by lisa@lisacanning.ca | Dec 7, 2017 | Interior Design
Laundry rooms are on of my favourite spaces to design. I’m not sure if it’s because they are often dark and dingy neglected spaces where storage items go to die (anyone remember what my laundry room used to look like?!), or if it’s because it’s an area where so much care happens for a family (we do minimum one load a day for my family of 8), but whatever my attachment, I just love the opportunity a laundry room presents to do something fun!
In my newest sponsored makeover at the lovely Jenn Pike‘s home, we created a customized laundry room for her family of four. This space presented quite the design dilemma as it has to serve a lot of purposes. Jennifer’s home has no garage, no basement, and no outdoor shed. So this room has to fit off season clothing, sports equipment, paint cans, and random odds and ends. Plus, it has to function as a space to wash, sort and fold clothing!
If you’re looking to give your laundry room a refresh soon, here are a few ways you can add some custom elements to your space.
1. START WITH COLOUR
I think the laundry room is the perfect spot to inject a bold hit of colour- you can be more adventurous that you might typically be in a bedroom or living room. With all the natural light Jenn gets in this space, I knew we could go dark and bold- so I used Benjamin Moore’s Bermuda Blue 2061-30
on the custom cabinets and picked up the colour in this beautiful patterned rug from HomeSense, and these striped towels by Pamuk and Co. Bright, bold colour in any application (but especially in painted millwork!) can really make a space look and feel more custom and original.
2. ADD ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
Another way to instantly make a space look more custom is to add architectural details. We changed the swing on the original door to open against the staircase to maximize the space in the actual laundry room, and replaced the interior door with this beautiful Metrie Pretty Simple door with Millenium patterned glass. In addition, we wrapped the entire room in Metrie’s MDF tongue and groove to create a shiplap look. I like shiplap (and all mouldings, really) as it provides a subtle texture to a room. And I am all about wrapping it on every wall, especially in small spaces.
3. CUSTOMIZE YOUR STORAGE
Strategic storage makes me REALLY happy. Proper storage is essential to keeping a space clutter free, and a family from feeling overwhelmed by stuff! I designed the millwork here 36″ deep to give the family LOTS of space for large, bulky storage. But to make sure these large cavities remain really practical, I used a series of large, easy view bins by neatfreak .to keep things that require more frequent access like towels and cleaning supplies in plain sight.
This 3-Tier Home Storage Organizer by neatfreak provides ample storage for Jenn’s collection of yoga gear and hides pool toys and sports equipment conveniently close to the backyard entrance. I like the portability of this unit- the entire thing can be picked up and brought outside for easy access.
With space at such a premium, I had to maximize literally every available square inch. This triple sorter laundry system with built in ironing board by neatfreak allows Jenn to create an additional surface area for laundry sorting and folding, and eliminates the need for a folding ironing board, saving precious storage space!
Lastly, we created custom floating shelves out of the same Belanger laminate counter we used to provide room for additional storage and decorative display.
They key to customizing storage is to think of the specific activities that need to be performed in a space, and then select the bins or systems that will make it easy for you to stay organized.
4. ADD SOME BLING
I love me some handcrafted cabinet hardware, and these pieces by Shayne Fox Hardware are my current obsession. These bright bronze pulls and knobs are made out of cast bronze, and are finished in what is called a “living finish”- they are going to oxidize, and patina over time. With Jenn’s commitment to natural living I thought this collection was such a great fit for her family.
And we continued by obsession with all things bronze with the Cassidy faucet by Delta in Champagne Bronze. A small hit of a warm metal is a really on trend way to provide a custom element in your laundry room.
5. CUSTOMIZE YOUR CLEANING
And finally, don’t forget you can customize the most important aspect of your laundry room, your washer and dryer. We selected a stackable washer and dryer by Whirlpool to maximize all available space. The front load machines offer a multitude of settings that allow Jenn’s family to wash and dry everything from well worn sports gear, to delicate dance costumes. The Load & Go system holds enough detergent to wash 12 loads of laundry, so you can fill it and forget it while the Precision Dispense releases the right amount of detergent at the right time so all your family’s clothes receive the best care. Available in three finishes, we went white as a bold contrast against the blue cabinetry.
Creating a space to provide the care for a family that laundry is so important- I hope this makeover gave you some ideas to try in your own space!
Special thanks to the brands mentioned above for providing product and partnering with me on this project. I love recommending products that will make a family’s life more beautiful, and easier. Opinions are very much my own!
by lisa@lisacanning.ca | May 12, 2015 | Interior Design
Last week I finished the #oneroomchallenge crazy event of completing my laundry room in 6 weeks. We legitimately went from dungeon to dramatic difference in 6 actual weeks. You can read all about the adventure and see some fun reveal pics here. Thanks so so so so much for all of the lovely comments and feedback. Special thanks to Natasha at The Simply Inspired Blog and Erin at The Organized Life for including me in posts summarizing their favourite spaces!
Beyond it being a pretty, sunny room, I am MOST excited that it's no longer a chaotic, dirty, dusty mess. Going in there was never fun, and it was almost always a safety hazard as we just piled everything we did not know what to do with in a disastrous pile. Sound familiar? Then you are going to love this post- THERE IS HOPE!!!!
Here are my 5 steps to an organized laundry room. Even if you aren't going to renovate, you can employ some of these tactics today!
STEP 1: DECIDE WHAT WILL LIVE IN THE SPACE
Make a list of the items that are going to actually live in the space. This is what lives in my laundry room:
– kids coats, shoes, backpacks, hats
– grown up off season coats
– all off season accessories for kids and grownups like snowpants, mitts, boots, etc.
– all household cleaning supplies
– all tools, tapes, most crafting supplies, items I use on set when styling for photoshoots or TV shows
When you have this list, figure out how much mass this stuff takes up. Will it fit in cabinets, do you need length for long coats, etc. etc. and design accordingly. My saving grace in this room was the Zobal system by Cutler pictured above. The key is to design your cabinets around your specific stuff, rather than the other way around. Same goes true for buying baskets, or plastic containers of any size. Figure out exactly what you need to store BEFORE you design cabinets or buy organizational items. Then- give yourself a clean sweep and purge everything else that does not belong!
STEP 2: WHAT FUNCTIONS NEED TO HAPPEN?
Obviously, you need to do laundry in the laundry room. But what else needs to happen? Do you need to fold, store laundry, sort laundry? Do you need a space for creating floral arrangements, or crafting up a storm? Do you need space for items that will go to the dry cleaners, or needs to be mended? In my space, I knew I needed the following functions:
– wash and dry clothing (A LOT OF IT with soon to be 7 people in this house)
– air dry clothing
– fold laundry
– space for kids to sit to take off boots, coats, etc.
– place for me to prep for photoshoots, pack up accessories and tools needed when on set
With my functions in mind I approached One One Eleven Designs to create this custom hanging rack for me to hang clothing like dress shirts that I don't want to go through the dryer. I also knew I needed ample counter space for the amount of laundry I fold so having one large 10' run of counter space was super important. This step is going to be really important if you are renovating so you can strategically achieve what you want and dedicate space for every specific thing. If you need help doing this I can help you out.
STEP 3: PLACE LIKE WITH LIKE
This is a step everyone can employ right away. Take all the items you know are going to live in the space as decided upon in Step 1, and now group "like with like". So place all the tools in pile, all the laundry supplies in one pile, all the other items in one pile. Now is the time you go shopping for baskets and such. For items that are kind messy like off season hats and mittens, I really like to throw them in a large opaque container like a wicker or cloth basket. I suggest small screws, small anything really get stored in stackable clear containers. I also corral mail and other small items in small trays and baskets from Bouclair.
STEP 4: KEEP VISIBLE ANYTHING YOU USE ALL THE TIME
To avoid having to rummage through bins and baskets I like keeping visible anything I use on a regular basis. In my house this includes tape, scissors, picture hanging supplies and vases (I love creating fresh floral arrangements throughout my house once or twice a week!) In my laundry room my Zobal wall installations work really hard for me to keep me organized. Additionally, I keep my detergent out on a yellow tray beside my units for convenience. I love how Sarah did this with her pre-soak powder treatment she stores in a terrarium beside her sink- the point of this step is to keep it efficient, functional and pretty.
STEP 5: MAKE IT PRETTY
Just because it's a laundry room doesn't mean you have to sacrifice on style. I would not hesitate to put wallpaper up in a laundry space, hang graphic art or paint the entire space a fun bold colour. Did you see what fellow #oneroomchallenge participant Paige Minear did in her laundry? My point is don't think of the laundry room as an afterthought. It can be just as stylish as the rest of your home. If you are renovating, consider a graphic floor or a bold colour on the walls. If you're just sprucing things up for spring, totally hang some art and / or create a styled surface- even if it's just on a floating shelf or movable storage cart.
Here's to keeping things organized and pretty this season- love to know what spring projects you've got on the go in the comments below.
Photos by Larry Arnal.
by lisa@lisacanning.ca | May 7, 2015 | Interior Design
Phew! It was a mad race to the finish but the audacious challenge of completing my laundry room in 6 weeks for the One Room Challenge is now complete. Let's keep it real: it wasn't like anyone was keeping track if I didn't finish. I am basically 9 months pregnant after all and a few times this week I thought about throwing in the towel. But the entire concept of this challenge- a group of ambitious creatives doing this together, cheering each other on- my heart overflows with the new friends I have made and the invisible cheerleaders I felt I had along the way (and sending my love to my very real cheerleader, friend, and fellow complete a laundry room in 6 weeks cause we're crazy that way Sarah Walker).
If you are new to my blog, welcome! So happy to have you. Here's the before: a scary gross dungeon FILLED to the brim with junk:
And here is the crazy crazy transformation (still cannot believe we did this and I did not go into labour):
TILES: Let's start with the floors and backsplash. On the floors I wanted something graphic and herringbone, and I was prepared to cut every single tile personally. But when I saw these porcelain tiles at Creekside Tile I thought the 12" x 24" scale would work well in my space. In 3 shades of grey, my installer Roberto and I figured out the colour pattern (let me tell you that was a head scratcher to not get any colours touching…) and I am so pleased with the results. For the backsplash, Enrique at Creekside suggested a large scale herringbone in matte white- and with a light grey grout it provides an elegant texture and contrast to my floors.
INDUSTRIAL TEXTURE: This live edge wooden shelf with pipe hanging rod was a bit of a last minute addition (as in the team at One One Eleven are miracle workers). I've worked with Aimee and Chris, husband and wife woodworking team extraordinaire on client projects and TV shows- and so happy to have a little piece of their talent to act as a functional place to air dry clothing. And who doesn't love a live edge- the wood provides a gorgeous texture in any application in my opinion!
LAUNDRY FOR THE MASSES: As my smiling face in my photo at the top of this post would indicate, I cannot wait to do laundry in my new units. The Whirlpool Cabrio High-Efficiency Top Loader has Precision Dispense and the digital controls basically remember your ideal settings for doing laundry. And you guys- my dryer has a steam option and will dry 4 BASKETS OF LAUNDRY IN ONE GO! I needed to upgrade to larger units for my growing family- and chose to go white for some contrast and to match my counters.
STORAGE STORAGE EVERYWHERE: In my pursuit of keeping things family friendly (both in function and in approach to budget) I used off the rack cabinetry from Cutler Modern Living. These multi-purpose cabinets come flat packed so they whip together super fast (pick up to final installation was 2 days total by my super installer Steve). With handy baskets, hampers and trays from Bouclair I'm able to attempt to remain organized with my soon to be 5 kids : )
SPACE SAVING STORAGE: Between designing for clients and styling photoshoots from print and TV, I have SO MUCH STUFF that needs organized storage. I basically had small things like picture hanging hardware, various tools, vases for styling, and cleaning supplies for when I am on set in the most unorganized of tote bags and plastic bins. I never knew where anything was and was always scrambling. Scramble no more- this is the Zobal system by Cutler Modern Living and they have developed this amazing track system that is pretty darn perfect for my needs. With a variety of hooks, shelves, containers, etc. etc. that you customize to your liking- and can change at whim by the way as all the features clip and slide, by the way- this is truly a flexible and practical system for small space storage. I am kind of obsessed and am dreaming up applications for this in stone, glass tile and the like- I chose to install the tracks between melamine that matches my cabinets for a contemporary look. And PS- when cleaning supplies look as pretty as pretty as these Lemon Aide products do, can't help but keep them on display.
BRING ON THE BLACK: I love the industrial edge a matte black faucet brings to a space. I have this exact model in my kitchen- and at first I thought I should switch it up and not have a copy cat faucet in my laundry as well. But I just love it- and why mess with something you love- so the Solna by Brizo makes a repeat performance in my laundry as well.
This was a serious mad race to the finish line (seriously, most of the work happened in the last 72 hours!). But so thankful I finished, and thankful to my brand partners, to members of my design team Carter and Kelly-Lynn, and BIG thanks to Larry Arnal for these beautiful images. And thankful for all of you for following along. The whole idea of designing spaces that allow families to thrive is such an important concept to me. After doing it for clients day in and day out it always feels so good to use my own gifts to serve my own growing family. And while laundry might be mundane and tedious, it is a care we provide to our families that is a valuable, necessary, and can be done with a ton of love.
Now go check out what everyone else accomplished- the results are pretty amazing. For the featured 20 click here, and for the 150+ linking participants click here.
by lisa@lisacanning.ca | Apr 30, 2015 | Interior Design
If it's your first time to the blog- welcome to my little corner of the internet where I talk about Interior Design, Productivity, Family and my design business. Happy to have you here for another installment of the One Room Challenge, this fantastic challenge set out by Linda at Calling It Home. It's going to be a mild race to next week's finale, but I am pretty pumped with my progress- cause look at these floors!
With the help of Creekside Tile, I came up with this fun idea to use a normal 12" x 24" porcelain tiles in 3 different colours. Originally, I was going to order tiles half the size, or have these cut in half (which would have been an expensive option). But when I saw these in person, I actually liked the scale. And really I am just in love with how you can use a practical, reasonably priced product, and with a little ingenuity use it in a unique way. Thrilled with the results.
It will be a serious race to the finish line but so happy to be racing alongside all my fellow ORC participants. You can see what the 20 featured participants are up to here, and what the 150+ linking participants are up to here. Thanks for following along!
by lisa@lisacanning.ca | Apr 24, 2015 | Lifestyle Design
For a good part of 2014 I ran the design team on Buying and Selling with the Property Brothers. So I am used to racing to the finish line. To get ready for reveal days, we would sometimes work until 2am to get an entire main floor to camera ready perfection. It was grueling, sometimes gruesome, but gorgeous results always came. So deadlines don't scare me. In fact, completing a space in 48-hours actually makes me excited!
But this time it's a little different. I don't have a big team, I don't have a big budget, and I'm juggling lots of other work and life demands while completing this laundry room project for the One Room Challenge (you can get caught up on my progress here, here and here). Which, may I say, the ORC is such a cool concept- complete a room in 6 weeks and blog about it in real time. Linda, if you ever find yourself in Toronto drinks are on me! Love the support and mutual celebration I am seeing demonstrated among bloggers and designers across North America and beyond! So great to celebrate each other and highlight so much talent.
This week has been slow and steady, impacted by the fact that I thought I was in full on labour last Friday, and the fact that I had to wait on stock for one of my tile colours. So while I wait for stuff to happen this is what we do at the Canning House:
Mommy tries to take a selfie and my youngest wants to play too. While we were doing this, a team was at work downstairs. The space is now fully drywalled, insulated, and ready for tiling. Speaking of tile:
I've committed to a fun, graphic approach to the floor in three shades of grey. For my backsplash, continuing the graphic treatment with matte white 4" x 16" tiles in a herringbone pattern which will be such a fun contrast against the floor. Massive thanks to Enrique and his creative team at Creekside Tile in Toronto who helped me resolve a ton of indecision! So wonderful to work with vendors who can expertly guide and offer awesome design insights.
So as you can see it's going to be a BIG push to get this puppy done, but bring it on! I have been loving following the progress of the featured 20 One Room Challenge participants, and everyone included in the ORC Linking Event! A big hello to all my new friends : )
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