The laundry room, often overlooked, is a space brimming with potential. With careful planning, you can transform this utilitarian space into a functional and stylish hub.
This article outlines laundry renovation ideas that will help you create a cohesive look, maximize space, and choose the best design style.
1. Creating a Cohesive Look
Your laundry room should complement the overall aesthetic of your home.
Match with adjacent spaces
Ensure your laundry room’s design complements the color palette, flooring, and cabinetry of nearby rooms like the kitchen or mudroom. This creates a smooth visual flow throughout your home. You may also incorporate design elements from adjacent rooms into your laundry room. For instance, if your kitchen features white subway tiles, consider using them as a backsplash in your laundry room.
The photos below were designed by Melinda Araj and Randy Mintz for a client who initially only wanted to renovate their kitchen but quickly realized that the adjacent laundry room had to be refreshed too. This decision helped make their home look more cohesive.
Don’t skimp on details
It’s perfectly fine to invest in style. Incorporate high-end elements like custom cabinetry, sleek countertops, or unique hardware to elevate the space’s overall appeal. Add plush rugs, soft lighting, and decorative accents to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Kindra Ueckerts designed this scalloped edge backsplash for a client. Who says laundry rooms can’t be elegant?
Optimizing Space and Functionality
The size and layout of your laundry room will influence its design. With careful planning, even the smallest space can turn into a functional and stylish hub for laundry chores.
Design tips for small laundry rooms
- Utilize the often-overlooked vertical space by installing tall cabinets or shelves above your washer and dryer. This provides ample storage for detergents, cleaning supplies, and folded laundry.
- Opt for space-saving appliances and furniture like a folding ironing board or a table that can be easily stored away when not in use.
- Incorporate mirrors to visually enlarge the room and reflect natural light, making the space feel more open and airy.
- Consider investing in compact washer and dryer models designed for smaller spaces.
- Make the most of your laundry room’s layout by installing custom storage solutions like built-in ironing boards.
Design tips for large laundry rooms
- Take advantage of the extra space by incorporating plenty of storage options. This could include tall cabinets, built-in shelving, and a dedicated linen closet.
- For delicate items or to save energy, install a drying rack. It can be a retractable ceiling-mounted one or a freestanding folding model.
- Transform your laundry room into a multi-functional space by adding a comfortable chair or small sofa. It’s a perfect spot to fold laundry, read a book, or simply relax.
- Large windows can make a significant difference in the overall ambiance of the room. Let in plenty of natural light to create a bright and airy atmosphere.
- Consider AI-powered washer and dryers.
Different laundry room layouts
- Linear – Ideal for narrow spaces or hallways, the linear layout places the washer and dryer in a single line along one wall. It’s perfect for smaller homes or apartments where space is limited.
- L-shaped – An L-shaped layout is an excellent choice for corner spaces. It provides a more open feel compared to a linear layout while offering additional countertop or storage space
- U-shaped – For larger laundry rooms, a U-shaped layout provides ample workspace and storage. The washer and dryer are placed on opposite ends of the “U,” with countertops and cabinets along the remaining sides.
- Island – An island in a laundry room can add versatility and functionality. It provides extra workspace for folding clothes, sorting laundry, or even creating a small ironing station.
3. Choosing the Right Materials
The materials you select should be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Hardworking surfaces
Your laundry room is a high-traffic area that often deals with spills, stains, and moisture. Therefore, it’s essential to choose materials that can withstand these challenges while maintaining their appearance. Opt for easy-to-clean materials like ceramic tile for floors and backsplashes. Additionally, consider choosing quartz or granite countertops for greater stain resistance and durability.
Durability
Choose materials that can withstand the rigors of laundry day. In addition to ceramic tile, consider other durable flooring options like porcelain tile, vinyl, or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). These materials are resistant to scratches, dents, and water damage.
For this client’s laundry room, Jerilynn Ratcliff chose a reliable combination of ceramic tiles and a quartz countertop.
4. Illuminating Your Laundry Room
Good lighting is crucial for any room, especially the laundry room.
Maximize natural light by using sheer curtains or blinds. If natural light is limited, consider adding a skylight or light tubes.
Ensure sufficient lighting for visibility and task completion. A central fixture provides general illumination for the entire room. Consider using energy-efficient options like LED lights. Consider using sconces or under-cabinet lighting to add ambiance.
Last but not least, light-colored shelves and cabinets can help brighten the space.
In this laundry room, Kindra Ueckert used silver sconces to highlight floating shelves from above and brighten up the working space.
5. Incorporating Design Styles
Your laundry room’s style should reflect your personal taste. In case you need some inspiration, here’s a rundown of the most timeless design styles.
Classic and timeless styles
Traditional styles tie in warm colors with ornate details and comfortable furnishings. Cottage style creates a cozy atmosphere through natural materials, floral patterns, and soft colors. Meanwhile, farmhouse style features rustic charm through distressed wood, open shelves, and industrial lighting.
Modern and contemporary styles
Standard “modern” styles emphasize minimalist design, clean lines, and function over form. Contemporary design blends modern and traditional elements by adding a splash of bold colors and geometric patterns. Lastly, industrial style uses raw materials like reclaimed wood, Edison bulb lighting, exposed brick, metal, and concrete to create a “rough look.”
Eclectic and boho styles
If neither traditional nor contemporary styles tickle your fancy, you might want to try Bohemian style or go eclectic. Bohemian design features layers of textures, patterns, and colors with accents and plants. Of course, you could also opt to mix and match different styles with an eclectic design like these interesting celebrity laundry rooms.
How to choose a laundry room design
Follow these easy steps to pick the best style for your laundry room.
- Consider your overall home style.
- Assess your personal preferences.
- Factor in the room’s size and layout.
- Balance form and function.
- Do research and look for inspiration before deciding on a style.
More Tips for Sprucing Up Your Laundry Room
Pocket doors
For smaller laundry rooms, consider installing pocket doors to maximize space and create a seamless flow between the laundry room and adjacent areas.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup, mold, and mildew. Install an exhaust fan or open a window during laundry cycles.
Ergonomics
Design your laundry room with comfort and efficiency in mind. Consider the height of your washer and dryer, the placement of folding surfaces, and the overall layout for a seamless workflow.
Eco-friendly considerations
Integrate sustainable practices into your laundry room by selecting energy-efficient appliances, using eco-friendly detergents, and implementing water-saving features like low-flow faucets.
Designer Kindra Ueckert has a fresh approach to sustainable remodeling. She used Caesarstone from her client’s kitchen renovation project to make countertops for their laundry room. Talk about sustainable stylishness!
Build a Laundry Room that Excites You
Follow these tips, or better yet, infusing your own style so you can transform your laundry room into a functional and inviting space. Attention to detail and careful planning are key to streamlining your laundry routine!
