Love Your Laundry Room

Bizarrely enough, I kind of like to do laundry. Us laundry-lovers are few and far between though. For those of you who dread laundry day, use these tips to create a laundry space that is functional, organized, and clean. Who knows, it may become a place that you actually want to spend time in.

• Organize laundry supplies on shelves, in cabinets, and in labeled bins.
• Stack your washer and dryer to utilize vertical space.
• Set up an easy-to-use drying rack. Hide a permanent rack with a small curtain, or set up an expandable rack that can easily be put away when not in use.
• If sitting your washer and dryer side by side, create a large folding area on top. Try not to cover it with "stuff", keep it designated for clean clothes only.
• Add a little color here and there to brighten your day.

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Photo: Decor Pad

Photo: Elle Decor

Photo: House and Home

Photo: Houzz

Photo: Young House Love

Photo Walls

Personal photos are the perfect way to make your home a little more you. Your home should be a place that makes you feel comfortable and happy, and what better way make it that way then to surround yourself with images of the people, places, and memories that you love? Create a photo collection by organizing all of your photos in a specific way. For example, select photos that are all the same size and frame them in identical frames. Hang the collection to form a large square or rectangle for a cohesive and sleek look. Achieve a less systematic look by alternating the sizes of each frame, but keeping the color the same. Arrange the frames to fill a wall (kind of like a puzzle), or lean them against a series of shelves.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Photo: Belle Maison

Photo: Martha Stewart

Photo: The House of Smiths

Photo: Young House Love

Small Backyard Getaways

Sometimes your backyard is as far as you have to go for a little getaway. No matter how small, it's always nice to have a private outdoor space to escape from the outside world. Make your backyard a comfortable place to relax by adding functional furniture, cozy lighting, and colorful accessories.

First, determine how you would like your outdoor space to be used. For example, is it a place for entertaining, reading a book, or taking a quiet nap? Once you've nailed down your space's function, select furniture that will do the job. If your backyard is a calm place for you to relax and regroup, then a hammock may be just what you need. On the other hand, if you're looking to entertain, then a mini bar and a table with chairs or benches will work best.

After furnishing your outdoor space, finish it off with fun accessories such as colorful table cloths, cushions and pillows, lively plants and flowers, and decorative string lights.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Photo: House and Home

Photo: Decor8

Photo: HGTV

Photo: Sunset

Photo: Young House Love