Jolie transformed a dark, brick-lined laundry room and small adjoining office into a bright, welcoming space with a few simple updates. Inspired by a popular den makeover, she decided to paint the red brick walls and refresh the built-in cabinetry, and the result completely changed the room’s mood and flow within the house.
Before the update, the space felt gloomy and disconnected from the rest of the home. After painting and making a few thoughtful changes, the laundry room now feels light, clean, and unexpectedly inviting—so much so that Jolie says it has become one of her favorite rooms and even makes her want to do laundry.
Her approach was straightforward, budget-friendly, and effective. Jolie focused on color, texture, and simple window treatments to brighten the space without a full renovation. Here’s a list of the main changes she made:
- Painted the brick walls with Sherwin Williams Antique White to open up the room and reflect more light
- Painted the built-in cabinets in Olympic Light Sage for a subtle, fresh pop of color
- Installed bamboo shades for a warm, natural texture
- Hung white curtains to soften the windows and enhance brightness
- Added sea coral artwork to introduce a coastal, calming accent on the wall
- Created a burlap cabinet curtain to conceal under-sink storage while adding rustic charm
Each element was chosen to complement the others: the Antique White paint brightens the brick and provides a neutral backdrop, while the Light Sage cabinets add character without overpowering the space. Natural materials like bamboo shades and burlap bring warmth and texture that balance the painted surfaces. White curtains help diffuse light and make the room feel airy and fresh.
Painting the brick alone made a dramatic difference. Rather than struggling with the deep red tones that absorbed light, Jolie’s choice of a light, neutral shade allowed natural and artificial light to bounce around the room, revealing details and creating a sense of openness. The painted built-ins then became an opportunity to inject color and personality—opting for a gentle green that complements the white walls keeps the palette cohesive and serene.
The transformation highlights how small, affordable updates can have a big impact. A new coat of paint, updated window treatments, and a few carefully chosen accessories turned a functional utility space into a pleasant, well-designed room. These sorts of changes are ideal for homeowners who want to improve layout and style without undertaking costly structural work.
Beyond aesthetics, the makeover improved the room’s usability. The burlap curtain conceals clutter while maintaining easy access to storage, and the lighter color scheme makes it easier to spot and manage laundry tasks. The addition of artwork gives the space personality and makes it feel like a thoughtful extension of the home rather than a purely utilitarian area.
Jolie’s project is a great example of how inspiration from one room can be applied to another. Borrowing ideas and techniques—painting brick, refreshing built-ins, and choosing natural textiles—can lead to a cohesive, inviting home. Her results show that with a clear vision and a handful of well-executed changes, even small or awkward rooms can be transformed into stylish, functional spaces.
Her before-and-after photos provide a clear visual of the difference these simple upgrades made, and the finished laundry room now feels bright, clean, and intentionally designed. It stands as a reminder that thoughtful color choices and texture can completely redefine a space.