Something’s not working?
As with many routines in life, we need to shift our habits with the seasons.
This laundry/ mud room wasn’t working for us.
In our case, the back door entry was also the spot to park the washer and dryer. A little tight on most days, but bringing in two, large, muddy dogs to dry off… well?
This first picture was taken after we stripped the cupboards and took out a large laundry sink and shelves. We had more room for the pups to turn around, but then, about four months later we predicted another mud season. We took action!
A stackable W/D set makes sense to create more floor space.
We decided to buy a new stackable washer and dryer, while they were on sale over New Years. And then, proceeded to order a shower base from Amazon. The drain was already in place for the washer, so it made sense to install a dog-washing station with warm and cold water.
The shower base was easy to install, we picked up some 2″ x 2″ tile at Lowes and put up some window film. And then, new tile on the floor to replace the ripped linoleum.
BEAUTIFUL!
We trained the pups: If they walked into the shower and sat down, they received a ‘cookie’. They both learned very quickly! No problem with showering their feet, and then, watch them run to the cookie jar!
You think this story is over?
Of course not!
Within a week of this reno/install. The back door/mud room/laundry/ dog shower…. was back in chaos! (Note to self: assigning a room to ‘multi-task’ sometimes backfires!)
The shower pan was the perfect place to dry off cross-country skis! It was also a great place to throw wet towels! And, then, since we made room for ‘more’, Steve brought in a crate of firewood to dry off for the evening fire. The best part is the kite. I bought this trick kite for my hubby a few years back. Finding time, and a space, to fly this can be a bit trying. However, there is a lot of space out on the frozen ice to practice… so yeah, it fit perfectly in the shower pan drying off just like everything else!
It’s all in a day’s activities.
Any brand-new clean space will attract … more stuff!
P.S. When I visit my clients homes and they apologize for the mess, I know they are just living! Often, it’s a game of compromise, just like mine!
Just laugh. Choose your battles, and enjoy living your life.
Warmth, Kathryn
