Spruce up That Laundry Room

Laundry is one of those things that is constant...constantly piling up, constantly having to be washed, sorted, carried to bedrooms and bathrooms...it’s constantly there. So, in addition to making your laundry room suited for efficiency, why not spruce it up to make it a little more pleasant to work in?

First, a few tips to make laundry easier:
~ Have some kind of hamper in each bedroom and bathroom to keep dirty clothes off the floor and easier for you to gather.

~ Have each family member responsible for turning socks, underwear, sleeves, etc., right side out.

~ Depending on the size of your family, wash on the same day or days of a week, ie Monday for regular laundry, Thursday for bedding, or handwash items.

~ Install a shelf above your washer and dryer to place small (10 x 14") baskets, one for each family member, to put folded clothes in, which each family member is responsible for carrying, unloading and returning to the laundry room.

~ Fold the clothes right out of the dryer for the least wrinkles.
~ Purchase a 3-compartment laundry hamper with rack on top to divide up dirty clothes into whites, darks, other/cold water; and to hang clothes to be ironed.

Second, add color to your laundry room:

~ Pick a color theme, then carry it out in your laundry baskets, ironing board cover, clothes hamper, wastebasket, curtains and rug.

~ Hang a cheery picture, wall basket for flowers

~ If you have time, paint the walls, add a border or stencil your color theme.

Here are a few resources for more ideas:

Laundry Room Remodeling

Home Building Club

Decorating Laundry Rooms

Focus on Your Entryway

Spring is here and time to spruce things up from a long, perhaps wet and cold winter.

The walk up to your front door and into your house is the first place your guests see. It can be inviting or drab. So shake out those doormats, sweep the walk and porch clean, get rid of cobwebs outside and inside the front door, and wash any fingerprints off. Don't forget to remove scuff marks off the baseboards and the floor. Wipe down glass and mirrors on the door and entry walls. Put away any clutter, hang a pretty wreathe on the door, and let fresh flowers or a healthy evergreen plant greet all who come to your door. Some cheerful spring flowers include:
Carnations
Daffodils
Daisies
Lilies
Tulips

What better way to say, "I'm glad you're here!"

A potted plant or two on the porch adds to the warmth of your welcome. Lowes has a guide for plants suited to your area here. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=plantGuide

Remember, this is true for cottage or mansion, apartment or mobile home. An inviting entrance and welcome doesn't require fancy, professional decorating or expensive furniture. And don't forget a warm smile.