There’s just one week left for the One Room Challenge, one short week until we can show you the completed laundry room. We’ve still got plenty of work to finish, so keep reading to see the final progress post before the full reveal.
If you’ve found yourself behind on the challenge, I’ve got you covered with previous weeks: Week 1 (design plan and before images), Week 2 (demo, electrical, and the new skylight), and Week 3 (paint, utilities, and starting cabinets), and Week 4 (countertop, wainscot, more cabinets, and backsplash).
Week 5 is all about the details. At the end of Week 4, I just had to get the washer and dryer reinstalled, because I needed to do laundry so badly! My husband and I were able to install the stacking kit and lift and secure the dryer in place before sliding it into its new home. The dryer door used to hinge on the right-hand side which was going to make it super annoying to unload clothes onto the new countertop for folding. If you were following along with my Instagram stories then you saw a little of this process, but if you missed it I saved everything into my ORC Laundry highlights. I planned the layout of the laundry room knowing I would have to change the door swing, so if you’re planning your own project make sure it’s possible before you start. You usually can’t change the swing of your washer door, but most dryers have this capability.
One addition I haven’t spent too much time talking about is the new under cabinet light. I was able to install this myself since it’s a plug-in LED light bar. It simply plugs into one of the new outlets inside the upper cabinet and has two brackets to hold it onto the underside of the cabinet. It was super quick and easy to do, and we even had our electrician link the outlet to a dimmer switch.
Yes, that’s right! Dimmable under cabinet light, which is great for those Sunday evenings when you’re trying to wind down while folding your laundry instead of turning on bright overhead lights. I’ll share the source for the exact fixture I used in the coming weeks so be sure to check back. Adding a dimmable under cabinet light might seem like a small upgrade, but it’s amazing how much of a difference it makes in both ambiance and functionality.
All of this has me thinking about how layering different kinds of lighting completely changes how a room feels and functions, even beyond the laundry space. Once you experience the flexibility of a dimmer or the soft glow of a task light, it’s hard not to start imagining how other fixtures could elevate your everyday routines. I’ve especially been drawn to the way floor lamps can anchor a corner or bring balance to a room without needing any extra wiring. There’s a sculptural quality to stehleuchten that makes them feel like more than just a source of light—they can be statement pieces that tie the whole design together while still creating that warm, lived-in atmosphere I’m always chasing.
Simple electrical enhancements like this can instantly elevate a space, especially when paired with thoughtful planning—like linking it to a dimmer switch for mood control. When you’re tackling even modest home improvement projects, it helps to have professional support nearby for anything more complex or permanent. That’s where having access to a trusted Electrical Contractor Peterborough homeowners rely on can really come in handy. From upgrading outlets and installing new lighting fixtures to ensuring everything meets safety codes, the right contractor can make your home smarter and more efficient without the stress of guesswork.
Carefully planned installations, whether for ambient, task, or accent lighting, create an environment that is both comfortable and versatile, allowing homeowners to adjust their surroundings to suit any mood or activity. Beyond lighting, ensuring that every outlet, switch, and circuit is properly installed and maintained is essential for safety and efficiency. Professional electrical support not only provides peace of mind but also guarantees that upgrades are performed to code, minimizing risks and protecting both property and loved ones.
For those looking to combine creativity with reliability, the integration of modern, safe electrical systems is key. Companies that emphasize thorough planning, high-quality materials, and expert installation help homeowners enjoy both convenience and long-term security. Southern Utah Electric exemplifies this approach, offering comprehensive solutions that address everything from smart home upgrades to routine maintenance, ensuring every system performs optimally. With skilled electricians handling installations and repairs, homeowners can focus on enjoying their spaces, confident that their electrical systems are both safe and dependable, supporting everyday life seamlessly.
Once the lighting was installed I set my mind to installing the iron cabinet hardware. This is one of those things where you really don’t want to be rushed because you’ll make mistakes. When it comes to drilling cabinet hardware, you really only get one shot to get it right. The best thing I’ve found is using a drilling template like this one so you can make sure every cabinet matches. You still need to measure everything and find center lines, but it makes your work much easier. Are you asking why I didn’t have the handyman do this? To be perfectly honest, I could have, but I get so much satisfaction out of doing it myself. If you can’t handle the risk of messing it up, then definitely have someone experienced do it. Sometimes when I have smaller client jobs where a contractor or cabinet maker is less involved, I will have our professional art installer do the cabinet hardware. They tend to have a good eye and skill for this kind of task.
Doesn’t the iron look ba-na-nas with the soapstone counter? That contrast of the black hardware against the white cabinets makes me so happy. Speaking of things that make me happy, I also got our drying rack mounted to the wall. We always have things that need to air dry before they go into a hamper, like kitchen handtowels and gym towels. We’ll also use it for more delicate clothing that can’t be tumble dried, so this wall rack will get tons of use. I even snagged an iron valet hook that folds flat against the wall when it’s not in use which is perfect to get things hung up as soon as they pop out of the dryer.
So what’s left? I’ve got a few paint touchups after all the installations and maybe a few Magic Eraser touchups too. I’m going to treat the soapstone with mineral oil a few more times and seal the backsplash. Finally, I’m going to reinstall our tech in the upper cabinet and get the room styled to shoot. I’m already exhausted just thinking about it.
With just a week left in the One Room Challenge, it’s crunch time to get every last detail just right before the big reveal. After weeks of installing skylights, running electrical, setting cabinets, and installing backsplash and countertops, the final push is all about refining and polishing. Those last-minute paint touchups can make all the difference—fixing scuffs, smoothing edges, and bringing cohesion to a room that’s been transformed piece by piece.
It’s the kind of detail work that requires patience and a steady hand, especially when the finish needs to match the high standards of everything else in the space. For homeowners who want that crisp, flawless look without the stress of doing it all themselves, partnering with professionals like Akron House Painters can be a smart move. Known for their careful prep and clean results, they can ensure your final coat of paint enhances the room rather than drawing attention to imperfections. After all, when every element of a space is being scrutinized for a reveal, expertly done painting can truly elevate the entire project.
I’m hustling to get this room done so I can bring you the final reveal next Thursday! In the meantime, the other designers are just as close to finishing so don’t forget to click the logo below to see their work.
