I transformed a cramped, multi-use room into a stylish and functional laundry space. With a fridge hiding an unused back door, a still-working 40-year-old microwave, a toilet, and a washer all competing for attention, the challenge was real. With help from family (and a plumber after I drilled directly into a pipe), I painted over outdated pink tiles, built shaker-style cabinet doors, added custom upper cubbies, and repurposed a headboard into floating shelves. My goal was to turn my mum’s chaotic laundry into a calm, organized space using smart storage, durable finishes, and a lot of DIY spirit.
Steps
Step 1
Clear Out, Assess, and Prep the Space
I removed the microwave, clutter, and fixtures, and shifted the fridge and washing machine. I thoroughly cleaned the tile surfaces, filled holes, and lightly sanded everything to prepare for paint.
The laundry hasn't been touched since it was built over 30 years ago
Step 2
Clear Out, Assess, and Prep the Space Prime and Paint the Tiles
I tested the Dulux tile primer behind the washing machine first - this is when it all became real. The primer was thick and grippy, which gave me confidence the pink tiles could be covered. After drying time, I applied two coats of white paint. Photo one shows the priming; photo two shows the first coat.
Starting behind the washer incase something goes wrong
First coat of paint done
Step 3
Repurpose the Door Into a Barn Door
The existing inward-swinging door took up too much space, so I removed it and turned it into a barn door. I extended its width by attaching timber to each side, then glued and nailed MDF slats for a modern look. It was painted white, and we installed the barn door track using a hammer drill (it's a full-brick home). My 99-year-old grandpa helped the whole way!
Adding wood to the old door to make it barn door compatible
Track installed
Having the barn door on the left side allowed for so much more space in the tiny area
Step 4
Build Custom Shaker Doors
For the base cabinets, I used deep kitchen-style units for a streamlined look. I made my own shaker-style doors from MDF, which was a learning curve - hinge placement was trickier than expected. I topped the cabinets with tabletop panels I found on clearance at Bunnings for under $10. My grandpa helped from the planning to the build... and many trips to Bunnings. (Side note: I'd be called out by my family if I didn't mention the paint mishap - I tripped and spilled sage green paint all over my grandparents' stairs. It took a crew effort to clean it. I still flinch when I carry paint home.)
Daily trip to Bunnings
Building the shaker doors with my helper
It took many people and multiple methods to wash away this paint spill
Step 5
Add Upper Wooden Cabinets With Slatted Doors
I wanted to hide the unused back door creatively, so I placed upper cabinets in front of it. To add texture, I cut wooden slats (mostly from leftover tabletop panel material) using a table saw. My cousin helped with gluing, nailing, and trimming them down to size. The cube bases were repurposed from around the house - I just added doors and hinges.
The slatted doors coming together
Behind the doors were two sets of cubes we had in the house stacked on top of each other
Step 6
Turn an Old Headboard Into Floating Shelves
For extra storage and styling, I made floating shelves from a disassembled headboard. My grandma suggested it, and my grandpa and I spent a fun afternoon pulling it apart. I built shelf frames and installed them into the brick wall - but accidentally drilled into a copper pipe on the final hole. Water exploded everywhere and flooded the laundry and kitchen. The plumber came to the rescue, and once patched, we finished the shelves with cut plywood and a wood stain.
We repurposed an old bedhead by using the wooden frame to create the frame for the floating shelves
Frame built and ready
Accidentally drilled into a pipe and burst it
Plumber to the rescue
I used plywood cut to size to cover the frame
Step 7
Final Touches
After the flood, my mum was just happy to see it all finished. The fridge and washer stayed in the space, and the second microwave moved to the garage. Now, the laundry is calm, functional, and organized - and everything has a place. Mishaps and all, I think she's happy!
The final look
Everything inside the cupboards have a home and place
A clean and functional space
It took longer than expected but my mum is pleased
