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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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August 29, 2012

How To Create an Office in a Laundry Room

Traditional Laundry Room design by Atlanta Kitchen And Bath Designs by BSB
Source

I can’t believe that it has been so long since I shared with you an update on my Picket Fence Project!

Talk about a learning experience! When I was hired by our friends to help them rebuild their home after it was almost completely lost in a fire (no one was injured thank the Lord!), I had no idea just how involved the process would be. It has been so incredible to see the plans we sketched out on paper come to life.
 And after the latest walk-through this past weekend, I was reminded again of what an honor it has been to be apart of this journey.

This is how things were looking the last time I showed it to you:

DSC_0486-001

Here is how it is looking now. Isn’t the stone work beautiful?

The home should be completed within the next few weeks and this past Saturday we got to see the beginning stages of the cabinet installations.

I vividly remember, several months ago, standing in the skeleton of what would become the new mud room. As the homeowner, builder and I discussed some of the details I kept looking over at this one empty wall.

I knew it was MEANT to be something.

It had so much potential!

That’s when I remembered the conversation we had been having while looking at the kitchen layout.
There was going to be a desk area but it would be tiny.
 Teeny tiny to be exact.
And that would be the only designated office space in the entire house. That wasn’t gonna cut it!
So, I casually said, “well, what about building a desk along that wall?”

And then they looked at me like I was crazy…but I’m used to that by now!

I explained to them how I had been seeing a lot of people carving out office space in their laundry or mud rooms. And I grabbed my iphone and pulled up some pictures to prove it to them!

Like this one: I love how the desk is set back into a little nook.
Maybe it would help you to not notice the laundry piled up on the floor!

source
Or how about this one? Seriously you can barely tell that there is a washer and dryer in this space, it is just so gorgeous with all of those built-ins!


source

I’m not sure I would be able to concentrate on my blog writing if I was facing all of the wonderful windows in this next photo, but I’m sure I would manage…somehow! And, how fabulous is that bulletin board?


source

This next photo shows that the design doesn’t have to be elaborate. Simply by leaving an open space underneath the counter top, room was made for a functional desk area.

Traditional Spaces design by Architect Sarah Susanka, FAIA

source

I love the little cubbies above the desk in this next photo and utilizing the corner helped maximize the space!

home office laundry room
source

Add in a fridge and you wouldn’t ever have to leave this next space.
 Well, that is until your family realized that they were out of socks and underwear and came looking for you!

hr2933312-17
source

I love that the washer and dryer in this next room are hidden behind the curtains.
And using a free-standing desk shows that you don’t have to do custom built-ins to make your office/laundry room functional and pretty!

Eclectic Home Office design by Minneapolis Interior Designer Lucy Interior Design

source

Our friend Kristin from My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia carved out this wonderful desk space for her boys in their mudroom. You truly should go over and see the rest of this awesome makeover!


source

I love absolutely everything about this next one! Maybe it’s because the color of the cabinets remind me of my own laundry room cabinets. Or maybe it’s the floor? Or that open shelving? Or that it’s HUGE?

Traditional Laundry Room design by Atlanta Kitchen And Bath Designs by BSB

source

This space, created by Jolie of the lovely blog Shopping Candy, does triple duty as it serves as a laundry room, office and a craft room!


source

Well, there you have it!
10 different ways to incorporate an Office Space into your Laundry Room or Mud Room.

Would you ever consider doing this?

I can’t wait to show you how the Laundry Room Office turns out in my Picket Fence Project House along with the rest of the incredible transformation!

We also want to take a quick moment to announce the “second” winner of the Southern Blogger’s Conference Pass! Our first winner wasn’t able to attend so….CONGRATULATIONS to
REBECCA of YOU ARE TALKING TOO MUCH!! 
We will be in touch to get you your pass…and there’s still time for YOU to get YOUR ticket! Click the link below for more information…hope to see you there! 
Southern Bloggers Conference

Thanks so much for joining me today at the Fence,

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Friday Party Friends:
vif187Fridays Unfolded
Photobucket

24 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas, Round-Up

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Suzy says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:01 PM

    I had no idea how cool it could be to turn your laundry room into a multipurpose room! All of these rooms are so beautiful that I would have trouble choosing just one. Congrats to Rebecca on winning the ticket!

    Reply
  2. How to Nest for Less says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:13 PM

    Wow, I know what I want in my next house!!

    Reply
  3. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:14 PM

    I love this idea. I would totally do this if my laundry room was large enough – mine is so small!

    Reply
  4. One bolt short of a toolbox says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:33 PM

    This is amazing, no one ever thinks to put the office and the laundry room together!

    newest follower of your blog, i love it!

    Jan
    door251.com

    Reply
  5. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:50 PM

    I love this idea, Vanessa! I wish I had room in my laundry/garage entry area for something like this. Some of the laundry rooms you’ve shown are so big it would be a shame not to utilize them for something else ~ along with laundry!

    Reply
  6. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    I DID do this — and I’d do it again if given the chance! When we incorporated the laundry area in our 1907 house into an enlarged master bath, we moved the laundry upstairs to a huge extra bedroom. On one end of the room, we stacked the washer/dryer and added an L-shaped counter with a large soaking sink for cleaning my vintage linens. The rest of the room has space for a computer armoire, Etsy shop shipping supplies, craft storage, sewing desk AND a small settee. It’s a tight fit, but I spend a lot of time in this space! If I ever started from scratch, I’d design a smaller room that had counters around every wall with shelves and cubbies above. It would be a multi-multi-function room in a very efficiently-designed space. …Perhaps something like you’re working on for your friends! Can’t wait to see what you do.

    Reply
  7. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:55 PM

    Oh my word, I love that first one best,but then they are all fabulous. I would take any one of them in a heartbeat. Stunning examples. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  8. Sandy says

    August 28, 2012 at 3:28 PM

    Unfortunately, my laundry is sent to our basement, very few laundry rooms seen in new houses circa 1979. But we do have four bedrooms and the posted room with the fabulous vertical bulletin board would be my ideal office to copy for one of my unused rooms.

    Reply
  9. Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap says

    August 28, 2012 at 6:01 PM

    we might end up in the future with an office/laundry room combo (and drum room too). Our washer/dryer is in the garage, and we are kicking around the idea of converting the garage into a livable space…down the road. A lot of people in Italy have their washer in the kitchen or main bathroom! (no dryer)

    Reply
  10. Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says

    August 28, 2012 at 7:00 PM

    I loved the brick floors in that all in one number 😉 It’s almost all I could look at!
    I you will work some magic on your project!!

    Congrats to REBECCA!!! Could not happen to a sweeter girl 🙂

    Reply
  11. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    August 28, 2012 at 7:27 PM

    I love this idea Vanessa and love all that beautiful inspiration!!

    Reply
  12. Ruby Jean says

    August 28, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    I SERIOUSLY could use a HUGE laundry room. I always marvel at how small they come.. It is a space that is just about as important as the kitchen.. 🙂
    Blessings
    Angelina

    Reply
  13. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    August 28, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    I just love all the laundry/work rooms…my next house…will have one less bedroom and one HUGE laundry/craft/workroom…my dream…thanks for all the inspiration of those unbelievable rooms!!!

    Reply
  14. Cristina Garay says

    August 29, 2012 at 12:54 AM

    They are all beautiful rooms! I wish I have more space in my laundry room so I could incorporate an office!

    Reply
  15. ange says

    August 29, 2012 at 3:09 AM

    What a great idea! You know I love making offices in small spaces or other rooms. Can’t wait to see the house, the sneak peek of the stone fireplace is amazing!

    Reply
  16. Becca says

    August 29, 2012 at 10:13 AM

    Genious idea, Vanessa … they are going to be thanking you left and right when it comes to fruition! I have a tiny “command central” in our mudroom … not a desk, but, at least it is a counter where I place our calendar … school items that needs to be addressed, etc. I look forward to seeing the house reveal … they’re luck to have your help!

    Reply
  17. Debbie says

    August 29, 2012 at 12:02 PM

    Proof positive that any space can be made twice as beautiful and twice as functional as we think it can. So inspiring! Our laundry is rather small, but I still try to multi purpose it.

    Reply
  18. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    August 29, 2012 at 2:38 PM

    Thanks for the feature ladies!! I’m loving all this eye candy!!! Enjoy the day!
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  19. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

    August 29, 2012 at 3:33 PM

    It would be great to have a laundry room big enough to also use it as an office. Our laundry room is only 7 ft by 7 ft with an angle cut out of it. It’s so small I don’t even fold clothes in it and have to bring the clean laundry into another room. Thanks for the eye candy; I would love to have any one of those!

    Reply
  20. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    August 30, 2012 at 12:45 PM

    What an honor, Vanessa, to have friends choose you to help them rebuild! I love the idea of using extra space in the laundry room for office work. Your source photos are gorgeous! And I love love love the stonework on the fireplace!

    Reply
  21. debra says

    August 31, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    LOL I love this but my laundry is done in the basement.

    However one can DREAM and that’s what this stuff is about …Just extraordinary..love it 🙂

    Reply
  22. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    September 1, 2012 at 6:05 AM

    These are really some cute ideas for carving out office space in an area you might not think to put it. Right now I’d just be happy with getting my laundry room organized!

    Reply
  23. Mobilt Bredbånd Priser says

    September 4, 2012 at 12:50 PM

    Author has good efforts for the published and interesting image so that we can connected in this blogger and used it , The good efforts for the new creativity often people are used in this blog and fantastic also.

    Reply
  24. Daisy Pink Cupcake says

    September 9, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    I like this idea!
    Daisy~

    Reply

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Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
It’s that time of the year again! Time for me to It’s that time of the year again! Time for me to set up the hot coca station! ⛄️🧣☕️It’s always a favorite spot in the house and I leave it up all winter long.

Do you have a hot cocoa or coffee station at your house? Here’s a look back at years past if you’re needing a little bit of inspiration!
#hotcocoa #hotcocoabar
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Whatever it is, I’m savoring every last bit of it as we enjoy the most beautiful final days of Autumn here in the Willamette Valley. The rain is forecasted to return later this week and I’m planning to move onto twinkling lights and evergreen boughs but, for now, here’s a little last look at Autumn in my home. 🍂

When will you begin to transition your home from Autumn to Winter?
I laughed out loud yesterday as I was listening to I laughed out loud yesterday as I was listening to a podcast. Not because something funny was said but because the timing of the statement was perfect. The guest on that episode was offering encouragement to pastors about how to stay true to God’s Word during these tumultous times and then encouraged the rest of us to be thinking of how we can show love and care towards our church pastors. He said, “maybe even have them over for dinner!” And that’s when I laughed out loud because we were hosting our pastor and his family for dinner THAT VERY NIGHT!

After the heartache of leaving the church we had attended for over 20 years, it was such a joy to have this incredible shepherd and his wife and daughter in our home. We’ve witnessed them tirelessly, sacrifically giving so much to their congregation and the community at large and we loved that we were able to give them the opportunity to receive. They are some of the warmest, kindest people you’ll ever meet.  The meal was simple (roasted chicken and vegetables recipe from @jocooks), the dessert was made the night before and it really required so little from us in terms of effort.

Friends, take care of those who are in the trenches of preaching/teaching right now as it is not an easy time to be in that role. Bake them a loaf of bread, drop off a gift card to a restaurant or maybe even have them over for dinner (but don’t use that time to complain or critique 😉). 

I truly hope that it blessed them as much as it did us! 🍂
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Here’s some inspiration from years past in my home! 🌲
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