Any home improvement project might appear daunting, and a laundry room renovation is no exception. Even though it’s a small area, the design and all the other details, from the wall color to the built-in hanging racks, might help make laundry day less of a pain. To figure out how to do it right, we spoke with a couple of our favorite design and DIY professionals about how to construct a hardworking laundry arrangement that also looks nice.
Here are 16 tips and ideas to consider when doing your own laundry room re-do, whether you want to make a few minor cosmetic modifications or develop a new area from start.
Placement,
So, first and foremost, where is the ideal location for your laundry?
Our preferred site is directly from the kitchen or butler’s pantry, with a secondary entrance from a hallway in your home. However, it’s not always practical or possible to relocate a laundry room here, especially if you’re renovating an older property. Laundry should ideally be located in a service area, away from bedrooms and living areas, so that when your washing machine or dryer is in operation, it does not reverberate throughout resting or entertaining zones. If you’re building on a tiny lot where space is limited, it may be advantageous to put your laundry off your garage so that it acts as an access or corridor from your garage.
Allow Some Space For Air Drying
For those fragile and precious items that cannot be dried in the dryer, such as lingerie and silk blouses, set aside a spot for air drying. This might be as basic as a folding drying rack or as complex as a custom-built air-drying rack that lifts up and down on a pulley.
Bright lighting is essential.
Good illumination isn’t simply a nice-to-have; it’s necessary to spot stains before washing. The Williams sisters advise placing illumination above all work areas (where you sort, treat stains and fold) as well as above appliances.
Appliances
Choose your appliances as the next stage in your laundry design. While many washers and dryers are typical sizes, there are also several that are extremely wide, tall, or deep. You don’t want to design a beautiful new laundry room only to discover that your dream equipment doesn’t fit, or that there are wide gaps on either side of your washing machine when you wanted an integrated look. So make your choice:
1) Should I get a front-loading or top-loading washing machine?
2) Will I have a separate washer and dryer or an all-in-one washer and dryer?
3) Do I want my appliances to be hidden away in cupboards?
MAKE THE SPACE DOUBLE DUTY
It’s no wonder that many Australian homeowners combine their laundry and bathroom facilities in a modern society that values multitasking and for households that struggle to find enough floor space. The laundry room doesn’t have to look stuffed full of everything you need in both places if you plan ahead of time. Sharing your home’s wet area space also makes getting plumbing and ventilation much easier because you just have to worry about one site. Lighting has a significant impact on the overall appeal and functionality of multifunctional rooms. Make sure there is a great combination of task lighting and natural light so that the dual-purpose room is not only livable but also functional.
Cabinet refacing
Instead of purchasing new cabinets, consider retrofitting the inside of the ones you already own. Install wire laundry baskets to separate dirty and clean laundry, and consider adding extra drawers, shelves, or even storage for pet goods. The more storage options you have in your cabinets, the more bench space you will have to sort clothes on.
Display artwork
Adding artwork to your laundry room instantly enhances the space and transforms it into a true living place. Select artwork that matches your personality so that you feel at ease in the environment. Consider going bold in the laundry or doing something exciting with wallpaper. The laundry is a perfect location to attempt something you haven’t been courageous enough to try in the main living rooms, and there’s plenty of affordable artwork available.
Sinks and faucets
There are numerous under-mount and drop-in sink alternatives available on the market. If you have the space, consider installing two sinks side by side, as we did in the laundry room below. Make sure you have adequate bench space below your sink to accommodate your tap mixer or move it to the side if space is limited. A mixer with a pull-out spray makes cleaning your sink and washing goods a breeze.
THINK ABOUT SAFETY
The laundry, being one of the most dangerous areas in your home, must be structured in such a way that it addresses all safety concerns. Few daily chores require you to use more electricity, lift more weight, or work with a wider range of chemicals, so it’s critical to examine how to minimize any potential risks through the structure of the area. This entails installing adequate wiring and considering the location of your outlets, such as putting higher on the wall to make it easier to plug in equipment such as irons. If you have little children, overhead cabinetry has numerous practical advantages, not the least of which is that it provides a safe place to store toxic substances.
