Designer: Erica Peale Design
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Size: 108 square feet (10 square meters); 9 by 12 feet
Homeowner’s request. “The homeowner wanted a more functional, well-organized space with dedicated storage for laundry and cleaning supplies,” says designer Erica Peale. “Previously, the room lacked proper laundry hampers, causing baskets to pile up on the floor, and there was no storage for linens or cleaning supplies, leaving the space cluttered. Painted a jarring orange, the room felt anything but inviting.”
Peale uses Houzz Pro software to help run her business. “We use Houzz for website hosting, 3D floor planning, project library and client reviews,” she says. “Houzz is an invaluable tool to help with our projects.”
Storage strategies. “Thoughtful design transformed this laundry room into a highly functional and organized space,” Peale says. “Open cubbies were created to house rolling laundry hampers, keeping them accessible yet neatly tucked away. Pullout drying racks add convenience for air-drying garments, while custom cabinetry provides ample storage for cleaning supplies, detergents and household linens. Additional features such as adjustable shelving, a built-in ironing board, concealed waste bins and dedicated folding surfaces ensure everything has a place, making daily laundry tasks more efficient and enjoyable.”
Other special features. “The custom cabinetry was painted in a soft, soothing spa-like blue, (Sherwin-Williams’ Stardew), bringing a calm and refined feel to the space,” Peale says. “Large-format 12-by-18-inch travertine floor tiles ground the room with warmth and texture, while a polished marble 1-inch hexagon backsplash adds a timeless, elevated touch. Floating shelves with brass ceiling-mounted brackets introduce both style and function, complemented by brass cabinet hardware that adds warmth and subtle contrast. A full-size utility sink enhances everyday usability, while Steele Canvas laundry baskets provide an efficient system for separating whites, darks and dry cleaning.”
Designer tip. “A key design approach we recommend is choosing a softer, more restful color palette and prioritizing closed storage to minimize visual clutter,” Peale says. “Layering a mix of textures and varying sheens not only reflects light throughout the space but also creates depth and visual interest, transforming a functional room into one that feels calm, polished and intentional.”
General contractor: Connor Bentley; wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
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Designer: Sarah Montgomery Interiors
Location: Chicago
Size: 255 square feet (24 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “Set on a historic street in Logan Square, this brick Foursquare home had been carefully restored — lots of woodwork, stained glass and even its century-old dining room light fixture,” says designer Sarah Montgomery. “Our clients wanted to bring that same richness into their furnishings, creating a design-forward family space that incorporated some modern elements and could also stand up against two young boys and a pooch.”
Special features. Wallpapered ceiling in botanical paper. Built-ins painted in Olivetone by Benjamin Moore. Upper cabinets backed in geometric wallpaper. Vintage dining chairs reupholstered in family-friendly fabric. The light fixtures are antique and original to the home. The millwork is also original.
Designer tip. “Always consider the ceiling as a design element and don’t be afraid of painting built-ins a fun color,” Montgomery says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “There were several design schemes for the dining room that we presented, and to better help the client visualize them, we created 3D renderings,” Montgomery says. “We don’t always do this, but in order to help them select the perfect main feature — the wallpaper — it was necessary. The dining room had so many original features that we were working with that the new elements had to complement those in just the right way.”
Montgomery says she uses Houzz Pro software for project management. “We use the Selections boards to upload our items and send them to our client for an easy approval process and so they have access to all the necessary details,” she says. “We use Houzz Pro for sending proposals. We share their client dashboard so they have easy reference for their boards and documents at all times. We also log out time through Houzz so that our client gets clear invoices breaking down the time spent month-over-month.”
Ceiling wallpaper: Pierre Frey; built-in cabinet wallpaper: Fayce; rug: Oscar Isberian; wall paint: Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore; project photography: Dustin Halleck; styling: Sami Wiley
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