🖼️
The project:
When we moved in, the laundry was tiny, awkward and completely non-functional. There was zero bench space, inaccessible storage, very dated finishes, nowhere to store laundry basket, or iron clothes and no privacy from the neighbours.
I reimagined every cm to create a highly functional space. Apart from the electrics, plumbing and waterproofing, I completed every detail with my own two hands, including framing, plastering, carpentry, tiling, flooring, cabinetry, painting etc. What still surprises me is how often people are shocked that a woman can do this kind of work! I found an awesome woodwork teacher who gave me a solid foundation, and with the generous advice of some wonderful tradies and the help of YouTube, there are no limitations.
- Materials:
Plasterboard
https://www.bunnings.com.au/gyprock-csr-1200-x-900-x-10mm-plasterboard-repair-panel-re_p0730053
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-4l-interior-paint-wash-wear-plus-kitchen-bathroom-low-sheen-vivid-white-4l_p1370128
Frames
https://www.bunnings.com.au/british-paints-10l-white-gloss-doors-windows-and-trim-paint-and-prime_p0362051?store=8211
Ceiling
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-white-ceiling-plus-kitchen-and-bathroom-paint-1l_p1370218
Grout:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dunlop-800g-white-ready-to-go-coloured-grout_p6650123
Tile adhesive:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dunlop-750g-wall-tile-adhesive_p6829303
Plaster:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/gyprock-csr-10kg-base-coat-45_p0730825
Topcoat plaster:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/gyprock-csr-2-25kg-less-mess-topping-compound_p0173348
Cornice:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/gyprock-csr-55mm-x-3000mm-cove-plaster-cornice_p0731449
Benchtop:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-2200-x-600-x-26mm-hevea-multi-use-panel_p0447352
Window film:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/pillar-0-45-x-2m-pebbles-static-window-film_p0817642
PVC Skirting:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/permatimber-67-x-15mm-2-7m-antique-white-pvc-pencil-round-67-x-15-x-5400_p0616136
Door handles:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/prestige-128mm-brushed-nickel-square-bar-handle_p4020591
- Tools:
Ryobi Multi-tool
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-multitool-kit_p0249429
Ryobi Drill and impact driver
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-hammer-drill-impact-driver-kit-r18x2c14_p0539752
Ryobi Jigsaw
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-jigsaw-rjs18-tool-only_p0488988
https://www.bunnings.com.au/for-hire-600mm-hand-tile-cutter-4hr_p5470022
Foldaway ironing board (wall mounted)
https://www.bunnings.com.au/pocket-plus-folding-table-top-ironing-board-37x15x48-5cm-100-cotton-joseph-joseph_p0361986
Love these gloves for DIY because they are breathable even when it's really hot:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/lynn-river-showa-310-green-gardening-gloves-small_p3364132
https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-5-piece-hole-saw-set_p6370199
Hire circular saw from local tool library
Black & Decker foldaway work bench
Stanley Fatmax v20 mitresaw
- Step 1:
My ambition was to create a space that:
- fit a washer and dryer
- increased storage
- included build-in dirty laundry baskets
- space to store clean 'carry' baskets
- steaming station
- ironing space
Big ask but I fit it all in!
First step was pulling out the old cupboard. I got advice to make sure that the door frame wasn't load bearing and then pulled out all the framing. Some of the hardest parts of this job are the least visible. Fixing the gaps in the plasterwork, ceiling, and cornice (shudder!) to a seamless finish took a lot of effort.
- Step 2:
I wanted custom cabinetry, that included laundry baskets, but didn't want to build it from scratch. By removing the doorway and using cabinetry with much less depth we gained approx half a metre of wall and floor space.
There wasn't an off-the-shelf option that fit the space, so I found two separate off-the-shelf cabinets, and turned the top one upside down. The bottom one was deeper than the top one, so I build framing behind the top one, to bring it to the same depth, and secured both to the wall studs behind. I recycled the wood from the door frame that I'd pulled out along with some extra 2 x 4s. I added battens all around the sides and top of the cabinets to create a support structure for the plaster, to create a build-in appearance. Final step I painted it all the same colour because there was a colour tonality difference between the two units.
- Step 3:
The 'bright spark' that had tiled the original floor had been lazy and used floor cement to adhere the skirting tiles to the walls, so it was impossible to remove 80% of them without pulling the plaster off also. This left with with the wonderful job of fixing the plaster around the entire perimeter of the room. Once the walls were repaired I completed then with Bunnings PVC waterproof skirting.
- Step 4:
Next, I got the trades in and had the taps moved under the sink and added additional power points. (& before anyone gets roasted, the wood charring on the studs was from the original tradies that built the house). I replastered all the gaps from the pipework changes. (got those holes in the right position first time, yay!)
- Step 5:
I bought a cabinet frame for the sink and a small circular bar sink, to allow for counter space. I used a Bunning wood panel and jigsaw-ed out the circle to suit and applied several coats of waterproof varnish on the wood, before the plumber completed the sink installation.
One of the (invisible) things I'm most proud of on this project, is cutting exactly the right position for the plumbing holes in the wall plaster, and particularly in the base of the cabinet for the floor pipe. I had zero margin for error.
I installed the suspension rail on the wall studs, and hung the new wall cabinet above the sink (with the help of my husband #heavy!) After the waterproofing behind the sink was completed, I tiled the splashback.
- Step 6:
The floor was a slow but worthwhile job. I confirmed with the plumber that I could tile straight over the existing tiles, and I had plenty of space under the door so there was no need to pull them out. I placed each stone one by one and adhered them individually. Then I used premix grout because the spout on the container made it easier to direct the grout where I wanted it to go.
- Step 7:
After painting the door frames, I added a static cling film in a complementary style to the floor. It creates lovely rainbow refractions in the morning light.
- Step 8:
Finally I added a steaming station, beside the intentionally positioned power point, which makes getting ready in the morning really easy…
- Step 9:
…along with a foldaway wall mounted ironing board, that fits exactly across the width of the sink, for a perfect ironing station.
Added a couple of photos and a new washer and dryer and the job is done, with all goals achieved :)
