Next project please!

I have been itching for my next project and have some ideas on things I want to tackle. Lea is now four months and I'm so enjoying being home with her. Being home is a blessing, but it can also be a challenge for me. I LOVE to change things up!! Simple ways of doing that for me is painting, but that can depend on how big the room is. Other ways may be rearranging furniture, redecorating and changing up accessories, or adding a new piece here and there. After four months of hibernation and taking it easy, I'm ready for my next project!

I've been dying to spruce up our laundry room. When we come into our home through the garage, it's the first room you see. You want it to feel welcoming when you walk in, and this room definitely needs some perking up. I would take any of these beautiful laundry rooms. I love the idea of having the built in area for coats and then a nice, big surface to fold clothes on. A utility sink would be great too! I also love the idea of painting the door an accent color.

Traditional Laundry Room by Vancouver Photographers John Bentley

Traditional Laundry Room by Louisville Architects & Designers Rock Paper Hammer

Traditional Laundry Room by Santa Monica General Contractors Morrow and Morrow Corporation

Traditional Entry by Washington Architects & Designers Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc

Traditional Entry by West Newbury Architects & Designers ASB Architecture

So this is what I'm working with. When we originally bought the house, our laundry room looked like this. It's a very dark (no windows) and narrow room, and I've been racking my brain as to how I can make it more functional for us without spending much.

After moving in, I had to slap on a new coat of paint. I had a white chest that I stuck in there and ended up hanging several pictures on the large wall. It's been like this and it hasn't been too functional for us. We throw our coats, bags, and all things random on the washer and dryer and the small chest you see. I've got this great wall and I'd love to make some use of it.

I originally was thinking board and batten look, but figured it's too much work I can take on right now. I like the functionality of the hooks and thought this would be pretty inexpensive to do. I would love to replace the lighting fixture. These new energy efficient light bulbs don't let off the best light. A brighter rug would be lovely and eventually would love to add some family photos in here.

{image via http://bunsinarow.blogspot.com}

I think I will decide on paint and go from there. I'm thinking of painting it a green. Any thoughts or suggestions as to what I can do in there?? How would you make it more functional?

Have a great weekend!!