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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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    • Featured

January 25, 2012

Mudroom Makeover

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First things first…can we just all agree that as long as it ends up as the dumping ground for all things “muddy” it can be declared a “Mudroom“?

Although, considering I live in the Pacific NW, any room in my house could technically be considered the Mudroom! Nonetheless, I am so grateful for this space which holds most of the mud. It is also our laundry room and is the first actual laundry room I ever had. My previous ones included a space in the garage in our first home and a little closet with bi-fold doors in the family room of our last house.
Our current Mud/Laundry room is just down the hallway off of our entry and leads to the garage.
It is also the ONLY room which we didn’t paint when we moved in.

Why? Don’t ask me! The only reason I can come up with is that I wasn’t totally sure what color I would want and then it ended up being so challenging to tackle considering how often we are in and out of this room every day. But, with the New Year came New Resolve to get ‘er done!
So, for your viewing pleasure and without further ado, here are a couple of Before photos:

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Thankfully, this room gave me lots to work with. Great storage and I have always loved the color of the cabinets in this soft, muddy green. Slate floors are perfect for a room that sees so much traffic.
And having a sink in here is like the icing on the cake.
But, it was pretty blah.

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 Not any more!!!

Welcome to my newly improved Mudroom!

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I am very proud to say that I did 99.9% of this project myself! Painting (soft, pale yellow), installing chair rail, installing bead board and more painting.


And, I just love it!


As you can see in the below pics, I already had the sweet little bench with baskets to store the Rascals shoes.
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But the fresh paint and bead board make such a huge difference!
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The Bead Board Bulletin Board (say that 5 times fast!) was completed last September but the fresh paint and extra touches just make it feel new all over again!

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It always amazes me how a simple can of Spray Paint can make such a huge difference!
In order to keep costs down I gave the existing faucet several coats in an Oiled Bronze.

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Now, for the “laundry” side of the room. Yes, I know, our washer and dryer are ancient.
But they just won’t break! A girl can hope right? Winking smile

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Here is another angle which is coming in from the garage.

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Simple Oiled Bronze hooks take the place of one crooked, rickety coat rack.

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The bench cushions were merely flipped over for a fresh new look!

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The biggest challenge in this space (and where I needed my sweet hubby’s help the most…love ya honey!) was this rounded corner wall you see below. It became the proverbial trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.
The problem was solved when I found little trim molding which was curved on the inside and fit  perfectly along the edges.

Oh, and A LOT of caulk was used too!

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I just couldn’t bring myself to buy all new cabinet hardware…

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…so they received a few coats of Oiled Bronze spray paint too!

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I also knew I wanted a chalkboard in here (and yes, I am the last person on the planet to make a chalkboard!) but I was really trying to keep this a low-budget project.

So, I dug around under our bed and along with a bunch of dust bunnies I found this old framed painting.

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Popped out the glass and the “painting” and gave the frame a nice new chippy finish. A scrap of wood from the garage cut to size and a few coats of Chalkboard paint finished it off!
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Ok! Ok!! Don’t all yell at me at once! I do realize that my scrap piece of wood had too much grain showing in it which then came through on the chalkboard but give a girl some credit for trying, huh?!!

This soft roman-shade-ish window treatment was made using leftover fabric from my daughter’s room.

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Sweet little vintage prints found in a second-hand store bring in some character.

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And I framed this painting which used to hang on the wall of my Great-Grandmother’s home.
Now I see it every day when I leave the house and I love the connection it gives me to her. She made the best biscuits EVER! And Heather and I used to play outside in her front yard and make mud pies which we would then try to sell to our unsuspecting but totally indulging family members!
There is a picture of us doing that somewhere…hmmm..

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The colors of this rug are just perfect in here and hide everything!
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My favorite little bucket had some life added to it by way of a Begonia and I couldn’t resist bringing in a touch of Valentine’s Day in here with this little caddy filled with goodies.

Well, there you have it folks, my completed Mudroom Makeover.Time to bring back the “stuff” of life so that this room can get to work!
Until next time, thanks so much for joining me at the Fence!
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This post is partying here:
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesdays Treasures
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
DIY By Design: Winter Blues Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
Chatty Chics: Wild Wednesday
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
2805: Potpourri Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded
A Simply Klassic Home: Simply Klassic Sundays
Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Night Special
Too Much Time on my Hands: Get Schooled Saturday
DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade

88 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie @ Wildwood Creek says

    January 24, 2012 at 2:40 PM

    Great makeover!

    Reply
  2. Judy says

    January 24, 2012 at 2:42 PM

    I just LOVE your new mudroom. I love the soft buttery yellow you chose and the bead board makes a huge difference. The mudroom is the most used room in the house next to the kitchen. You’re actually going to start to like to do laundry I bet. Gorgeous space. Love all the details and I love how you did it all yourself (I rounded up from 99%).

    Reply
  3. Jodie says

    January 24, 2012 at 2:51 PM

    So bright and cheery, makes me actually want to do laundry! Vanessa, want to come over and help me with my laundry room? Fantastic Makeover!

    Warm Wishes,
    Jodie

    Reply
  4. Full Circle Creations says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:01 PM

    It turned out lovely!
    Holly

    Reply
  5. The Green Pea says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:05 PM

    I like the look of the grain in the wood in your chalkboard. sandi

    Reply
  6. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:11 PM

    You had some great bones to work with in this room, Vanessa! I love your valance and how the cushions work so well with it. The color is great, too! I am going to have to repaint our laundry/mudroom/garage entrance area because I took down a wire shelf that left a hundred holes. I’m looking to go light since we have no window. Great job and I’ll bet you don’t mind doing laundry! : )

    Reply
  7. Debra @ Common Ground says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:14 PM

    This is fabulous, so light and bright!! Great job on the beadboard and molding, this is just a great space, plus I’d kill for a sink in my laundry room!!!

    Reply
  8. Lisa @ Before Meets After says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:25 PM

    WOW! It looks great! I am so envious of your laundry/mud room. My laundry room barely fits my w/d. We almost had to take off the baseboards. I am so impressed you did all the beadboard by yourself too!

    Reply
  9. Jeri says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:27 PM

    Gorgeous!! A room like this would make me love to do laundry!!

    Reply
  10. stefanie says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:33 PM

    i love it!!!!!

    Reply
  11. Maria Elena says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:36 PM

    Vanessa, you did such a wonderful job! It looks beautiful!
    I love everything and the window treatment looks gorgeous!

    Reply
  12. Vicki says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    Your before pictures are 100 times better than my current laundry room. It’s the last room in my home I haven’t redone, but it needs a total gut! I love all that storage you have in there! With no basement in our home, I am all about the storage. I love the color combo you choose… you did a beautiful job! So, if you and Heather are ever up in Northern Indiana, bring your tools… YOU’RE HIRED!

    Reply
  13. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:43 PM

    Fantastic job, Vanessa! (Wow, that rounded corner would really give me fits, too!) This is such a cheerful room, and I love the print that hung in your grandmother’s house. Such a sweet memory. I hope my grandones feel like that about me someday… By the way, you’re NOT the last one to paint a chalkboard. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Lisa Scibilia says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:56 PM

    Your mudroom looks great! Such a bright and cheery space! Great job on the chair rail and beadboard too!

    Reply
  15. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    What a great makevoer. Love the fresh wite beadboard and all the new touches. As long as the chalk writes on it, it’s all good! And you do get an A for effort =) Enjoy doing laundry in your fab new space! That is one awesome mudroom!!

    Reply
  16. Michelle Paige says

    January 24, 2012 at 4:00 PM

    I love all the little features you did! What a great mudroom! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  17. Coastal Cottage Dreams says

    January 24, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    Your mudroom makeover looks wonderful! Looks very bright! Don’t you just love the beadboard look, I love it! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  18. Debbie says

    January 24, 2012 at 4:11 PM

    FANTASTIC! I can hardly stand to come here sometimes because you and Heather can do such great things, and I’m Debbie ThreeThumbs.

    I also wanted to tell you that I just read your Sunday post. I hardly ever go anywhere near the computer on Sundays so I nearly missed it.
    It was wonderful, and I could relate very much even though my pride was packaged a bit differently and for different reasons. Clearly inspired.

    Reply
  19. Renewed Upon a Dream says

    January 24, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    Ohh it looks so nice! Your washer & drier don’t look very old. I’m sure you still have plenty of years left in them! At least they are nice & clean 🙂 Your room looks wonderful! Love the bead board!

    Reply
  20. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    January 24, 2012 at 4:57 PM

    Oh my goodness girl this is fabulous. First of all that space is increadible, I’m a little envious. You turned it into a functional beautiful space. I love the sign, obey your parents 🙂 Thank you so much for linking up, hope you have a great week 🙂
    XO
    Kristin
    Oh ps…..keep those ancient wash/dryer till you can because the front loaders still have a lot of upgrades to do 🙂 (mold stink issues)

    Reply
  21. Robin says

    January 24, 2012 at 5:03 PM

    You have created a cozy and inviting space. I just love the addition of the beadboard – – adds instant charm.

    Reply
  22. NanaDiana says

    January 24, 2012 at 5:11 PM

    Vanessa, GREAT job on the makeover. I need to do my laundry room and keep putting it off, too. Guess I should get on it. You did a good job of refreshing all your hardware with the bronze paint…and the faucet, too.
    Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday- xo Diana

    Reply
  23. Traci says

    January 24, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    Vanessa, your mud room looks amazing!!! What a fabulous job you did. My laundry room is tiny & not a mud room but I so need to do something to it. You’re inspiring me!

    Reply
  24. Creative Raisins says

    January 24, 2012 at 5:47 PM

    Wow what a great transformation, I love the space and the storage you have in there.

    Reply
  25. Kristin says

    January 24, 2012 at 5:56 PM

    I’m seriously impresses, Vanessa! I’m working on my laundry room now and hope to be able to show it off next week. I love everything you’ve done, and you’ve given me some great inspiration!!

    Reply
  26. michelle says

    January 24, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    This is some serious gorgeousness!! Great job girl, I love it all, the color and the cushions on the bench are so cute.
    I so wish I had mudroom with a sink, that would be heaven!
    Enjoy!
    xoxoxo

    Reply
  27. Amy @ 11Magnolialane says

    January 24, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    Gorgeous Makeover! Inspiring. I am about to add beadboard to my laundry too. I love it!
    Amy

    Reply
  28. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    January 24, 2012 at 6:32 PM

    What a bright and cheery transformation. Love all the new touches you added. I always felt that a room that you spend the most time in should be beautiful…makes doing laundry, etc. more pleasant…well, sometimes!!

    Reply
  29. Eclectically Vintage says

    January 24, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    It looks great – what a difference something as simple as new knobs can make (and great spray painting of the faucet)!! The beadboard and chalkboard are great (if only the kids would obey)!! Just posted my mudroom today – would love you to take a look.
    https://www.eclecticallyvintage.com/4/post/2012/01/my-mudroom-some-soggy-socks.html
    Kelly

    Reply
  30. Kim says

    January 24, 2012 at 6:43 PM

    It’s too beautiful to be called a Mudroom! Several years ago we moved the washer/dryer to the basement (gasp!) and turned the what was the laundry room into a mudroom and it’s one of the best decisions we ever made. Kids need a place to throw their stuff. Yours is lovely!
    xoxo,
    Kim

    Reply
  31. Calypso In The Country says

    January 24, 2012 at 6:49 PM

    What a gorgeous room! So much space and I love those cabinets. You really have a lot of storage in there. I had to laugh when you said your washer and dryer just won’t break! We replaced our washer a couple years ago with a front loader but the dryer was still working so my husband wouldn’t agree to replace that…which is a pain because it doesn’t hold as much as the washer does. Plus the washer is 2 inches taller than the dryer so it looks rediculous! I keep hoping our dryer breaks too! Anyway, thanks for sharing your beautiful mudroom!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  32. Chatty Chics says

    January 24, 2012 at 7:25 PM

    Ohhhhhhh! So pretty! Vanessa, you did such a good job! You have such a beautiful home! Promise me you’ll link this up at my place Wednesday so I can feature you girls again!
    Also, are you still interested in guest posting for me? 🙂
    Melody
    ChattyChics.com

    Reply
  33. Ginger Zuck says

    January 24, 2012 at 8:02 PM

    Great job. I am very impressed. Love the yellow! Turned out georgous! My washer and dryer are probably more anient than yours! Hey, but they work!! LOL

    Reply
  34. Thoughts for the day says

    January 24, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    Wow I am a bit jealous if I can be, my ‘room’ is under the stairs where the washer and dryer reside and the shoes are on a shoe ‘cubbie’ in the hallway.
    LOVE it…our next house will have an actual utility mud room. Thanks for sharing this.

    Reply
  35. miss flibbertigibbet says

    January 24, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    Looks super fantastic!!
    Lorraine

    Reply
  36. vsutton says

    January 24, 2012 at 9:26 PM

    Its lovely and it’s really a big room. Little green with envy!

    Reply
  37. Cre8ive Motives says

    January 24, 2012 at 10:09 PM

    You did a fabulous job. I love everything you did. I’m a bit envious, I don’t have a mud room 🙁

    ~Mandy

    Reply
  38. Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky) says

    January 24, 2012 at 10:15 PM

    It was a fantastic and functional space before (I’m more than a bit envious) and looks so fresh and finished now with all your lovely accessories. I love that you used the orb to update the faucet and knobs too.

    Reply
  39. adventuresindinner says

    January 24, 2012 at 2:46 PM

    Just a wonderful spot. Welcoming, practical and bright! Perfect.

    Reply
  40. Kelly says

    January 24, 2012 at 10:50 PM

    I’m very impressed with this transformation! It’s so pretty. It looks like it’s ready for Spring with your new yellow color. I love that fabric you used for your window treatment too. I wish I had a nice mudroom like that. I’m sure it makes you feel better to walk through a decorated room instead of strictly utilitarian one now.

    Reply
  41. Bethany @ 3SonsPlus1...and... says

    January 24, 2012 at 10:59 PM

    Love the transformation Vanessa! It looks so cheerful and pretty…so it won’t matter as much about all that mud, right? =)

    Reply
  42. Ange says

    January 24, 2012 at 11:00 PM

    Love the “new” mudroom! The colors are great, the yellow really brightens it up in there. Also love the picture from your grandma, personal and historical, my favorite!

    Reply
  43. Angela - Postcards from the Ridge says

    January 24, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    Now I have mudroom envy. That looks great. Love the bead board and the hooks. How clever of you to spray paint the faucet and cabinet hardware! Great project.

    Reply
  44. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:28 PM

    Very fresh and bright! I love everything! And I actually think the wood effect on your chalkboard is fantastic!
    Jo-Anna

    Reply
  45. chateau chic says

    January 24, 2012 at 11:33 PM

    So bright and cheerful. Great job! Love the rug.
    Mary Alice

    Reply
  46. Dixie Delights says

    January 25, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    Love love the pale yellow with the cabinets. It all looks so cheerful!

    Reply
  47. debbie refresh restyle says

    January 25, 2012 at 12:47 AM

    Vanessa, It looks wonderful! I like the wood grain on your chalk board! Oh, and those knobs and faucet. It’s so pretty and if you figure out a way to kill your washer and dryer let me know!
    Debbie

    Reply
  48. Pamela says

    January 25, 2012 at 1:12 AM

    Vanessa what a wonderful update!! I DREAM of having a laundry/mud room like that!! All that space a girl could get giddy standing in there!

    Reply
  49. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    January 25, 2012 at 1:15 AM

    Girl you have an unbelievable mudroom. I love it. What a great space. I am doing my little box over soon.

    Reply
  50. Sweet Melanie says

    January 25, 2012 at 1:16 AM

    Just beautiful…so light and fresh! This summer I am planning to do an entry in our garage as you enetr the downstairs…definitley going to be white!!! Thanks for sharing. :0)

    Reply
  51. Richella says

    January 25, 2012 at 1:16 AM

    YEA, Vanessa!! It looks awesome! I like everything about it–especially that you did most of it yourself and spent so little $$ on it. You are blessed to have such a large space. If I were to build a dream house, a big mudroom would be pretty much at the top of my list.

    About your washer and dryer–my advice (which you didn’t ask for, but I’ll give it anyway!) is to hold onto those as long as you can. If they break, have them repaired. I got a fancy new set a couple of years ago, and I SO wish I’d kept my old machines. Yes, the new ones are “smart,” but there are so many little things I’d always taken for granted that the fancy new machines just won’t do! And I swear the clothes do NOT get as clean. These new machines use less water, and that’s a good thing, but they just don’t get the clothes very clean, and that’s NOT a good thing. I’d take my old machines back in a heartbeat.

    Reply
  52. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    January 25, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    Girl you are good!! This is an amazing makeover! Love the new color, love the beadboard and LOVE that pretty valance on your window. Let’s just say I love it all!!

    Reply
  53. Dawn says

    January 25, 2012 at 1:43 AM

    So charming! This might even make doing laundry fun…

    Reply
  54. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    January 25, 2012 at 2:15 AM

    SO gorgeous! I love each detail…the fabric, the chalkboard, the cabinet color, everything!

    Reply
  55. Becca says

    January 25, 2012 at 2:30 AM

    I have been waiting … and waiting … and WAITING for the reveal of your mudroom !! And, WOW, Vanessa … I LOVE IT. You truly did a fantastic job … your vision for this space was wonderful, and the fact that you did most of it yourself is so truly inspiring. You KNOW I love the beadboard … the hooks … the chalkboard … the work station AND the “new” knobs/faucet from a simple can of spray paint! You didn’t disappoint with this one bit … LOVE.IT !!!! xoxo

    Reply
  56. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    January 25, 2012 at 2:35 AM

    Great transformation and look at all those cabinets. Shazam! Love the new look.Thanks for joining Wow.

    Reply
  57. Jackie says

    January 25, 2012 at 3:13 AM

    Love, love, love it! You have great ideas and great taste. 🙂

    Reply
  58. Bonnie ~ a wee Meenit says

    January 25, 2012 at 5:49 AM

    I am so jealous of your mudroom! It is beautiful, I would even come over to do your laundry there!

    Reply
  59. Lori says

    January 25, 2012 at 11:43 AM

    Just wonderfu. I love how you changed the faucet and knobs with the OB paint. I love that stuff and what a cost saver. Love your slate floors too.

    Reply
  60. Kim says

    January 25, 2012 at 1:38 PM

    The fixtures in my home are all oil rubbed bronze, and I love that you used oil bronze spray paint to transform yours. They look great!
    Hugs, Kim

    Reply
  61. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 25, 2012 at 2:05 PM

    Job well done…looks outstanding! Love the curtain, beadboard and all the hardware painted…so Nifty Thrifty.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  62. Leslie says

    January 25, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    I love every little bit of it!! Can I come do your laundry?

    Reply
  63. Stacy Curran says

    January 25, 2012 at 2:46 PM

    Gorgeous! I love the yellow so much. Makes doing laundry cheery! Now THAT’S good design!
    Stacy

    Reply
  64. Sailing with bare feet says

    January 25, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    It’s so clean!! I love it! !

    https://sailingwithbarefeet.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  65. Bunny Jean says

    January 25, 2012 at 11:16 PM

    Oh how pretty! You are SO lucky to have that space.

    The yellow is such a cheery color to use in the PNW, I know ’cause I lived there for most of my life. White bead board and yellow walls was certainly the way to go. I bet you are glad that you took your time to decide.

    xoxo Bunny Jean
    Wednesday’s Bunny Hop Party!

    Reply
  66. Val says

    January 26, 2012 at 12:45 AM

    I could live in that mudroom, alone.

    Reply
  67. Janet says

    January 26, 2012 at 2:17 AM

    Ok, your mudroom is nicer done than my kitchen!!LOL At least it’s done. And, BTW, we’ve been here for 35 years. Wall colors are similar, but yours is complete, mine is not. I do have a newer front loader washer & dryer. Original cabinets from its 1962 build, but hubs replaced the particle board doors with real wood and refinished the cabinets. All in our younger, healthier days. We paid to have the “mudroom/laundry room” sheetrocked, painted, plumbed, ceiling hung and bartered to get the linoleum laid. Enjoy it!!!
    Janet

    Reply
  68. Gabby says

    January 26, 2012 at 1:20 PM

    Color me jealous! It’s a mudroom sanctuary!!! And don’t worry about being the last person to make a chalkboard. I have only used the spray-paint stuff for some little crafts, which were for my daughter’s birthday party.

    Gabby

    Reply
  69. Passionate for White says

    January 26, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    Great transformation and good for you doing it mostly by yourself!

    Reply
  70. Cristina @ RemodelandolaCasa.com says

    January 26, 2012 at 5:25 PM

    I really like the new color and extra details! It’s beautiful!

    Reply
  71. Sue says

    January 26, 2012 at 7:55 PM

    Vanessa, Changing wall color made such a nicer, bright difference to the room! Did u sand and/or prime your faucet and knob before painting? someone I read where someone else did this and she’s only had to re-touch one door knob in a couple of years. It makes a world of difference to update with ORB! 🙂 Sue

    Reply
  72. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:24 AM

    Love love your mudroom Vanessa!The new color on the walls is gorgeous and so bright and cheery now! Love the cabinet color too! 🙂 Thanks for linking up!!

    Reply
  73. A Cottage Muse says

    January 27, 2012 at 11:42 AM

    What a great space, so fresh and cheery looking!

    Reply
  74. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    January 27, 2012 at 3:56 PM

    This is fabulous!! I love all the changes you have made…the curtain is so pretty and I love the new color of the knobs…and the prints. I am NOW the last person to attempt a chalkboard LOL. I didn’t know there was anyone else out there…lol. so funny. It all looks beautiful!

    Reply
  75. Jennifer says

    January 27, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    Beautiful!! I wish I had a mudroom. Our washer and dryer are in our kitchen pantry. You did an amazing job with this space. I love the green cabinets, too!

    Reply
  76. Heaven's Walk says

    January 29, 2012 at 11:59 PM

    GREAT job, Vanessa! I wish I had a mudroom, too! You took a ho-hum room and turned in to a really welcoming place to be!!! 🙂

    xoxo laurie

    Reply
  77. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    January 30, 2012 at 6:01 AM

    What a pretty mudroom, Vanessa! You did such a wonderful job transforming this space. Thanks for linking to my party. Hugs, Sherry

    Reply
  78. Stacie@hometownperch says

    January 30, 2012 at 2:00 PM

    That turned out great! The oil-rubbed bronze makes a huge difference on the cabinet knobs. I’m going to remember that trick!

    Reply
  79. Steph says

    January 30, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    What a beautiful room! Don’t worry about the washer and dryer. I have the same ones and even though I sometimes wish for fancy front load machines, you have to love an appliance that just keeps going and going.

    Where in the world did you find the inside curved molding??

    Reply
  80. Hutchinson Middle School says

    January 31, 2012 at 1:29 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  81. Linda @ It All Started with Paint says

    January 31, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    Love it … I’m all over that bead board … and how impressive that you did it 99% yourself!

    Would you like to share at our multi-blog “Imagine the Impossibilities” link party? Here’s the link:

    https://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/

    Thanks and hope to see you at the party (it’s a first for me!)

    Linda
    itallstartedwithpaint@gmail.com

    Reply
  82. Our Pinteresting Family says

    February 3, 2012 at 5:06 PM

    So amazing! I wish I had a mudroom that size …or a mudroom. 🙂 I love all of it.

    Reply
  83. Caroline says

    February 5, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    I absolutely love the cabinet color (muddy green). Everything is so clean and fresh looking in your mudroom! Nicely done!

    Reply
  84. The DIY Show Off says

    February 5, 2012 at 5:41 PM

    Wow, Vanessa! What a beautiful transformation and awesome space! You did a fantastic job with all of the DIY details! Love it! 🙂

    Reply
  85. mudroom storage ideas says

    July 14, 2012 at 1:54 AM

    Very fresh and bright! I love everything! And I actually think the wood effect on your chalkboard is fantastic!

    Reply
  86. gina munsie says

    December 20, 2013 at 9:54 AM

    Hello.. I love your mudroom makeover, but I have to admit I would love to have the before room too. My laundry room is a nightmare, in the basement, some walls drywalled,some walls down to the studs, the open joists are the “ceiling’ where the ductwork isn’t, concrete floor, it houses the furnace, hotwater heater, freezer..argh, awful. I planned on redoing it this winter and then found out we needed a new roof!!! So in the spring I hope! Anyway, love your blog. Take care

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Under Stair Closet Turned Butler’s Pantry says:
    April 25, 2013 at 4:27 PM

    […] The walls were painted using the leftover paint from the Mudroom Makeover. […]

    Reply
  2. Pfister Faucet Review and Giveaway - At The Picket Fence says:
    October 9, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    […] a new faucet for my home I knew immediately where it would go! A couple of years ago I gave our Laundry Room a face-lift. While we had managed to change every single faucet in the rest of the house, at the […]

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I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 y I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 years now and every year I ohhhh and ahhhh over the blossoms like it's the first time I've ever seen them. I gush and I take photos (that look exactly like the ones I took the year before and the year before that) and I make my family come outside and look at them with me which you know they just LOVE to do. 😉 I think that is one of the main reasons why I love spring so much. On the one hand, it's predictable and yet, on the other hand, it still feels like such a surprise after the long months of barren branches.

And yesterday, as I was staring at the gorgeous blossoms for the umpteenth time, I couldn't help but think that I hope this is how I feel when our lives return to some semblance of normalcy.

I hope that the predictable feels special and that the typical feels anything but. I hope that I ohhh and ahhh over the simple things I've realized I've taken for granted. And, most of all, I hope that feeling doesn't go away for a very, very long time! 💗
Are you living with great expectation friends? Bec Are you living with great expectation friends? Because He is risen!

Happy Easter from my home to yours!
Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to be a different kind of Easter for sure but some things don’t change. Have you been baking and getting ready for tomorrow? What’s one thing on your menu that you have to have every year?
If this is Good Friday, why doesn’t it feel so “good”? It all seems backward doesn’t it?

What could be good about the unspeakable pain he suffered? What could be good about the shame and betrayal?

Easter Sunday is so joyful, bright and cheery. Shouldn’t that be the day we call “good”? It just feels so much better!

But, I don’t know how to rejoice over His resurrection, unless I have felt the pain of His death. I have realized that in life the sweetest victories are the ones which were realized after a pain-filled journey.

And, so it is with Good Friday. I know there will be victory over death, but I can’t skip ahead in the story.

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew what he would experience. And he knew why he would go through it. He did it for me. He did it for you.

Do you know that? Have you felt it down in the very core of your soul? 
Sometimes it makes me squirm a bit. Why would anyone do that for me?

Well, because, I can’t do it for myself!

There is nothing I can do to earn that kind of love and mercy.

That is why it is called GRACE.

His grace is freely given. We don’t have to pay for it. He paid the price for us already.

Do you remember that movie from years ago called “Ransom”? A couple’s young son was kidnapped and the parents went to hell and back trying to find him and pay the “ransom” demanded by the kidnappers.

Well, Jesus is our “ransom”. (1 Timothy 2:6) His life was the payment.

Why is it called “Good Friday”? Because that wasn’t the end of the story….
.
…It was just the beginning!
Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house that’s become the landing zone for ALL THE THINGS! 🙋🏻‍♀️🤪 I’ve never been more thankful for our rarely used dining room table as it’s become command central for school books and laptops and games.

Where are things collecting in your house right now?
“Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every si “Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every single one of these emotions has made their way through our home in recent days and, my guess is, they have in your home too.

I SO needed this reminder today from the new book ‘Adore’ by @sarahagertywrites.

Adoration isn’t just sitting at His feet gazing longingly with stars in my eyes. It’s bringing my fears and my sorrows and gray roots in my hair that desperately needs to be colored and my messy house and all of the things that threaten to send me over the edge right now and laying them down before Him, soaking up His word and His presence so that when I stand back up, I am changed for having spent the time adoring the ONE who is... Healer, comforter, peace-giver, deliverer, redeemer.

What do you need to bring to Him today? I’ll share mine in the comments and I’d love to hear from you too!
I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole lockdown thing began, I’ve come to appreciate this time of day even more.

It feels the most...normal. Daytime is strange and foreign right now. My husband has taken over our home office, I’m suddenly taking over the responsibility of managing my kids’ distance learning and let me just say that teaching 7th grade algebra to my daughter is hugely ironic since I struggled with math all the way through school. I’m trying to do my own work but it feels utterly futile with the constant interruptions which take precedence right now. In the daytime, I’m constantly reminded of how upside down life feels.

But, in the evening, I cook dinner like I’ve always done and we gather around the table like we’ve always done and we laugh and tell stories and then clean up and play games or go on a walk or watch a show. And that feels SO gloriously normal.

So now I love evenings even more than I ever did before and I’m so grateful for this little chunk of time where the rhythms we established years ago are helping to sustain us now when so much of life feels outside of our control.

What feels ‘normal’ to you right now? Whatever it is, keep doing it. 🌿
When I was in college I would frequently call home When I was in college I would frequently call home and pour my heart out to my mom, sharing with her all that was happening in my life in that completely unfiltered way that you can talk with the person who potty trained you. These phone calls usually took place at night and my mom would patiently listen as I vented frustrations about professors, roommates, boyfriends and the food in the cafeteria. And, inevitably, they would end with my mom saying, “Everything seems worse when you’re tired. Try not to overthink things or make any major decisions tonight, especially when you are feeling emotional.” Dear friends, may I pass along this advice to you today?

If you don’t absolutely HAVE to make a decision right now, I want to encourage you to wait until life gets back to normal. If you are finding yourself over-analyzing relationships and family dynamics, I want to encourage you to remember that everything seems more dramatic when looked at under a microscope. And, let’s face it, being homebound with our loved ones non-stop makes us all feel like lab rats in an experiment.

If you are tempted to quit a job, start a business, start homeschooling permanently, stop homeschooling permanently, move to a new city, buy a farm, quit pursuing your dream, join a commune or make any other major life decision just…wait. Because, if it is in fact the right decision, it will be made even clearer once our lives return to their ‘regularly scheduled programming’. Instead, in this strange season, let’s all just take a deep, collective breath and let it out slowly, releasing the anxiety that threatens to overtake us. Let’s help each other maintain some perspective and not slip into a posture of over-thinking every little thing in our lives. Let’s remember that the enemy of our souls would love nothing more than to use this time when things feel dark to manipulate us into thinking that aspects of our lives are worse than they actually are.

My prayer for you in these days is that you will have the clarity to know what is true and that you will be filled with peace even while we live in this season of so many unknowns.
Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking thes Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking these days! 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m trying to avoid gaining the #corona15 but my daughter and I LOVE baking together and it does help to pass the time plus it counts as a science lesson right?

If you’re able to find flour in the stores (for the love people please stop overbuying!) and you’re doing more baking at your house too you need to add this apricot bread to your list of new recipes to try!

Normally I’d point you to my blog for the directions but I’m going to do you a solid and leave the full recipe in the comments.

What have you baked so far during this time of social distancing? I’d love some new ideas!
There are a LOT of people out walking in our neigh There are a LOT of people out walking in our neighborhood right now (but still social distancing!) and she decided that she wanted to bring them some joy and put a smile on their face when they pass by our house. Also, the square with ‘say no to coronavirus’ is priceless. 😂 I just love her so much!
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