How to design the perfect laundry

Laundries are so underrated. They are the forgotten workhorses of the home.

There is no one way to plan this room, each home, and each family’s needs are different. Europeans, apartment dwellers or those with limited space have been known to put their washing machines in the kitchen, or find space in a cabinet, rather than assigning an entire room for dirty clothes. In Australia, we seem quite taken with a second bathroom-cum-laundry layout for maximum utility in the space available. 

Whether you are renovating, building or your current laundry simply needs some TLC, these simple tips will help create a clever, functional space you’ll be happy to use for years to come. 

Equipment

Source: Pinterest

You can’t have a laundry without a washing machine. Unless you are Amish, then my sincerest apologies. You have a choice between front loader and top loader washing machines, and perhaps already have a firm favourite. 

Front loaders are great for tight spaces, because they can be stacked. Their efficient spinning cycle means less drying time for your washing and they are more energy efficient than their top loading siblings. In comparison, top loaders have much shorter cycles, you can throw that stray pair of socks in after the wash has already started and they do vibrate less than front loaders. 

Either way, you need to know which machine will work better for your household. “When it comes to updating your washing machine and dryer, it’s important you find the best performing appliances and products to suits your needs,” says Peter Simic, laundry expert at The Good Guys.

The same is true for dryers. Be mindful of the size of the dryer for the space you have, and the dryer’s capacity. Simic says, “dryers are expensive to run, so energy efficiency is an important factor when updating or buying a new dryer. Look for the energy star ratings when comparing different models. The more stars, the more power bill savings.”

Organising your laundry

The perfect laundry is a functional one. Creating a space that flows well and gets the job done will mean washing your clothes doesn’t feel like a chore.

“Clutter chaos causes frustration, an organised space keeps you feeling calm and on top of your daily tasks,” says Christine Gough, Ikea interior design leader.

Space

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Source: Pinterest

“Laundries can be a squeeze however it doesn’t necessarily have to be bigger to work better,” she says. “Arrange your spaces and appliances in a flow; ensure that dirty laundry can go straight from the tub, to the washing machine, then through to drying and onto the counter top for folding.”

“When you make the most of your walls and nooks, it’s possible to find space where you didn’t even know you had it. Think vertically and use a combination of rails, shelves and baskets on your walls to store everything from detergents, clothes and your iron.”

Cabinets

Custom cabinets can maximise organisation and storage in the space you have. Design companies are seeing their customers increasingly renovating their laundries in conjunction with their kitchens, to create consistency throughout a house. “Quality built-in cabinets will have your laundry space working efficiently and effectively, maximising every inch of the room,” says Julie Hanover, designer at The Good Guys Kitchens. 

Cabinets, folding doors and curtains are all ways you can hide an unruly laundry. Sometimes out of sight, out of mind is best. 

Sorting

Baskets for sorting. Source: Anderson & Grant 

Now it’s time to look at the type of washing you do, and the frequency with which you do it. Do you mostly use the hot or cold wash cycle? Do you have more coloured or white washing? Make a home for all your different loads in an easy-access basket or drawer to minimise sorting time. You’ll thank yourself later, when it comes time to throw on a load.

“Laundry day doesn’t have to be something to dread. The trick is to make it feel less like work – with smarter ways to sort.” says Christine Gough. 

Chloe Brookman, founder of online retailer Olli Ella, says “Appoint each member of the family with laminated and clearly labelled laundry baskets. These little treasure troves will help members keep their pieces out of the way and off the laundry floor.”

Another tip is to use coloured tubs or baskets to either separate clean and dirty linen. or washing belonging to different people in the house.Source: Olli Ella

Don’t forget to find a home for your clean clothes before they make their way back to the wardrobe too. We can all agree that folding and putting away washing is the worst chore. The worst. 

Drying bar 

Source: Ikea

If you have space for it, consider putting in a drying bar or rack. “Position a rod above the sink- not only will this help dry your delicates, but it will also enable you to hang freshly pressed or straight-out-of-the-dryer garments,” says Brookman. 

Benchtops

More laundries should be incorporating bench space. Like kitchens, they require room for all sorts of clothes preparation and dirty work. 

“Silestone is a popular bench choice for its durability and stylish finish that can integrate well with a new kitchen renovation,” says Julie Hanover. She adds that that laminate benchtops are another great solution for their cost-effectiveness. 

Decor

Source: Liz Marie Blog

Chole Brookman says it’s worth thinking about adding warmth into an otherwise cool room. You can do this by introducing a splash of colour. 

“Keep decor and decoration to a minimum as over-styling a laundry may get you into a spin. Instead, create an optical illusion by extending the height of the room by applying lighter coloured paint to the walls and ceilings.” she says. 

“Doing the laundry may not be the most exciting task in the world, however it’s becoming clear that customers want style in their laundry rooms,” says Julie Hanover, adding that it’s becoming more popular for homeowners to use matching feature tiles and handles throughout their laundry, bathroom and even kitchen when designing. 

Source: Elements of Style

“Whilst the laundry is one of the most practical rooms in the house, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the space and embrace snippets of style and character.

“Detergent boxes aren’t exactly pretty. Rather than hiding them in away in messy cupboards put a few glass containers and coffee tins on display,” says Gough.