How to Create the Perfect Laundry Room for Your Home
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A well-designed laundry room should be a pleasant, inviting space that is conducive to doing the necessary task of laundry. A poorly designed laundry room can feel like an addition to your home that was never meant to be there, but a well-designed laundry room can be a real asset. We’re going to explore some ideas on how you can create the perfect laundry room for your home.
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A Little Background on an Important Room in Your Home
The first washing machines were invented back in the 1800s by mechanical engineers, most notably James King of Wollaston. The machine was powered by horse-drawn water pumps and used soap to clean clothes as well as rags for scrubbing.
These days, we have come a long way from this archaic system. As homes became larger in the 1970s and 1980s and appliances became quieter, a separate room designed specifically for laundry became the mainstay in modern-day homes. The laundry room is one of the most important rooms in your house, yet it is so often neglected when it comes to design and functionality.
Think About Your Needs Before You Do Anything Else
Everyone uses their laundry rooms differently. Personally, I don't think I've ironed anything in over 30 years. A friend of mine uses her iron every week. I use my laundry room to store all kinds of items, including winter hats and mitts and extra linens. My Mom needs storage space for laundry supplies, as she has more laundry detergent and fabric softener than most stores! I like to fold my clothes in the bedroom, but one of my clients has separate baskets for each family member and likes to fold clothes in the laundry room.
Depending on your preferences and what works for you, those considerations will determine exactly what you need in your laundry room to make it the perfect space.
Do You Really Need a Laundry Sink?
This may sound like a ridiculous question, but I was recently designing a laundry room for a client whose primary goal was to create lots of storage. The laundry room was directly off the kitchen, and she really wanted to have some utility cabinets in the laundry room that would serve as a pantry for her tiny kitchen.
I was really struggling to position the washer, dryer, laundry sink, and all of the cabinets she wanted in the very small laundry room. I asked her if she really needed a laundry sink on her main floor. Her response was, Well, of course I do. Don't all laundry rooms have laundry sinks?" I followed this up by asking her what she used it for because, honestly, her existing laundry tub was the cleanest, stain-free sink I had ever seen. She replied, "I don't think I've actually ever used it!" So you know what I said next: "So why do you want to put one in your laundry room then?"
Think about whether you truly use your laundry tub. They were initially placed in laundry rooms because delicates needed to be soaked or heavily stained items were prepped before getting washed. With the new appliances and amazing technology that exists today, laundry tubs are seldom even used for laundry.
My client didn't want to get rid of her laundry tub, so we moved it into the basement. I find that many of my clients only use their laundry tubs for things like rinsing out paint brushes and rollers. If your laundry room is on the main or second floor, you don't need a laundry tub taking up valuable space that could be better used for storage cabinets.
The Layout of a Modern Laundry Room
When people think of what the perfect laundry room would be like, they usually envision a large open plan with lots of room to move around and provide storage options. This is ideal, but not always reality.
A good way to make your laundry space as efficient as possible is by utilizing the space you have available in order to ensure that all of your essential products are within easy reach.
Always consider your appliances first. Know what size they are: width, height, and depth. Do you want them side by side or stacked? If you will be stacking them, do you have a manufacturer's stacking kit? Will you place them on a pedestal from the manufacturer or have one custom built? If you're stacking the washer and dryer, are you tall enough to reach the dryer?
When planning the layout of your laundry room, try to leave the washer and dryer in a similar location as they currently are. This will save you a lot of money by not having to relocate the electrical and plumbing lines.
You will need to store your laundry detergent, fabric softener, etc. within reach, so if space is really at a minimum, then install a shelf or two to store these items.
For more ideas on layouts for laundry rooms, check out 17 Beautiful Laundry Rooms to Inspire You
Plan for Some Serious Storage
Most laundry rooms serve as multipurpose storage rooms. We store pet food there, cleaning supplies, brooms, and so much more. Having the appropriate storage cabinets will keep the space organized.
Where possible, install cabinets, both base cabinets and uppers. If you don't have a lot of space, opt for shallow cabinets. A 12"-15" deep base cabinet or utility cabinet can store a lot of items. Upper cabinets that are only 10"–12" deep can be installed throughout the room.
One of the biggest advantages of base cabinets in a laundry room is having a countertop on top of them. This provides a great location to fold laundry and an extra place for more storage.
It's so important to have enough space, so don't forget about storage options like shelves, door hooks, baskets, or even third-party solutions like under-the-sink baskets.
6 Key Laundry Room Elements to Keep the Room Stylish
Here are some key elements for a functional and fun laundry room:
1) Colour: Doing laundry may not be the most fun, but picking a fun colour for the walls can add some life and brightness to the room. It doesn't have to be bold and obnoxious. It can just be a lively colour, like Benjamin Moore's Breath of Fresh Air or Sherwin Williams Rainwashed.
To really help you visualize if the colour you are selecting is right for your laundry room, order an oversized paint chip from Samplize. It's a 12" x 12" sample. These are made with actual paint from Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore...and two coats of it, so they are colour-correct. Just peel and stick.
And you can move them from wall to wall or room to room without damaging the walls. These have really been a game changer for my clients, helping them visualize the paint in their room. You can order them right here from Samplize.
2) Lighting: You’ll need at least one overhead light fixture installed for general illumination. However, you may also want additional lighting, such as LED pot lights or even hanging lights in strategic places for more specialized tasks like ironing. Be creative and bold! Make the lighting stand out!
3) Flooring: You’ll want to make sure that the flooring is comfortable and easy to clean. I recommend either a tile floor or vinyl plank flooring. Both are waterproof and super easy to clean. Here's where you can really shine and get stylish.
Check out the gorgeous floor my client selected for her new laundry room. It became the focal point of the room. Keeping the walls white and the cabinets a simple grey, the vinyl floor became a show stopper. She loves doing laundry in this space now!
4) Tiled backsplash or tiled feature wall: Go all out and make this a room you want to show off to your friends and family. A gorgeous tiled backsplash or feature wall behind the appliances will add some elegance and a decorative touch that will make you forget you're in a laundry room.
5) Artwork: Just because your laundry room is tucked away and not usually on display doesn't mean it shouldn't be beautiful! Decorate with wallpaper, artwork, and coordinated pieces to create a relaxing, inviting space.
6) Area Rugs: Area rugs in any room make the space feel warm and homey. It also provides a soft and slip-resistant surface should the floor get wet. Combined with the rest of the decor, an area rug adds a charming element and a touch of style.
Don't neglect your laundry room! We spend a lot of time in there, and it should be efficient, functional, and beautiful! Think about how you want to use the space, plan for the perfect layout, and then add in some personal touches to turn your laundry room into a place where you actually want to spend your time.
For more information on creating a perfect laundry room:
European Laundry: Is it the right choice for your laundry room?
