Before & After: Laundry Room Transformation Under $200

Laundry rooms are often overlooked, but even these hardworking spaces deserve style. This project shows that you don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. With just $200, a fresh coat of paint, peel-and-stick updates, and a few budget-friendly styling touches, this once-outdated room is now brighter, more cheerful, and far more welcoming. Ready to see the transformation?

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Overview:

This laundry room was functional, but the pea-green paint on the walls and ceiling made the space feel dark and outdated. The original 90s linoleum floors added to the problem—permanent stains left them looking dirty no matter how much they were cleaned. The goal was to brighten and refresh the room without replacing any of the existing elements.

The Plan:

1. Add a fresh coat of paint to brighten the space.

2. Use peel-and-stick products as an easy, affordable way to update surfaces.

3. Bring in color, texture, and personality with finishes and decor.

4. Keep the budget under $200.

Steps Taken:

1. Brightened the space with paint — All walls and the ceiling got a fresh coat of crisp white in a semi-gloss finish for added durability.

2. Added personality with wallpaper — A playful peel-and-stick pattern was applied to the wall behind the washer and dryer.

Fresh white paint instantly brightened the room, while a playful peel-and-stick wallpaper added personality and charm.

3. Refreshed the countertop — The surface above the washer and dryer was covered with a walnut-look contact paper for texture, warmth and contrast.

   
   

   

   Contact paper that mimics wood grain is an affordable way to add warmth and character to countertops, shelves, or tables—without the commitment of real wood.

   
   

4. Updated the flooring — Peel-and-stick floor tiles gave the room a cleaner, more modern look.

   

   Peel-and-stick floor tiles are a great way to update small spaces without the mess or expense of traditional installation.

5. Elevated the cabinets — Swapped the hardware for brushed brass knobs for a polished look, and to tie in with finishes throughout the home.

   
   

   

   Swapping out knobs is a quick, budget-friendly way to give your cabinets a more polished and updated look.

6. Brought in art — A cheerful print from one of my favorite creators, The Sorry Girls, finished the space with a personal touch.

   
   

   

   Framing downloadable art is an easy and affordable way to bring personality and style into any space.

   
   

Budget Breakdown:

• Paint: $41

• Peel-and-stick wallpaper: $25

• Wood-looking contact paper: $20

• Peel-and-stick floor tiles: $63

• Cabinet knobs: $6

• Downloadable art: $5

Total: $160

The After:

This laundry room feels like a completely different space—and all it took was a few budget-friendly updates! The crisp white paint instantly brightened the room, while the playful wallpaper added just the right amount of personality. The walnut-look countertop brought in warmth and contrast, and the new brass knobs tied everything together with a polished touch. Peel-and-stick floor tiles gave the space a fresh foundation, and the framed art made it feel personal, cheerful, and styled. What was once dark and dated is now clean, inviting, and full of character.

Bright paint, playful wallpaper, warm wood tones, and polished brass details turned this laundry room into a clean, cheerful, and inviting space.

Pro Tips:

• Maximize impact with paint: A bright, durable finish like semi-gloss instantly makes small spaces feel cleaner and more open.

• Bring in your personality: Wall art, prints, or decorative touches make even a utility space feel inviting. If you need storage, consider wicker baskets or pretty containers for laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and other essentials.

• Render-friendly notes: Always review the manufacturer’s instructions for both installation and removal when working with peel-and-stick products.

  • The floor tiles I used were not renter-friendly. To protect surfaces, you can always add a base layer first—like painter’s tape topped with rosin paper.

Takeaways:

• A fresh coat of paint can completely change the mood of a room, even a small, utilitarian space like a laundry room.

• Peel-and-stick products are budget friendly and can refresh surfaces without a major renovation. For renters, adding a base layer helps with easier removal.

• Mixing textures such as wood tones, patterned wallpaper, and metal accents adds warmth and character.

• Thoughtful details like framed art or stylish storage make a space feel personal and inviting.

• You don’t need a large budget to transform a forgotten corner of your home. Small updates can create a big impact.

Shop the Look:

Here are the exact or similar products used to pull off this transformation:

Item	Image	Store	Product Link	Price*
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper		Amazon	[Link here]	$25/roll
Peel-and-Stick Countertop		Amazon	[Link here]	$20/roll
Peel-and-Stick Floor Tiles		Amazon	[Link here]	$21/pack
Tool Kit for Applying Peel and Stick		Amazon	[Link here]	$6
Brass Cabinet Knobs		Amazon	[Link here]	$3/count
Downloadable Wall Art		TSG	[Link here]	$5

*Prices are approximate and may vary. 

Whenever possible, I always recommend starting with what you already have, thrifting, or DIY-ing for a more budget- and eco-friendly approach. But if you decide to purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.

Ready for a Laundry Room Refresh?

You don’t need a full remodel or a big budget to give your laundry room a fresh new look! Whether you're renting and need removable updates, own but aren't ready for a major renovation, or are sprucing up your home to sell, small updates and smart design choices can make a huge difference.

If you need help to transform your laundry room, let’s work together to make it happen!

 – Raquel B.

Founder & Chief Decoration Officer, Decorate My Space