How to create a stylish and functional laundry

Looking for laundry inspiration to revamp your laundry room? Or maybe you’re thinking of doing some laundry renovations? While this area isn’t an interior design focus of your house, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be functional and pleasing to the eye. A well-designed laundry area makes it easier—and more pleasant—to do the chore. 

We’ve gathered some DIY project ideas for laundry designs you can consider below.

Laundry layout options

Time to put your interior designer hat on! Fabulous laundry room design begins with a proper layout. Consider having ample storage space, ventilation, and lighting when planning your mud room layout. Additionally, plan around the washer you currently have (or plan to buy).

Top-loading vs front-loading machines

These washing machines only differ in terms of the access point, though what kind of machine you choose will impact your laundry room layout. A front-loader washing machine can be stacked with your dryer to maximise existing space. A top loader won’t require you to bend over, allowing more ease of movement. If washing machines are placed side by side with your dryer, you can use the extra surface as a folding station.

Laundry floor plan

Whether you’re only moving around your fixtures or need laundry renovation ideas, here are the types of laundry layout to consider to make the most of your existing space.

• An L-shaped layout features two main areas set against two walls of your laundry room—a shorter “leg” meant for one service (such as your sink) and a longer area where you can fit multiple units (your washer, dryer, and cabinets). This configuration gives you plenty of open space and work areas. 

• Consider a U-shaped layout for a large laundry area. Adding an extra “leg” to the L layout provides more storage and countertop space.

• Galley-style layouts are common for smaller laundry areas—your washing machine, dryer, sink, and storage are built on only one side of the wall. While compact, there are also several ways to maximise and ramp up this layout.

Ventilation and lighting 

Laundry rooms should be well-ventilated to avoid dampness and moisture. Lighting is only sometimes considered for laundry and mudrooms, so you may have to use artificial lighting to liven up the space and make chores easier. If you don’t have the luxury of a large window, you can maximise extra space and avoid clutter to ensure good airflow.

Necessities 

Save room for a utility sink where you can handwash pieces, a work table for folding and ironing clothes, and drying racks or rods. Depending on the space available, you can make your countertops/work tables and drying areas fixed or movable.

Waterproof tiles and flooring 

Water-resistant materials on your countertops and wet room flooring can prevent mould growth. Make sure to add proper waterproofing to your laundry design checklist. Adding backsplash tile protects your walls against inevitable splashing when washing from your sink.

Laundry design ideas

Attempting a laundry makeover or building a new laundry space? An attractive laundry area doesn’t just mean it should be aesthetically pleasing—it should also be functional and have ample vertical space for storage. Here are some laundry designs to try out.

1. Tie it in with your home: Who says wet rooms should be drab with grey walls and dull lighting? Make it a cohesive part of your home by using similar design motifs. 

2. Make it a fun, themed space: Alternatively, you can make your laundry room stand out. Another laundry makeover idea is using specific themes for your area. Use chrome and brass hardware for an industrial look; add wicker baskets and wooden elements for a farmhouse vibe. Want a fresh-feeling space? Stick to all-white walls and similar fixtures.

3. Modernise your space: If your space allows, opt for modern solutions like sliding doors and choose smart appliances to increase your laundry area’s functionality.

4. Make it bright: If lighting is particularly tricky for your laundry area, add warmth to your walls. Use bright-coloured tiles, pick a lively colour palette for your wall, and attach artificial lighting to strategic locations (e.g., cabinets and overhead spaces).

5. Go for patterns: One of the easiest ways to liven up your laundry room is to use patterned tiles. Make this the focal point of your laundry room by pairing it with muted fixtures in other spaces.

6. Minimise clutter by streamlining storage: You don’t necessarily need to renovate your laundry room—sometimes, it’s reorganising and simplifying. Work toward clean countertops and open areas. Make good use of containers to keep the laundry room neat.

Laundry storage solutions

Utilising your storage solutions is vital to improving your laundry room’s overall functionality and look. The main thing to remember is not to waste an inch of your space! See some suggestions below:

1. Open shelving: Combined with your cabinetry and drawers, open or floating shelves provide easy access to materials and supplies and give an illusion of more space. This is a stylish way to display frequently used things, like detergent, soap, other cleaning products, towels, and small appliances.

2. Countertop: Prefer to have your front-load washer and dryer side by side? Consider installing a counter for an extra work surface, a handy addition to your laundry room.

3. Drip-dry rack or rod: Your laundry room should have enough space for a drying area. This might be a wall-mounted rack that can be stored away when not in use or a foldable stand that can easily slide into your cabinetry.

4. Solid cabinetry: If you’d rather keep clutter out of sight, invest in good quality cabinetry. Aside from storing appliances like an iron or a vacuum cleaner, this is also good for storing items like bleach to keep out of reach. It will also be a good place to store larger items, like ironing boards.

5. Storage containers: Use baskets or plastic bins to organise your smaller things, like clothes hanger bundles, stylishly. Laundry bins can help make sorting dirty clothes more efficient.

Improving your laundry space

It doesn’t matter whether you’re pursuing a laundry renovation or adding small touches to improve your laundry room. From revamping your laundry plan to choosing storage and creative changes, these laundry ideas can help you make your laundry room a space in your house to enjoy.

Need a helping hand? Book an interior designer on Airtasker! They’ll take care of everything, from creating fresh design ideas to ensuring your laundry transforms into a beautiful room. Post a task today!