Need laundry area door inspiration

Question

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some ideas and inspiration on how to make better use of these cabinet doors in our apartment (photo attached).

Behind these doors is our laundry space, which unfortunately sits right in the dining and living area. The current glossy cabinet doors feel a bit cold and “utility-like”, and we’re trying to slowly transform our modern apartment into something warmer and more homely.

Because our apartment is quite small, I’m hoping this space could serve a bit more purpose or personality. Some ideas I’ve been thinking about include:

* replacing the doors with mirror panels to reflect light and make the space feel bigger
* turning one door into a whiteboard or magnetic board where our child can draw
* creating a place where we can display kids’ drawings or family notes
* keeping the doors but adding a different coating or surface treatment

I haven’t done any DIY projects before, but I’d really love to use this as an opportunity to start learning and experimenting.

I’d really appreciate any ideas, inspiration, or advice on:

* what materials or finishes could work well
* whether it’s better to replace the doors or modify the existing ones
* beginner-friendly DIY approaches

Thank you in advance, I’d love to hear what you would do with this space! I have attached the color setting of the other area of our apartment too.

Dave-1 · Answer

Good afternoon @yzzzzhong

:) You have a blank blackboard there :)

I had a door in my Libary inthe garage, I "faked it" by making it look like it was a bookcase but not… It worked really well. The only thing I can think of is if you plan on putting more substantial weight on the doors (Ie = a lot more books say) you add another hinge to the doors.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/169524/hidden-internal-door-for-the-library

You could even blend it in with the options @EricL has suggested. Something that allows the eyes to see but not see all the doors. If you have kids you could even go the route of a looney tunes tunnel/train painted on the doors, maybe even with some timber trim to give it a bit more depth.

Dave

EricL · Answer

Hello @yzzzzhong

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your laundry doors.

I propose implementing all three ideas you've suggested as you have more than enough space to fit them in. I recommend keeping your existing doors and use them as the base for your project. The first door can be for the children's artwork. The door can be modified by placing cork tiles in front of it from top to bottom. The cork tiles can be attached using Selleys liquid nails. You can then use ordinary Pinnacle Assorted Coloured Push Pins - 50 Pack to hold the pictures in place.

The second door can be split in half with a whiteboard or chalkboard at the bottom and more cork board for the other half. This will serve as the family notice board where awards, ribbons, birthday cards, registrations and household messages can be pinned to.

The third door can be modified by placing a slim full-length mirror and picture frames on the right where family photos can be put in. The mirror and picture frames will need to be screwed onto the door so that they will not shake off when the door is in use. I've placed a sample rendered image using AI to give you an idea of what it can look like.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @lifestylebymari, @twocutekelpies and @daniknight4 for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric