When we built our home, the laundry room was one of the spaces that felt like an afterthought. The builder offered only two small upper cabinets as an upgrade, and they didn’t feel functional or worth the cost. I knew from the start that I wanted a stacked washer and dryer to maximize floor space, but that decision left us with very little built-in storage. This laundry room reveal has truly been a long time coming, and I’m excited to finally share how we transformed it into a space that’s both practical and beautiful.
As soon as we moved in, we removed the builder-grade wire shelf, installed a simple mop and broom rack, and added a rolling utility cart to hold everyday essentials. While those changes helped temporarily, storage was still extremely limited. With cleaning supplies, laundry products, and household overflow piling up, it became clear that this room needed a thoughtful, permanent solution.
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DIY Laundry Room Cabinets for Storage and Organization
The foundation of this makeover was adding DIY laundry room cabinets to create intentional storage. I chose stock cabinets from Home Depot because they’re affordable, sturdy, and come fully assembled, which saved both time and money. They’re also designed to be painted, making them ideal for a DIY project like this.
For this layout, I used a sink base cabinet, a tall pantry cabinet, and a wall bridge cabinet. Even though I don’t currently have a sink, I opted for the sink base just in case we decide to add one later. Planning ahead like this makes future upgrades much easier.
One thing to keep in mind with stock cabinets is that the sides are unfinished. To give everything a custom, built-in look, I added shiplap panels to the exposed sides. This detail ties the laundry room in with our mudroom and helps the cabinets feel intentional rather than builder-basic.
How I Organized the Cabinets
Each cabinet was planned with function in mind. The sink base stores cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and dryer sheets for easy access. The pantry cabinet holds toilet paper and paper towels on the upper shelves, with brooms, mops, and the vacuum stored below. Because this cabinet sits near plumbing and outlets, I had to cut openings in the back—something to plan for when mapping out your layout.
The cabinet surrounding the stacked washer and dryer was a custom DIY build, and I’ve shared a full step-by-step tutorial on that project separately. This piece helped the entire room feel cohesive and finished.
To elevate the cabinets even further, I added a decorative toe kick using trim pieces I already had. I traced a curved edge using a bowl, created a reusable template, and carefully cut and sanded each piece. It’s a small detail, but it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the entire laundry room makeover.
Painting the Laundry Room Cabinets
Painting cabinets can feel intimidating, but it’s completely doable with the right prep and patience. I created a full cabinet painting tutorial that walks through every step, from sanding to sealing. For this space, I chose Sherwin Williams Debonair, a light and airy blue that keeps the room feeling bright.
I tested a few darker shades, including Blustery Sky and Waterloo, but ultimately went with Debonair because it reflects light and makes this smaller laundry room feel more open. Color choice can make a huge difference in a functional space like this.
Hardware Details That Make a Difference
For hardware, I wanted something classic but slightly unexpected. I chose polished nickel, which I think is an underused finish that adds elegance without feeling trendy. I splurged on cremone bolts from Rejuvenation for the pantry cabinet and paired them with more affordable cabinet knobs and pulls from Amazon for the rest.
Mixing high-end and budget-friendly hardware is one of my favorite ways to elevate a DIY space without overspending.
Faux Marble Countertops on a Budget
One of the most surprising elements of this laundry room is the countertop—it’s faux marble made with high-quality contact paper. I chose a wider roll to avoid seams and create a more realistic look. The ogee edge detail adds another layer of polish and helps the countertop feel custom.
For the curved side splashes, I measured carefully, traced the curve using a bowl, and cut the pieces with a jigsaw before sanding them smooth. I walk through the entire process in my faux Carrara marble tutorial, including tips for avoiding bubbles and getting clean edges.
To finish off the countertops, I added a polished nickel gallery rail, which ties in with the hardware and adds a refined, functional detail. Check out the whole tutorial here!
Final Thoughts on This Laundry Room Reveal
This laundry room is now both functional and beautiful—a space that actually works for our family. From DIY laundry room cabinets to faux marble countertops and thoughtful organization, this makeover proves that even small, overlooked rooms can make a big impact.
If you’re planning your own laundry room DIY, I hope these ideas inspire you to create a space that’s practical, personalized, and enjoyable to use every day.
Products:
- sink base cabinet
- pantry cabinet
- wall bridge cabinet
- shiplap panels
- cabinet grade plywood
- butcher block countertops
- cremone bolts
- cabinet knobs with backplate
- large pull for drying rack
- contact paper
FAQ: DIY Laundry Room Cabinets & Makeover
1. Are stock cabinets a good option for a DIY laundry room?
Yes! Stock cabinets are an affordable and durable option for a DIY laundry room. They come pre-assembled, which saves time, and can easily be painted for a custom look. With a few finishing details like trim or shiplap, they can look just as high-end as custom cabinetry.
2. What paint finish works best for laundry room cabinets?
A high-quality satin or semi-gloss paint finish works best for laundry room cabinets. These finishes are durable, easy to clean, and hold up well to moisture and everyday wear. Proper prep, priming, and curing time are key to long-lasting results.
3. Is faux marble contact paper durable enough for countertops?
When applied correctly, faux marble contact paper can be surprisingly durable, especially in low- to medium-use areas like a laundry room. Choosing a thicker, high-quality option and sealing edges properly helps prevent peeling and wear over time.
4. How do you make stock cabinets look custom?
Adding details like shiplap panels, decorative toe kicks, upgraded hardware, and trim instantly elevates stock cabinets. Painting them a custom color and extending cabinetry to the ceiling also helps create a built-in, high-end look.
5. Is a laundry room makeover worth the effort?
Absolutely. A well-designed laundry room improves organization, efficiency, and overall enjoyment of daily routines. Even small upgrades like cabinets, countertops, or better storage can make a huge functional and visual impact.
