Laundry Design: What To Consider For a Functional And Stylish Space

The laundry is so often overlooked in home design despite playing a vital role in maintaining order and efficiency in our daily lives. With a big family, I’m in my laundry every single day, but even with one kid in the family, it is a room that’s usefulness cannot be over stated. Given this is the case, it needs to be given the right amount of consideration and thought when you start the design process. Whether you're renovating an existing space or designing a new one from scratch, careful planning is essential to create a laundry that is functional and looks good! I’ve put together what I consider to be the key considerations to keep in mind when designing your laundry, ensuring it meets your needs and complements the look of your home seamlessly.

Optimize Layout and Workflow:

Efficient workflow is paramount in a laundry room, where tasks such as sorting, washing, drying, and folding need to flow seamlessly. Start by assessing the available space and considering the optimal layout for your needs. Aim to create designated zones for each task, with ample bench top space for sorting and folding, and with easy access to laundry appliances. A well-thought-out layout will streamline your laundry routine and maximize productivity. When a space is tight, look at how the door to the laundry impacts the room. We have changed swinging doors to sliding and barn doors on laundries in the past and gained so much extra use of the internal footprint. It really can make such a significant difference to the useable area.

Prioritize Storage Solutions:

Having enough storage is essential for keeping your laundry organized and somewhat neat. In this instance, well designed joinery is everything. Think pull out washing baskets, smart shelving ideas, tall cupboards for mops and vacuums and if you have the room, a pull out ironing board that folds in and out of a draw or cupboard. Invest in baskets to store laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, and household essentials neatly. Having them in a cute basket also means you can keep them on the bench or on a shelf without it looking messy. Another storage idea is to have a cupboard with a shelf for every member of the family. You can then fold washing and put each family member’s folded washing on their respective shelf…..or don’t even fold it, just put it on their shelf. Then they can come and collect it themselves. No more seeing folded (or unfolded) washing sitting in the same spot for days on end. This kills me in my own home and i’m sure I am not alone, especially if you have a teenager or two that constantly delays putting their washing away.

Choose Durable and Low-Maintenance Materials:

Given the high humidity and moisture levels typical of laundry rooms, it's crucial to select durable and low-maintenance materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. Opt for moisture-resistant flooring options such as tile, vinyl, or sealed concrete that are easy to clean and maintain. Similarly, choose bench tops and cabinetry made from materials like stone or laminate that are resistant to stains, scratches, and water damage, ensuring long-lasting durability and functionality.

Enhance Lighting and Ventilation:

Adequate lighting and ventilation are essential for creating a comfortable and functional laundry environment. Incorporate both natural and artificial lighting sources to illuminate the space and enhance visibility during tasks. Consider installing task lighting above the bench tops and under-cabinet lighting (for overhead cabinets) to brighten work areas and reduce eye strain. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation with exhaust fans or windows to expel excess moisture and prevent mould and mildew growth. Another great option for this is to use a condenser dryer, to reduce the need for the exhaust fan to remove the moisture from the room. They dry your clothes well and help keep the laundry mould free.

Add Personal Touches and Style:

While functionality is paramount in a laundry , don't overlook the opportunity to infuse the space with personality and style. Choose paint colors, wallpaper, or decorative accents that reflect your style and complement your home's aesthetic. Consider adding a splash of color with vibrant rugs, artwork, or window treatments (like a roman blind in a patterned fabric) to inject warmth and character into the room. Don't forget to include practical yet stylish accessories such as laundry baskets, drying racks, and ironing boards that enhance both form and function. The fold away ironing board option is a favourite of mine, as is the hanging rack for shirts and more delicate items. The other inclusion I would consider if you have dogs (and if you have the space) is a place for the dogs sleep. We are currently collaborating on a laundry that includes two little under bench areas for the family dogs. Such a cute idea and it looks fab too.

So designing a laundry that combines functionality and style is entirely possible but does require planning and attention to detail. By optimizing layout and workflow, prioritizing storage solutions, choosing durable materials, enhancing lighting and ventilation, and adding personal touches, you can create a space that makes every visit to the laundry a breeze while also reflecting your unique sense of style. So roll up your sleeves, get creative, and transform your laundry room into a functional and stylish haven that you'll actually enjoy spending time in.

Tam x