Brad and Mary Smith were dealing with an awkward layout in their 1970s-era home, where the only route to the guest bathroom required walking through the laundry room.

    This was inconvenient for guests. The laundry room itself also lacked storage and workspace, forcing Mary to fold clothes in the den. With a busy household of two parents and four young kids, keeping the laundry room clean and functional was a constant struggle.

    To address these issues, we relocated the bathroom door to open directly from the kitchen instead, freeing up space in the laundry room. We then optimized that space by adding more storage, shelves, cabinets, and a dedicated folding area. We also gave both rooms a mini makeover with new flooring, paint, and trim work to freshen up the look.


    Detailed Steps

    Now, let’s walk through the key steps we took to reconfigure and update these two important rooms. We used careful demolition and installation techniques for optimal results.

    Explore each step of the process using the dropdown tabs below:

    The first step was removing the existing doorway between the laundry room and the bathroom. We carefully detached the door trim and frame to avoid damage. We used construction adhesive to seal up the bottom of the old doorway, then added framing and drywall to cover it over. Mud and tape finished the job.

    With the old door gone, we could tackle creating a new doorway from the kitchen into the bathroom. We prepped the wall by removing drywall and an old stud where the door would go. Proper installation meant making sure the new door jamb was completely plumb and flush with the walls on both sides before securing it firmly to the framing.

    The old vanity was removed piece by piece. We replaced it with a new vanity that had a pre-made countertop, which simplified installation. We secured the new cabinet to the wall and connected the plumbing, completing the installation.

    We wanted to give the laundry room some decorative flair — beadboard paneling on the back wall did the trick. We prepped by removing old plastic tile boards and cleaning up some mold with a mildew spray. Construction adhesive held the new beadboard fast between our nail points into the studs.

    More storage was a necessity in the laundry room. We added a special spot to hang the ironing board and a small shelf for the iron. Cabinets flanking the window boosted storage while supporting a wide shelf overhead. We wrapped the cabinet fronts and windows with matching beadboard.

    To complete the mini makeovers, we painted both rooms in a light gray hue — Sherwin Williams Repose Gray matched to Behr. We put down new vinyl plank flooring as well. The fresh coat of paint and floors made the spaces feel clean, bright, and updated.


    Concluding Thoughts

    Moving the door solved the awkward layout issue that forced guests through the laundry room to access the bathroom. Now, the bathroom opens directly from the kitchen for convenience.

    The laundry room gained attractive new storage options in the reclaimed space — cabinets, shelves, and a dedicated folding area transformed its flow. Plus, the beadboard, paint, and flooring gave it a stylish facelift. For under $1,000 in materials, both utilitarian rooms are now far more functional and guest-ready.


    FAQs for Remodeling a Bathroom and Laundry Room

    How difficult is it to move a doorway?

    Moving a door may seem daunting, but it’s very doable with some DIY skills. The key steps are removing trim/framing, patching up the old opening, framing the new opening, and installing a new pre-hung door. Proper prep work makes the installation smooth.


    Should I get permits for renovating a laundry or bath?

    If you’re doing major structural changes or rerouting plumbing/electric, permits are a good idea for safety and compliance. But for cosmetic upgrades like painting, flooring, trim work, or cabinet swaps, permits generally aren’t required. Check with your local building department to be sure.


    What are the economical options for updating laundry rooms?

    Painting the walls, adding organizational hardware (shelving, rods, racks, etc.), installing vinyl tile flooring, and switching out cabinet hardware are easy DIY upgrades that pack a big visual punch for little cost. Focus on storage and ergonomics to maximize function. Consider a washing machine pan, too.


    How do I make a small bathroom feel bigger?

    Use a light, bright color palette on walls, cabinetry, and accents. Add mirrors to double the visual space. Install narrow shelving and floating vanities to reduce visual bulk. Swap out a shower curtain for glass doors. Upgrade the lighting and remove clutter via minimalist accessories. Get tips on bathroom remodel costs here.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Jonathon Jachura

    Jonathon Jachura

    Contributor

    Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

    Learn More

    photo of Jeff Zoldy

    Jeff Zoldy

    Jeff is a writer, editor, and marketer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has been editing on the Home Solutions team for over a year and is passionate about getting homeowners the information they need when they need it most. When he’s not working, Jeff can be found at baseball games, golfing, going to the gym, reading, watching movies, and playing video games.

    Learn More