When we first found our “new to us” country home, I was pleased with the size, layout and location of the existing laundry room, just not the décor and finishes. As an equestrian and outdoor enthusiast, this is one of the main hubs of productivity for our household. Located near the kitchen, I had the cabinets and islands refinished in both rooms using identical finishes and added marble slabs and subway tile back splashes  to ensure a continuity of style and color palette. The hardware and fixtures were all changed out to high end polished nickel.   I also chose to replace the floor with a tile that is both durable and appropriate for an American country home as this room is at the rear of the house with doors to both the pool and garage. 

Additionally our border collie, Stella, has been crate trained since she was a puppy. This has always been her “safe” place when we are out of the home or if there is too much activity around her (i.e.loud company, house keepers, etc.). In our previous historic downtown home, I had permanent kennels installed in our heated detached garage.  Due to the plentiful amount of cabinetry in the laundry room, I tried to think outside of the box to create her own personal space where she could be inside of the house at all times. I located an existing cabinet with double doors that further extends another double width to create a large built in “dog condo.” I had the center of the cabinet doors removed and replaced with chicken wire and added an exterior latch and removable tempurpedic bed for her comfort and my ease of cleaning. She loves this spot because she can look out, yet she feels safe and has ample room. Even better, the dog wash is just out the back door in the garage and all of her food and incidentals are kept in the cabinets above her built in house. Stella even has her own jar filled with special dog treats on the adjoining counter!

Salut!