent option, peel-and-stick wallpaper can be a great alternative. It gives the visual impact of tile without the install hassle or long-term commitment.
Check out my top coastal wallpaper picks here (plus how to style them!) And if you’re looking for more easy, budget-friendly updates? Here are some Affordable Home Improvement Tips you might love.
💡 Helpful tip: If you’re using regular wallpaper as a backsplash, consider applying a clear, matte topcoat to protect against splashes and stains—especially in busy zones like laundry rooms or kitchens!
Appliances: A Functional Update
My gray washer and dryer aren’t new, but thankfully, I had the foresight to choose a neutral color when replacing them a few years ago! They blend in beautifully with the cabinetry and flooring, making the whole space feel seamless and intentional.
The biggest update in this laundry room makeover? Dropping the washer and dryer to floor level and adding a countertop over them! Before, my front-load appliances were raised on a step, making it easier to load and unload—but also raising the cabinet height just out of my comfortable reach (hello, step stool life at 5’4″!).
💡 Game-changer: Lowering the washer and dryer not only allowed for a spacious new countertop, but also brought the upper cabinets down to a more accessible height. Now, I can grab my laundry supplies without climbing, and the added surface space? Absolutely glorious for sorting, folding, or just setting things down.
Wall Decor: Keeping It Simple
If you know me, you know my home is practically a Joyfully Said showroom! Their pieces are sprinkled throughout my spaces, and I couldn’t resist using the ‘Shoreline’ wooden wall art here. It’s the perfect finishing touch—simple yet full of character, bringing in that effortless coastal charm I love.
Since my laundry room is a drop zone, and my pantry is a “busy-looking” space with open shelving, I kept wall decor minimal to maintain an uncluttered, calm vibe. (I mean, I DO spend a seemingly tremendous amount of time in my laundry room, and calm is exactly what I need!)
💡 Helpful Tip: In high-traffic areas, one statement piece makes just as much impact as multiple smaller items—without the clutter!
If you love how coastal blues can transform small spaces, you might also enjoy reading about my Coastal Blues Inspire this Small Bath DIY Makeover, where I used similar tones for a serene, spa-like feel.
The Final Look: Fresh, Coastal, and Functional
This laundry room and pantry makeover turned two mismatched, inefficient spaces into bright, highly functional retreats—proving that even small rooms deserve thoughtful design!
📸 The not-so-glamorous reality of a pantry makeover!
Before everything had its place, there was a whole lot of sorting, decluttering, and organizing. Bins everywhere, random food discoveries and the confirmation that I needed a much better system.
Whether you’re planning a laundry refresh or tackling a pantry makeover, small changes can make a huge impact. Keys to success included:
- Coastal-inspired cabinetry in Niebla Azul keeps the space fresh but timeless.
- More counter space = easy meal prep, laundry folding, and entertaining.
- Thoughtful storage solutions make everyday tasks easier.
And the best part? These small, often-overlooked rooms now feel just as intentional as the rest of my home.
✨ Thinking about a small space refresh? Even small swaps—like better storage, fresh paint, or stylish lighting—can make a huge impact!
More Coastal Home Inspiration
If you love the coastal blues in this makeover, you might also enjoy:
- The Best Coastal Blue Cabinet Paint Colors: Why I Love Niebla Azul – A deep dive into why Niebla Azul is my go-to blue!
- Coastal Blues Inspire This Small Bath DIY Makeover – See how I used similar blue hues to create a spa-like bathroom.
- How to Find Your Home Color Palette –or– Your Guide to Home Color Schemes for Coastal Interiors – Need help choosing colors that work beautifully together? Start here!
- Affordable Home Improvement: Easy Home Bathroom Facelift – When you find yourself in a space that’s not quite hitting the mark, but a full renovation isn’t on the horizon
💬 Do you have a space that’s not quite working for you? Tell me in the comments or email me —I’d love to help with ideas!
