Inspiring ways to use subway tiles

Sometimes the simplicity of subway tiles really makes me happy. They are simple, can be dressed up or dressed down, and always budget friendly. They are also a classic... but I'm interested to see what you think about them! Would you put subway tiles in your home?

GORGEOUS.
via Pinterest via Bethany Lynn Nauert

via Pinterest via The Kitchn

via decorpad


via pinterest

via decorpad

via desiretoinspire

Small laundry room inspiration

When did it finally sink in that I was a homeowner?  It wasn't when I was carrying boxes in to our living room or kitchen, it was when I walked past our laundry room for the first time.  I know it sounds silly, but I have never had my own laundry room - I either had to go to a laundromat or down the hall to the residents' laundry room. However, since this space isn't usually seen by guests it tends to be put on the back burner for any updates. I like to remember how grateful I am to finally have my own laundry room by keeping it functional and organized.  Below are some dream laundry rooms for inspiration

Even if you only have a laundry nook, make it feel more luxe with an updated lighting fixture, and sleek shelving with organized supplies.
via BHG

Love this Stain kit idea!
via BHG

You can still make a small laundry space work for you and be pretty too. Making the most of the room you do have may take a little creativity and narrowing down your items to just necessities, but making it functional will really help you enjoy this space.

via fourgenerations

Don't forget about the accessories! Have fun with them and mix them up since there are a lot of different small items that get put in the laundry room. Baskets and clear jars keep smaller items from creating visual clutter.

via flicker

Giving your laundry room a makeover doesn't need to be pricey. A few cabinets and a table top to fold your clothes can really make a difference in the room. Also adding a touch of color with some paint can make it feel more like a homey space than a commercial laundry.

via houzz

If you laundry room has plenty of space you might consider a wash tub or sink, and some hang up space for those items that need to hang dry.  I think laundry room slop sinks are a must.  We don't have one yet, but it's on my registry! A rug can also add a little comfort to this space to keep it from being to stiff and cold. 

April's Monthly Storage Plan: The Laundry Room

So, I'm really late getting you April's agenda from BHG's "Month by Month Storage Plan."
But I promise you this one is pretty painless - but can make a big difference in saving you time every week doing your laundry. Here is BHG's suggestions for creating a streamlined, efficient laundry room...

• Sorting Baskets. Place a three-compartment bin or basket in a closet or open shelf in your laundry room (look at home or office supply stores for options). Separate clothing to be repaired, dry-cleaned, and donated.

Laundry baskets make great sorting bins that are easily moved about. You can download BHG's free Laundry Labels here. (You may have to sign in or create a profile before they let you do this - just a head's up)

Not all of us have the luxury of separate rooms or dedicated spaces for every task or hobby, so a well planned out utility room can handle multiple purposes. This room handles laundry, and crafts such as wrapping... notice the rolls of wrapping paper. A surface over the washer and dryer provides space for crafting. Lots of baskets and bins provide storage for supplies.
via BHG

• Keep Detergent Handy. Fill plastic beverage dispensers with laundry detergent, softener, and other liquid laundry additives. Hang a set of plastic measuring cups nearby from a cup hook.

via House to Home
Liquids and powders obviously look prettier in glass bottles or tins, but it might not really be practical for everyone. Also - if you forget instructions easily save the usage labels for products.

• Drying Rack. Mount a drying rack or double towel bar near your washer as a spot for air-drying clean sweaters or rugs.

via BHG
This is a great example of the well organized laundry room. It's not an actual "room" so the owner has cleverly installed curtains to hide the area when not in use. And even though the space is small, a foldable drying rack still fits in nicely. Ballard designs has some great drying racks similar to this one.

• Make a Catch-all for Ironing Supplies. Convert a silverware caddy into a stain-treating or ironing kit. Fill with small size cleaners, spray starches, and linen waters. Be sure to include essential tools such as brushes, dry-cleaning pads, and collar points.

via House to Home
Mounting planters or containers can also serve as catchalls for any other cleaning supplies you need on hand.


Below are some more laundry rooms to inspire you -

Small, but shelving provides space to organize

I love the idea of an armoire as a utility room organizer.

3 images above via BHG






5 images above via House to Home

You can read the original content here on BHG.