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Young House Love ยป Our Second House ยป How To Fill A Wall Crack So It Doesn’t Come Back

| By Sherry Petersik | July 11, 2011 | 263 Comments

How To Fill A Wall Crack So It Doesn’t Come Back

Crack is still whack. I couldn’t resist breaking out that Whitney Houston inspired one-liner, even though we already used it here. Why? Because this is a serious hard-hitting blog about real life issues. Just kidding. This time my fifth grade crack joke is in reference to a giant crack that was running across the side of the ceiling in the laundry room. Here’s the craggy before:

Cracked Ceiling

Cracked Ceiling 2

And the much less craggy after:

Fixed Ceiling

We had them check that beast of a crack out during inspection and learned it’s nothing like foundation issues (just normal house settling). Whew. And it was nothing that a little paintable white caulk couldn’t fix. Double whew. Tip: always make sure it’s paintable for jobs like this or it’ll never blend in correctly – we like Dap’s white paintable window & door caulk. We didn’t use spackle (as opposed to caulk) because we’ve heard experts mention that it can shrink up and “fall out” of the crack over time, but caulk usually doesn’t shrink or crack as much. Anyway, it was a super easy process. I just:

  1. Squeezed out a line of it along the crack
  2. Smeared it with my finger to remove excess caulk
  3. Went over it with a wet rag for an even smoother look
  4. Let it fully dry (I waited around 48 hours, mostly out of laziness)
  5. Touched it up with wall & ceiling paint left in the basement by the previous owners

So if you have a crack in your wall or ceiling and are wondering if you can handle it, I promise you can. Even if you’re 5’2″ and have to stand on a chair while the baby naps and the dog looks questioningly at you as if you’ve lost your mind and gives you the stink eye the. entire. time.

Like this, but picture one bug-out eye and one sinister squinty one:

Burger Crazy Eye

My mom even recently caulked her bathroom all by herself (after calling me ten times from the hardware store to compare the merits of different caulk guns). So proud of her.

And so (almost) ends our second crack-related adventure. You thought I could keep it short? Do you even know me? Not in real life, I mean via the internet. Anyway, we’re actually sharing this mundane caulking detail since we’ve decided that it’s high time we tackled our laundry room makeover. Woo to the hoo. Cue the fireworks! Strike up the drum line! Watch out for those fire juggling clowns (don’t be afraid, they’re of the friendly and not freaky or nightmarish at all variety).

We’re planning to make a few one-project-at-a-time changes that hopefully add up to a nice refreshing difference when it comes to the look and function of our tiny 3.5′ x 8′ space. Here’s what it looked like when we moved in:

Tour Laundry Before

Laundry Shutters Before

Laundry Frosting Done

And here’s what it looked like after we 1) upgraded to some new (very on sale) front loading appliances, 2) took down the window shutters, 3) frosted the everybody-can-see-me-breastfeeding side door that looks into the kitchen, 4) removed the shelves behind the side door (opposite the washer/dryer):

Washers Installed

Laundry Side Window

Laundry Other Wall

Laundry Fuse Box

We’ve been meaning to add some built-in storage next to the stacked washer and dryer among a few other functional (and just plain purty) things, so here’s the to-do list as it stands today:

  • Paint the odd brown quarter round near the baseboards glossy white
  • Redo all the dinged up trim (also in semi-gloss white)
  • Paint the walls (we’ll be back with color details later this week)
  • Add adjustable built-in shelving in that nook next to the stacked washer & dryer <– we can’t unstack them and put them on the long wall since the room is only 3.5′ wide, so we’d only be left with seven inches of space between the front of the unit and the opposite wall if we moved ’em
  • Replace the hinges and knobs on the upper cabinetry
  • Get a new light fixture (see the old one in the first two pics?) <- DIY something?
  • Add a window treatment (maybe a homemade one?)
  • Add other functional storage near the door for shoes, Burger’s leash, etc
  • Hang some art to keep it cheerful and obscure the giant metal fuse box

And of course in the long term we’d love to rip out the vinyl tile to hopefully uncover hardwoods that we’ll someday refinish (we’re crossing our fingers that they carry into the kitchen as well). But that’s a waaay down the road thing since it’ll necessitate removing all of our kitchen cabinets to get to it (they rest on the vinyl tile and a layer of plywood with hardwoods underneath- oh the humanity). So for now the focus is on adding some everyday function and storage… and some cuteness while we’re at it. Game on.

Do you guys have any laundry room makeovers going on? Any projects or art or colors that you love in your laundry area? Do you think all clowns are of the terrifying murder-you-in-your-sleep variety? I think there are two kinds. Friendly and skeeeeery. It’s all in the eyes and hair.

Psst- Check out how we hid a big ol’ electrical box at our first house here and here, and how we pimped an old bi-fold laundry closet here and here.

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Filed Under: Home Improvement, Our Second House

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Comments

  1. Avatar for Kristen @ Popcorn on the StoveKristen @ Popcorn on the Stove says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:44 am

    I can’t wait to see the laundry room when it’s finished (actually, I’ll enjoy seeing the entire process)! So exciting!

    PS – Whitney’s stance on crack never gets old.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for shannashanna says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:46 am

    OK.

    I, too, am tackling a laundry room makeover in the near term! Ours is open to the rest of our downstairs, so it has to be pretty and fun. Most of what is on your list is on mine as well!

    Second, all clowns are evil. I am terrified of them and even the sight of the word “clown” is enough to make my heart start pounding. One time I was driving from Philly to DC early in the morning and I kid you not, I was on the road with a clown car – and a clown driving in full clown regalia. She even had a clown nose on the front of her car. It was traumatizing and awful and that clown followed me for miles.

    I stop talking clown now.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 9:47 am

      Haha- now driving clowns… those are scary! You can’t look into their eyes and tell if they’re zombies or not. I prefer in person sweet heart-face-makeup-ed clowns. But I understand those with a no clowns at all stance.

      xo,
      s

  3. Avatar for Robin @ our semi organic lifeRobin @ our semi organic life says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:46 am

    I’m interested to see what you guys do here since its an awkardly shaped room. Did you ever think about turning the W/D to face the window? Or un-stack them?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 9:49 am

      Can’t do it! The room is only 3.5′ wide, so if we put them on the window wall there would only be seven inches between the edge of the unit and the wall on the other side!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Robin @ our semi organic lifeRobin @ our semi organic life says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:06 am

      nards. you probably want to be able to open the W/D doors I bet. Perhaps it would be a ploy to get the tinest human in your house to be the only one would could fit in that space so she’d have to do all the laundry!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:10 am

      Oh yeah, that would help. Haha. But Clara does love helping out with laundry…

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for JessicaJessica says

      July 11, 2011 at 11:02 am

      By helping out, do you mean grabbing each neatly folded piece of laundry and tossing it about the room? Because in that case, my little bean loves helping out with laundry too….lol

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 11:09 am

      Yes, exactly. Always so nice. Especially when they’re clean and folded.

      xo,
      s

  4. Avatar for Ade@fortheloveofpainting[email protected] says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:48 am

    I love, love, love white paintable caulk! I use it for the most odd ball jobs…not to mention it is great when doing molding!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Angie @ The Country Chic CottageAngie @ The Country Chic Cottage says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:49 am

    I cannot WAIT to see what yo do to obscure that electrical box!! The great people that built our house put the box in the living room…genius huh???

    Reply
    • Avatar for MichaMicha says

      July 11, 2011 at 9:55 am

      Oh shoot! In the livingroom???? And we thought ours was bad being in the kitchen. We had it flipped around so it ended up looking into the now laundry room to make room for our fridge (code doesn’t allow anything placed within 3 feet of those panels, really).

      How about some art hung over it? Easy peasy eyesore remedy :o)

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:00 am

      Ours was in our old den and we painted it and hung hooks to obscure it with a mini mudroom of sorts: https://www.younghouselove.com/2007/11/hooked-up/

      Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for kellykelly says

      July 11, 2011 at 12:29 pm

      My old condo had it smack in the middle of the wall over the dining table. I just hung a really big picture over it, and it was invisible. Did it in the current place, too!

    • Avatar for JuliaJulia says

      July 11, 2011 at 2:13 pm

      Any tips for painting the electrical box? Mine is right in the middle of my kitchen, and I’m not sure if I could just use the regular wall paint? Or spray paint? Or if I have to sand it at all to rough up the surface?

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 2:53 pm

      We used regular wall paint and it worked nicely. Thin and even is the key- but metal takes paint really well.

      xo,
      s

  6. Avatar for MegMeg says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:50 am

    Since you mentioned kitchens with hardwood – any tips on how to prevent any damage from kitchen leaks? We’re renovating our kitchen and I really want hardwoods but we’re so concerned about leaks. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 9:53 am

      We had hardwood floors in our last kitchen and loved them! Just make sure your floors are poly’d (which actually protects them a lot). You’ll hopefully see leaks under things like dishwashers or fridges well before they do any damage since they tend to seep out the front and the poly should protect them for a while. Many older homes (100+ years old) have original hardwood floors in the kitchen that are worn but amazingly not-water-ruined-or-anything. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for MegMeg says

      July 11, 2011 at 9:55 am

      Ha ha – we bought all new appliances when we moved in and already had dishwasher leak issues – hence the concern. Hopefully it works out. I really want hardwoods!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 9:58 am

      At least you found out about the leak (those are always worse when they’re stealthy and secretive)! Good luck!

      xo,
      s

  7. Avatar for MomladyMomlady says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:50 am

    S-how do you manage to even use the cabinets above the stackable?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 9:51 am

      I don’t- those are all John. Which actually works out ok since he does most of the laundry. Jackpot. Haha. But once we add shelving to the right of the units I’ll be able to access a lot more stuff that we’ll store at my-short-arm’s reach.

      xo,
      s

  8. Avatar for MichaMicha says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:52 am

    Caulk – The Secret Weapon! Caulk and I are developing a very close relationship these days, and we haven’t even started on the outside of the house. Lots of almost 100 y/o windows that need a lot of caulk lovin’ …

    For now, our laundry room isn’t at the top of our list. It has storage, it ha flooring and it works. We have a tight 4.5 week deadline to create a masterbathroom from almost scratch and set up the guest bedroom for my parents’ arrival. Oh, and clean the house, you know, to mother vist standard …ugh

    Reply
  9. Avatar for LaurynLauryn says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:52 am

    im excited for this room makeover! do you think for the window treatment you guys will do cafe length curtains, with some blinds, or a fun patterned fabric roman shade? orrrr do I have to wait to find out? ;-)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 9:56 am

      We’re thinking about a fun fabric roman shade- but it changes pretty frequently.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}dAmanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:09 am

      I made a super simple (even for a new sewer like you, Sherry) faux roman shade: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2011/05/18/a-finished-office/ Basically, sew a rectangle of fabric to the size of your window, leaving a pocket for a curtain rod at the top. Then, add ribbon to each side of the treatment. I used about five feet for each side. You want enough to go over the front and back and still leave room to tie. Just stitch the ribbon along the same line as the rod pocket and you’re done. My fabric was pretty stiff, so it’s rolled up, but a more flimsy fabric would have a pretty shape, too.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:14 am

      Thanks for the tip!

      xo,
      s

  10. Avatar for Cait @ Hernando HouseCait @ Hernando House says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:53 am

    Looking forward to seeing what y’all do with the laundry room! We’ve been kicking around some ideas for our laundry room, but we have a bathroom redo that we have to finish first, and a patio.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for annabelvitaannabelvita says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:53 am

    Woo hoo! I’m excited about this room. I think you should make your art have a seekrit drying rack… something like this http://annabelvita.com/be-still-my-renting-heart – but with a paintin like the one you tried out and rejected for the bedroom behind the bars. Hmm…. how to make the bars not look like a prison… OH! you could get some decorative fancy turned something, and paint it pretty. That could look crazy haha. Just thinking off the top of my head (as is pretty obvious).
    Here are some pins of similar pretty laundry things: http://pinterest.com/annabelvita/laundry/

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:03 am

      Thanks for the eye candy! The weird thing is that we like to lay things out to dry in the sun (like Clara’s cloth diapers, the sun bleaches them to like-new condition) and that room is off the carport so it doesn’t get much sun. Boo. But maybe we’ll add a drying rack anyway (we currently use the windowsill in the living room or the daybed/table in the sunroom)… not sure yet!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for JulieJulie says

      July 11, 2011 at 11:53 am

      Oh my heavens! Get a clothesline….outdoors!!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 12:02 pm

      Haha- it’s on our to do list!

      xo,
      s

  12. Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:55 am

    Nice. I’m weirdly excited to see what color you pick for the walls (not sure why I care, but it turns out I TOTALLY DO – heh).

    Also, good choice on the caulk. They actually make stuff specifically for filling in cracks in plaster walls (doesn’t shrink, etc). It comes in a tub just like spackle, but, pro tip: be sure to read it and notice that it is NOT, in fact, sandable. ARG!
    Two years later, I’m still sort of too annoyed about the whole thing to explain why I know this, though I’m sure you can guess. ;)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:01 am

      Haha- good tip. Thanks for sharing!

      xo,
      s

  13. Avatar for Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}dAmanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:56 am

    Oh, I’m excited to see what color you choose! And, I’m curious to see your diy light. I love to make light fixtures but I’m running out of rooms. Ha. We’re in the process of finishing our laundry room: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/another-productive-weekend/ Most recently, we made laminite countertops: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2011/06/02/how-to-make-laminate-countertops/ I really love the storage and counter space we’ve gained.

    Here’s a super cheap light I made for our boys’ room: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/chunky-wood-moooi-random/ I think it would be possible to make a light similar to the WE one, too: http://www.westelm.com/products/2588507/?catalogId=43&bnrid=3902401&cm_ven=Shopping&cm_cat=Google%20Base&cm_pla=Pendant_Lamps_Sconces&cm_ite=AllProducts&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=2588507 Maybe use embroidery hoops and skewers for the frame and wood veneer strips to weave… Or I live the faux capiz pendants, too.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:04 am

      Holy link excitement batman. Love it all. Your laundry room is coming along amazingly!

      xo,
      s

  14. Avatar for DaveDave says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:58 am

    That looks like an abnormally large/wide crack on the exterior wall. Did you guys check to ensure you donโ€™t have any wall sinking, settlement or foundation issues along that wall that would result in a crack that large?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:05 am

      Yup, we had the same thought so we had them thoroughly check it out at the inspection!

      xo,
      s

  15. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:59 am

    I just finished re-doing some hardwood floors.. and potentially just discovered some under my kitchen flooring…

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:13 am

      Amazing discovery!!! Congrats.

      xo,
      s

  16. Avatar for lizzylizzy says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:01 am

    i love whitney – and i linked to the greatest rendition of the national anthem in my last post (http://anexcellentadventure.blogspot.com/2011/07/first-fourth.html)

    i get nervous when i see cracks like that – but its probably just from the house settling and nothing to freak about, right?

    anywho…i am brainstorming cheap ways to fix up our laundry room. i actually bought a runner yesterday and am hoping to find some “oops paint” to slap on the walls for next to nothing.

    does anyone have any feedback about the ikea storage systems or any alternatives? i just want a simple L-shaped counter area with shelves underneath for storage…maybe like the antonius shelves/frames from ikea?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:11 am

      Yup, got it looked at during our inspection and thankfully it’s just regular house-settling stuff. As for the Ikea storage system question- anyone have feedback for Lizzy? We have heard great things about their counters (esp butcher block) and cabinets in general.

      xo,
      s

  17. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:02 am

    We have that same washing machine but haven’t splurged for the matching dryer yet. My husband hates stackables but I was wondering how you even reach the controls on the dryer way up there? I’m not sure I would be able to but lucky for us we have room for them to be side by side.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:12 am

      Oh yeah- check out this post. There’s photo evidence at the bottom: https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/01/theyre-here/ Haha.

      xo,
      s

  18. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:02 am

    I’m trying to figure out the same issues with W/D storage on the side of the appliances. We have the same amt. of space and I crave function and style :) Shelving, perhaps…and mini hanging rod for a few clothing items?? Anyway, good luck with your projects! As usual, I can’t wait to see what you both come up with!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}dAmanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:02 am

    And, here’s a funny video involving clown appropriateness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaGa3kjRS7o Skip to 2:30, but the whole thing is hilarious.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:13 am

      Hilarious!

      xo,
      s

  20. Avatar for AmberAmber says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:02 am

    I’m sorry this has nothing to do with this post, but I just wanted to say that I thought of you guys all week! I took the week off from work to get some much needed painting done at my house. I kept thinking WWJ&SD? Haha. I was able to get my kitchen, livingroom, diningroom, and hall painted! I never knew how much hard work it is to paint! It was a workout for sure. Some of my next goals are to change out lighting fixtures and to use your guide on painting kitchen cabinets.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:06 am

      Holy cow – you were amazingly productive! Wahoo. So proud.

      xo,
      s

  21. Avatar for KellyKelly says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:03 am

    I am jealous of your beautiful washer and dryer! Also, I have been terrified of all clowns since my cousin told me that “It” was a really cool movie when I was 8. FYI- “It” is NOT a cool movie.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:06 am

      Haha, never seen it and never want to! Ahhh.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for SalehaSaleha says

      July 12, 2011 at 4:39 am

      Don’t watch it. Ever. Just don’t..

  22. Avatar for jeannajeanna says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:04 am

    Ok, so you have me totally motivated to do our laundry room….with its huge crack too! It feels so gross in there but as we also are cloth diapering our own little fluffy butt I am feeling the urge to clean it up and make the storage more accessible, the room is in desperate need of some hooks and more shelves!!! I think I want to go a crazy color in there since it isn’t really seen by anyone but me. Hum….off to look at the paint deck and a trip to the fabric store is in order I think!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for AshleighAshleigh says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:05 am

    I had a feeling this was coming! I noticed on pinterest that you were posting a lot of laundry room things. :-) Excited to see what you guys create!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:05 am

      Haha- pinterest gives me away. Just can’t resist.

      xo,
      s

  24. Avatar for Rachel TatemRachel Tatem says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:05 am

    Fun! I love getting things done around the house: I feel so accomplished!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for ErinErin says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:07 am

    Sherry, I saw your pins on pinterest last night and I knew this was coming! You pinned some cute stuff. Can’t wait to see how it all comes together!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:09 am

      Haha- I’ve decided that I love pinterest too much to be mysterious. You guys see right through me over there- haha.

      xo,
      s

  26. Avatar for LarissaLarissa says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:09 am

    i came across this really cute small laundry room redo over the weekend… http://mycottagecharm.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-decorate-laundry-roomthe-big.html

    Good luck!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:15 am

      Really cute!

      xo,
      s

  27. Avatar for Erin C.Erin C. says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:10 am

    Ooh I never knew you could use caulk..our house has tons of cracks, and I always break out the joint compound..which leads to a sanding mess. Bleh.

    And I laughed out loud at the everyone can see you breastfeeding door. People can see right into our living room when they approach the front door..I looked up while breastfeeding my son a couple days ago, and locked eyes with a UPS man.. Yeah yeah, breastfeeding is natural and beautiful and all that, but dang that was awkward. He looked away really fast, dropped the package, and jetted his brown shortted tush back to his truck haha

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:20 am

      Haha- before frosting that door I met a new neighbor that way. Yeah, feel free to squirm with uncomfortable-ness.

      xo,
      s

  28. Avatar for Kristin @ OgoKristin @ Ogo's Love Nest says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:10 am

    I can’t wait to see what color you’ll paint this room, too. With the new white appliances, I’m sure it’ll be something that’ll pop.

    Good luck!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for my honest answermy honest answer says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:11 am

    Can’t wait to see what you do with it!

    I know I sound like John, but is it a good idea to so clearly show the location of your alarm panel?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:16 am

      Thanks for the concern! We actually have more than one. And we have pretty freaky video/sound/motion backup stuff. We figure “parts” of the system will work their way into posts, but there’s a lot more “behind the scenes” stuff that someone sinister would need to take into account. If they go by what they see, lets just say it won’t work out in their favor. Cue my sinister evil clown laugh. Bwahaha.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for my honest answermy honest answer says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:19 am

      I knew you’d have it covered. I was waiting for you to say, ‘that isn’t anything to do with the alarm!’ and then my credentials as a wannabe intruder would be shot to sh**.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:21 am

      Haha- you’re sweet to get “alarmed” about our safety. Aw.

      xo,
      s

  30. Avatar for ashley jensenashley jensen says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:11 am

    Speaking of making curtains…I just made some this weekend without sewing (and I posted it on my blog today)! Yay for Heat N Bond! I am on the verge of taking a stab at re-caulking around the windows inside our house where paint has peeled away from the window, after I repair the wall were no paint exists. And to think all that extra work popped up just from me wanting to paint my window sills!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for ShannonShannon says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:12 am

    I just updated the storage in my semi-unfinished basement laundry room. I used a metal storage rack and cute storage containers from Target. For some artwork, I downloaded a Ballard Designs inspired laundry sign (Sprik Space) and put it in an already owned simple frame. I added a small clothesline to hang miscellaneous socks and put a vinyl sticker above it that said “Lost Socks”. I couldn’t nail into the painted concrete wall, so I used Command strips for everything. Even the hubby thought it was cute! Total cost: $16

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:15 am

      Best budget ever. Love it.

      xo,
      s

  32. Avatar for KirstenKirsten says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:15 am

    Off topic, but… We have one of those fuse boxes in our kitchen, right next to the refrigerator. Anyway, in testing some colors of paint, I found that the fuse box color actually looks really nice against a grey blue from Sherwin Williams called Blue Heron (it is not a current color, but they can mix it.) Anyway, it looks so nice that it has me wondering if I shouldn’t use fuse-box-green metal as a backsplash.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:18 am

      Haha- sounds pretty!

      xo,
      s

  33. Avatar for Devon @ Green House, Good LifeDevon @ Green House, Good Life says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:15 am

    Here’s our recent(ish) mudroom project, using the Ikea Expedit. We haven’t gotten to step two yet, but it’ll be to raise the Expedit up about 8″ using some Capita legs (also from Ikea) so we can line up our most frequently worn shoes underneath. Then (since we’ll be wall-mounting the Expedit to keep things safe), we plan to caulk it to the wall and repaint in our trim white so it looks totally built-in.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:18 am

      Sweet upgrade!

      xo,
      s

  34. Avatar for Lia {sprightly}Lia {sprightly} says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:16 am

    I am excited to see what type of storage you guys put in next to the washer/dryer! We just went out and bought a washer and dryer for our new house over the weekend…Best Buy had a great deal going on so we decided to order now and schedule delivery for after we close in a few weeks(ahhhh!). We are planning to have them side-by-side and then put in a countertop and drying rack/some storage over it.

    Reply
  35. Avatar for Krysta @ Domestic for DummiesKrysta @ Domestic for Dummies says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:17 am

    We have recently started making over our laundry room! First step was getting a new washer and dryer. Thanks to your advice we got the same ones for a great price!

    http://domesticfordummies.com/2011/06/hello-gorgeous.html

    Reply
  36. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Unfortunately our home doesn’t have any indoor laundry space. The hookups are out in the garage. I try to take a pollyanna-ish view and chirp things about “this way it doesn’t heat up the house and increase A/C bills!” but mostly I just miss midwestern homes with their convenient basements for storage and laundry. Finding ways to “prettify” that corner of the garage is high on this year’s to-do list.

    Reply
  37. Avatar for cristina scristina s says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Totally unrelated but over the weekend I gave in to Pinterest. OMG I don’t know how I’ve been decorating my first home without it over the last 5 months. Best distraction ever :) Thanks

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:21 am

      I know right? Only problem is staying glued to it pinning inspiration but not actually doing any of it. Hah.

      xo,
      s

  38. Avatar for dana828dana828 says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:21 am

    I’ll have to remember that caulk tip! Good to know.

    I’m considering painting my laundry room cabinets, partly as a trial run to see how out will look before tackling my bathrooms or kitchen cabinets. They are all the same awful builder’s grade honey color..ugh. I’m thinking a pale gray?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:22 am

      Sounds really pretty! We have seen a ton of painted laundry room cabinets lately (by designers and real people alike). We say go for it!

      xo,
      s

  39. Avatar for Katie @ EpistleKatie @ Epistle says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:21 am

    Ohhh, fun! I love it when you guys tackle a whole space (like the guest room). I think I’m especially excited to see what you come up with for storage on the wall where the shelves used to be…

    Reply
  40. Avatar for Donna HuebschDonna Huebsch says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:22 am

    Like what you’ve done so far – it looks nice and fresh! Our laundry room DEFINITELY needs a big makeover, but we’ve got a one-room-at-a-time policy and right now it’s the master. However, I may have to break policy for 2 minutes and do something about the “Charla’s Laundry Room” stencil that is adorning the wall…maybe just take a Sharpie and strike-through “Charla” and put “Donna” :o)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:28 am

      Haha- I’d tape up a new sign over it that says “Donna Domain” – haha.

      xo,
      s

  41. Avatar for ReneeRenee says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:25 am

    Oh fantastic! We are doing our laundry room too! And, of course because you are our fav DIY heros, we are pulling a John-and-Sherry and posting all our progress for our friends and fam. I’m so loving the natural light you already posess in abundance in your laundry. And a few choice projects can make a room that is so often neglected a big wow!

    I’m so excited to see what you end up doing. I’m guessing bold color and white accents, since that is the-new-house-style!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for Jen @ The Decor SceneJen @ The Decor Scene says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:25 am

    This is pretty much where our laundry room is at right now. We still have other things to work on though for more storage and to cover up our furnance & water heater. Check it out here. http://thedecorscene.blogspot.com/2011/04/laundry-room-added-storage.html

    This is how we hid our electric panel. Yours is smaller then ours, so you shouldn’t have a hard time covering it up. http://thedecorscene.blogspot.com/2011/04/our-family-room-tour-part-7-how-we-hide.html

    Can’t wait to see how your laundry room turns out. :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:28 am

      Love it!!! What a smart solution!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Jen @ The Decor SceneJen @ The Decor Scene says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:34 am

      Thanks! :)

  43. Avatar for Julia @ Chris loves JuliaJulia @ Chris loves Julia says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:30 am

    Our laundry room/half bath is a total peeling-nautical-border-terrible-blue-sponged-paint-cracked-tile nightmare that I can’t wait to spruce up. We don’t even let our guests IN that room to use the bathroom. It’s just way too embarrassing. Who ever thought a nautical theme could give you nightmares? I’m telling you…it can. We just moved in in April, so we are taking the whole house one step at a time….can’t wait to see what you do!!

    Chris Loves Julia

    Reply
  44. Avatar for JasonJason says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:35 am

    Your current light is 50s appropriate, they had those in the 50s and I have bought a couple due to that fact even though I know they are el-cheapo. I know you’ll probably change it, but just throwing that out there!

    My laundry room is just in my kitchen, a 50s thing that came and went. But, both that light and the laundry in kitchen were in my grandparent’s 50s ranch so I figure it’s like home. In my much smaller house you could say it’s space saving, even though there is a small utitily room, but their house was much larger so it was just the thing to do in their case for sure.

    I think now that if my washer goes I may go stackable front loader like yours so I can move the refrigerator over in that area as well and go back to eat in – which I got rid of to bring the dryer out of the garage. Yep, my house only had a washer spot when built, as did my Great Uncle and sister’s 50s homes. You hang those clothes out you lazy bums:) says the builder.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 11:07 am

      Aw thanks for the light info Jason- I’m just a sucker for something dangly. Like earrings for the ceiling. Haha. Poor John. We’ll definitely ReStore it so someone else can snatch it up though (you? haha). And so crazy about your house (and you sister and great uncle’s) having just a washer spot! But stacking the units someday sounds like a great plan. We don’t really mind the whole stacked thing- and initially we worried that we’d hate it since we loved the folding room on top of our side-by-sides. Now we just fold things on the bed or the sofa. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  45. Avatar for JennyJenny says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:38 am

    I’d love to have a laundry room even a small one! My laundry is a closet that is in the main hallway of the house so I don’t want to open it (like at your previous house) but I hate the bi-fold doors on it now and it’s not in the budget for replacing the doors. So earlier this month I converted those bi-fold doors to “solid” doors with a little closet hack! Decided if I didn’t like it all I needed is a little bit of caulk and paint and things could go back to the way they were.

    Here’s more detail on the hack: http://honeysuckleonthevine.blogspot.com/2011/06/vacation-project-1.html

    Can’t wait to see how you’re laundry room turns out!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 11:05 am

      Very smart!

      xo,
      s

  46. Avatar for karenkaren says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:40 am

    that was a lot of ‘caulk’ talk!! haha..that word always made my brother and i laugh!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:57 am

      See, in Jersey the pronunciation of that word is never confusing (think cawwwwk) whereas here in VA, everyone shortens the A sound for words like talk and caulk. So it sounds more like an O. Which makes me blush.

      xo,
      s

  47. Avatar for Lindsay MacyLindsay Macy says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:41 am

    Hey Sherry –

    I was just curious if you and John had any plans to create a larger laundry room once you decide to convert the carport to a full garage? Just thought you might be able to make the space a bit bigger if you wanted.

    Can’t wait to see what you do! You’ve inspired me to learn to sew too! I signed up for a basic sewing class at Joann Fabrics! Can’t wait.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 10:58 am

      I think we’re comfy in small nooks like that (our last laundry “room” was a tiny nook off of our den) so instead of moving walls we’ll just do our best to make the most of what’s there – at least that’s the plan for now.

      xo,
      s

  48. Avatar for AshleyAshley says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:42 am

    This is totally random, but that too cute picture of Burger had me thinking…have you all ever had to board him, and if so, have any recommendations? I may have to board my beloved pup for the first time ever in Richmond this weekend and I’m scared to death. For every good review out there, there’s an awful one! Ugh. I’m on the desperate search for anyone that has had any first hand good experience in the area.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 11, 2011 at 11:04 am

      We actually never have. Isn’t that crazy? He even came on our Alaskan honeymoon with us! Although when I was in the hospital for four days having Clara (had to stay longer than 2 days due to complications) we got John’s sister and parents to drop in on him at our house and take him out/feed him/cuddle him/hang out. Anyone have boarding recommendations for Ashley?

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for kristenkristen says

      July 11, 2011 at 1:06 pm

      anywhere but four paws pet resort – they’ve had a bad couple of months…

  49. Avatar for KelseyKelsey says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:42 am

    Ooo, can’t wait to see what you do. We also have a small laundry room that could use some pizazz. I like the idea of a lighter color in a small space and definitely some art work so the room isn’t so utilitarian.

    risingshining.com

    Reply
  50. Avatar for KaraKara says

    July 11, 2011 at 10:44 am

    Not currently working on the laundry room, but once we move into our new house I plan on adding a chandelier to our…thanks Pinterest!

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. Weโ€™ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here youโ€™ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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