The laundry room often gets overlooked, yet it plays an essential role in the daily routines of a home. If planning a new home or a renovation with thoughtful consideration, you too can transform this space from a purely utilitarian zone to a functional, practical, and beautiful area that complements your home’s aesthetic. It doesn't have to be a large space to be successful (my own laundry is just about 2m wide and in full view) but it has to work for each household needs. Here are my basic tips:
1. Functionality First
At its core, a laundry must meet your basic needs. This includes essentials like:
A sink and tap for rinsing or soaking items.
A washing machine (and optionally a dryer) to handle the household's washing needs.
Without these, the space isn’t fulfilling its primary purpose.
2. Add Practicality
To make your laundry truly work for you, consider these practical improvements:
A sink that is deep enough to comfortably fit a bucket.
A tall tap that allows buckets and large items to slide easily underneath.
A spacious benchtop for sorting and folding clothes.
Adequate storage, such as shelving or cupboards.
Plenty of power-points for appliances and even a charging station for handheld vacuums or irons.
These features not only make the space more functional but also ensure it's easy to use.
3. Make It Beautiful
Laundry rooms don’t need to be dull. Choose finishes that elevate the space:
Stylish joinery with timeless appeal.
Elegant stone bench-tops for a touch of luxury.
Closed storage and drawers to keep everything neat and out of sight.
A cohesive colour palette that harmonises with the rest of your interiors - think calming neutrals or cheerful hues to brighten the room.
Decorative splash-backs or tiles that are easy to clean and visually appealing.
By treating the laundry room with the same design care as a kitchen or the bathroom, it becomes a place you don’t need to hide behind a closed door.
I’ve designed many laundry rooms in my career and here a re some images of recent ones I have designed for Eden Brae Homes' Display Homes. These spaces reflect the perfect balance of practicality and beauty, showcasing innovative storage solutions, chic finishes, and a palette that ties seamlessly into the rest of the home. Hopefully the ones in this page may inspire your next laundry makeover…
A Laundry to Be Proud Of
When the interiors of a home feel cohesive, every room - yes, even the laundry - it contributes to a sense of harmony. Taking the time to design a laundry space that’s both practical and beautiful is rewarding, not only for your daily routine but also for the pride you’ll feel knowing there’s no need to keep the door shut when guests arrive.
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. More of James' knowledge is now accessible via Practical Design downloadable material.
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