8.23.2012

laundry room turned workspace.

as I was editing the "before" pictures for this post, Rowan was sitting next to me looking on.  "mom," he says.  "our house was broken."  haha, yes, it kinda was!  but that's not saying it wasn't anything we (um, Gary and my dad) couldn't fix!  how about we start by tearing apart this awful laundry room!  wait, I can't even call it a room.  maybe more of a-- what would I describe it as?  a closet?  yeah, that's what it was.  A CLOSET.  and all I knew is that I sure wasn't going to do laundry for twelve people in A CLOSET.  not that I haven't dealt with itty bitty laundry rooms before, you know, the kind where you have to back up in order to get out, but A CLOSET?  located smack dab in the middle of the hallway no less?  could you imagine?  I mean, picture piles of clothes littering the floor with kids hurdling over them to get to their bedrooms (you know they would), and so pretty soon you've got dirty clothes mixed with clean clothes and oh my goodness gracious sakes alive.  you might as well put me in a straight jacket and haul me off to the funny farm, because that just sounds like an absolute nightmare.

fortunately, Gary agreed with me on this issue wholeheartedly, so phew!  no funny farm.  yet.           

BEFORE: notice Gary carefully jotting down notes.  "so," he says.  "let me get this straight.  basically, all I have to do is tear apart the frame, haul the old washer out, cap off the plumbing, put up sheet rock, patch the holes, rip out those shelves, paint, put new flooring in, add a light switch, and change out the ceiling light?"  um, yeah.  guess that's *basically* about it.  cringe.  but you know what, though?  I was continually amazed at all the stuff he knew how to do!  incredibly talented, this guy.  I mean, I know how to work a screwdriver does that count?       


AFTER: ah, a much better use of that "closet", wouldn't you say?  uh huh, yep.  sure is!  wow, you guys are so agreeable!  fortunately, I already had the desk (from IKEA), and amazingly enough, it happened to fit perfectly in that space.  the kids have been using this nook to do their homework, and occasionally I'll sit here to edit pictures.  or stare blankly at the wall.  as you can see, I haven't gotten too far on filling up those yellow bookcases. 


so, there you have it!  good-bye laundry closet, hello clean, fresh workspace! 

-jessica

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

YOu should work for a magazine!!! ~jess

Anonymous said...

Wow, that's amazing! Beth B

Kate said...

I love this space! I have seen that wooden hand a few places now and each time it just makes me want it more!! :))

Kristin said...

Love it!

susie e said...

what a handy man you married!

Joanne Anderson said...

Looks like a model home Jessica. Your house is becoming very beautiful. You have a very talented husband so you make a great team with all of your ideas and his carpentry talents.

leah of sang the bird said...

Your space is so beautiful. I love the styling and your eye for detail xx

Kelly said...

Jessica this is just lovely!! I love any peek you give us of your lovely home! I was wondering if you know the color you chose for your walls and trim? I am looking for a nice crisp color and these look great!

jessica said...

Thank you, Kelly! Glad you like it! :) the walls are Benjamin Moore edgecomb grey and the trim is from sherwin Williams, just the basic bright white trim in semi-gloss!