Luxe Laundry: Marissa Nelums' Glamorous CGI Design

Marissa Nelums has always had an eye for glamour. As the Principal Designer and owner of Glasshouse Interior Design Firm and Home Store based in Chicago, Illinois, Nelums specializes in "creating bespoke living spaces that transcend expectations and elevate everyday living." Her journey into interior design began as a healing outlet after her father's passing in 2016, starting with styling rooms for close friends and family.

Today, Nelums is an inspiration to over 100,000 dedicated followers who look to her for both design ideas and encouragement across Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram—where she can be found at @glasshouseinterior. Her signature style? "Timeless glamour. We use a touch of luxury in every project. Many spaces are inspired by fashion trends and icon fashion designers."

The Luxe Laundry Project

When approached with the idea of a Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) or “virtual makeover” project, Nelums immediately thought of her laundry room, which was badly in need of what Nelums calls "a facelift," and she saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the space. The project, which she aptly named "Luxe Laundry," aimed to virtually transform a dated area into a functional yet sophisticated haven. 

"We really wanted to bring this dated space to the current year," Nelums explains of her thought process. "We used neutral colors and natural materials to give a classic look destined to be in style for many years to come." 

The Design Process

Every designer has their own process, and although this was a virtual redesign, Nelums approached it like she would any other project. For Nelums, that meant it all started with the cabinetry color. "We wanted to brighten the space without sacrificing warmth," she notes. This decision set the tone for the entire renovation, guiding choices in hardware, fixtures, and paint. 

This outlook included the entry door, for which Nelums chose the Trimlite 26-inch by 80-inch Shaker 3-Panel left-handed interior pre-hung passage door, to be finished in a brilliant shade of white. It is accented perfectly by black entry hardware by Signature Hardware’s Tolland solid brass keyed entry doorknob set with 2-3/8-inch backset.

Product Selection

The laundry room virtual makeover involved careful selection of products to achieve the perfect balance of style and functionality. Nelums chose "a combination of both matte black and brass hardware" throughout the space, creating a cohesive and elegant look.

For the washing machines, Nelums selected models new to the market: the LG 29-inch wide 5.2 cu ft front-load washer and the 9 cu ft front-load electric dryer laundry pair with pedestal storage and washing drawers. Bringing together functionality and a modern aesthetic, Nelums explains is, "A combination [that] was always top of mind." 

One standout feature is the addition of a dog washing station, complete with "faucets with a hand wand to help with pet wash day." For this, she chose the Signature Hardware Linwald 36-inch freestanding single-basin stone composite dog washing station along with the Signature Hardware 1.8 GPM Contemporary Tubular single-function hand shower package. This thoughtful addition showcases Nelums' attention to both style and practicality in her designs.

The Showstopper 

When asked about her favorite element of the finished design, Nelums doesn't hesitate: "The chandelier is hands down my favorite piece. It adds sophistication to the space."

This statement piece, the Minka Lavery Saint Martin 28-inch Wide Robin Baron Abstract Chandelier with alabaster shade, exemplifies Nelums' design philosophy of incorporating beautiful lighting into every project. "We always opt for grand lighting that makes a statement," she says. The ceiling height played a significant role in determining the type and height of the chandelier, ensuring it perfectly fit the space while making a bold impact.

The Finishing Touches

To add a virtual personalized touch to the space, Nelums chose a beautiful cream and black wallpaper for the back wall. "Unfortunately, this space had limited wall space. The next best option [was] wall coverings," she explains. "We chose this beautiful cream and black paper to give the back wall a contrasting pop."

For the cabinetry hardware, Nelums opted for Signature Hardware’s Andrex 5-1/16-inch center-to-center bar pull to achieve "a clean but modern shaker cabinet paired with a brass pull for an extra razzle dazzle on top. This combination allows the space to be elevated without over doing it," she notes, showcasing her talent for creating balanced, sophisticated designs.

A Luxurious Success

The finished virtual laundry room project is a testament to Nelums' skill in creating spaces that are both functional and fabulous. By focusing on a neutral color palette, incorporating luxurious touches, and paying attention to every detail, she has transformed a once-dated laundry room into a space that rivals the most stylish rooms in the home.

"Choose things that resonate with you..." Nelums advises. "If it makes your life easy or more comfortable...gravitate to those pieces."

Finding Solutions with Ferguson 

For this project, Nelums worked with to choose products for the virtual space. Primarily shopping online, she found the experience seamless and the selection impressive. Her favorite products? "Great Bath fixtures!" she exclaims.

The partnership between designers like Marissa Nelums and suppliers like Ferguson showcases how collaboration can lead to stunning results in interior design projects virtually and in real life!

Make Your Chores Glamorous

Inspired by Marissa Nelums' luxurious laundry room virtual redesign? You too can bring a touch of glamour to your everyday spaces. Start by identifying a statement piece, like a chandelier, and build your design around it. Remember, even functional spaces deserve a dose of luxury! Check out the Shop By Look  page for this project and for more inspiration, follow Marissa Nelums on Instagram at @glasshouseinterior or visit her website at https://www.glasshouseinterior.com.