Behr Paint Giveaway Winner: Laundry Room and Entry Hall Makeover

Back in April we announced three winners in our Behr paint giveaway. One of those winners has returned with photos and details of her finished project, and it’s a great example of how a single free gallon of paint can make a big impact. Below is a polished, easy-to-read summary of Kim’s laundry room and entry hall transformation, featuring Behr’s Gobi Desert along with Breakfast Blend in the utility area.

Before the makeover: cramped, dated, and in need of brightening up.

After the makeover: fresh, organized, and surprisingly functional—thanks largely to thoughtful paint choices and a few clever adjustments.

Kim used Gobi Desert in the hallway to create a warm, neutral backdrop that instantly lifts the space without overpowering it. In the laundry area behind the appliances, she chose Breakfast Blend to add subtle contrast and a soft, clean feel. These complementary shades work together to make the entry and laundry areas feel more cohesive while maintaining enough distinction between the two functional zones.

Beyond paint, Kim made several practical updates that improved the usability of her laundry room. She unstacked the washer and dryer to create countertop space for folding clothes. To build a simple, sturdy folding surface she purchased a piece of plywood, painted it white for a clean finish, and sealed it with polyurethane to protect against moisture and wear. Small touches like cabinet liners placed where the plywood meets the appliances prevent scratches and keep the surface stable—simple solutions that extend the life of the machines and the countertop.

She also removed an old cabinet temporarily with plans to repaint it white and add new hardware before reinstalling it. Updating cabinet finish and hardware is an inexpensive way to modernize the room without a full remodel. Fresh paint, new knobs or pulls, and strategic placement can make cabinetry look custom and well-integrated with the overall scheme.

Other small but effective changes included adding a few open shelves for frequently used items and removing clutter from the floor to keep the area easy to clean. Open shelving can be a cost-effective storage solution for laundry supplies, baskets, and decorative accents. If you prefer a sleeker look, consider uniform storage bins or labeled baskets that maintain visual order while keeping essentials within reach.

This makeover highlights a few key principles for any laundry or entry hall update: choose a neutral but warm paint color to brighten and unify spaces, add functional surfaces like a folding countertop, and update simple elements such as cabinet finish and hardware to modernize the room. Even modest investments—like a gallon of quality paint and a piece of plywood—can yield dramatic results when used with intention.

Thanks to Kim for sharing her transformation. It’s always inspiring to see contest winners apply their prizes in practical, creative ways. If you’re planning your own laundry room refresh, consider the same approach: prioritize function, pick colors that enhance natural light and flow between rooms, and focus on small upgrades that deliver big visual impact.

For a different budget-friendly laundry area transformation, check out our own spin on updating a laundry space on a serious budget in a separate project write-up.