Looking to give a basic builder-grade laundry room a custom, French country feel? Here are ideas and the full reveal of my renovated laundry room.
After months of planning and small projects, I’m excited to share the finished laundry room transformation—every update and detail, all in one place.
Before the makeover, the room had cornflower blue walls, sheet linoleum hidden under mats, plain laminate cabinets with clutter on top, a litter box in plain sight, and an old accordion drying rack with peeling rubber coating. I was grateful to have the space, but it was time to make it functional and beautiful—especially since it’s the first thing I see when I leave my bedroom each morning.
The finished room is a French country-inspired laundry with painted cabinets, a custom window valance, a picture-frame feature wall, new peel-and-stick tile flooring, and thoughtful storage solutions that hide unsightly hookups and keep essentials organized.
Design Approach and Key Choices
Everything began with an inspiration board to define the French country tone. As the project progressed, several plans evolved—most notably the flooring. Instead of installing wood-look ceramic tile, we chose peel-and-stick vinyl tiles that work better with the adjacent hardwood hallway and are easier and faster to install.
To add architectural interest, we created a picture-box feature wall using basecap moulding. I originally thought I’d wallpaper inside the frames, but the floor pattern was already busy, so I kept the boxes clean and simple for a classic, airy look.
A major highlight is the custom French door that floods the upstairs hallway with light. Painting the walls a crisp white (Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17) and using a warm trim color (Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172) for baseboards, window frames, and doors created contrast and made the space feel brighter and more cohesive.
Cabinet and Window Details
Instead of replacing the builder cabinets, we enclosed the gap above them to create the appearance of custom built-ins and painted the laminate a rich Lafayette Green (Benjamin Moore HC-135). Painting the enclosure and cabinets matched the new look and was a budget-friendly way to achieve a custom finish.
We added new gold hardware to the cabinets for a subtle, upscale touch that complements the French country aesthetic. Above the window, a custom wood valance introduces architectural detail that’s easy to maintain and keeps the window wall elegant and streamlined.
Practical Upgrades and Storage
We removed one cabinet section and relocated it to the garage to make space for a custom beadboard drying rack. Building the rack from leftover wood was inexpensive and efficient compared to buying a high-end alternative.
We also built a beadboard cover to conceal the washer hookup box and hide hoses and plugs for a neat, finished appearance. A simple shelf above the washer and dryer provides storage for laundry essentials, while canisters keep dryer balls and scented beads contained. I used faux plants and baskets from around the house to style the shelf and corral everyday items like spare socks and cleaning cloths.
A gold paper towel holder mounted nearby makes quick cleanups easy, and a large wicker hamper with a lid keeps laundry piles out of sight so the room stays tidy.
Finishing Touches and Reflection
We’re still using the original light fixture for now, but the ceiling was framed decoratively by the builder which helps the fixture blend in until we choose a replacement. The litter box remains in the room but has been moved out of immediate sight to improve the overall look.
I love how the simple, thoughtful changes make the laundry room feel custom and inviting. Small details—painted cabinets, hidden hookups, a valance, coordinated hardware, and organized shelving—add up to a big impact.
Project List
- Build a custom window valance
- Paint and prep a French door
- Enclose the space above cabinets to simulate built-ins
- Paint laminate cabinets for a custom finish
- Build a beadboard drying rack
- Cover up washer hookup box with a beadboard panel
- Create a picture-box feature wall using moulding
- Install peel-and-stick tile over existing linoleum
- Develop an inspiration board and adapt plans during the renovation
If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to contact me or leave a comment. I’d love to hear which detail you like best and any ideas you’d add to a French country laundry room.
Click on any image above to view the room details and sources
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