Essential for streamlining household chores, designing a functional laundry room is necessary. A well-thought-out laundry room can transform this often-overlooked area into a powerhouse of efficiency and convenience.
Assess Your Needs
Before diving into the design, consider what you need from your laundry room. Do you need space for sorting and folding clothes or perhaps a dedicated area for ironing? How much storage will you need for detergents, cleaning supplies and laundry baskets? Understanding your specific needs will help you design a space that works for you.
Maximise Your Space
Space utilisation is crucial, especially if your laundry room is small.
Make the most of vertical space by using wall-mounted cabinets and shelves to store laundry supplied and cleaning products. Keeping your countertops free! Consider stackable washers and dryers if your floor space is limited. This setup frees up room for other activities like folding and ironing. You could also install fold-down ironing boards or drying racks that can be tucked away when they’re not in use.
Prioritise Workflow Efficiency
A functional laundry room should be designed with a logical workflow in mind. The aim is to reduce the number of steps you need to take to complete your laundry tasks. Think about arranging the key elements in a sequence that mimics the flow of your laundry process.
Create a designated space for sorting clothes. This can be done with divided hampers or labelled bins for whites, darks and delicates.
Position your washer and dryer side by side or stack them to keep the workflow seamless. Ensure there is enough space to open the doors fully and transfer clothes easily.
Allocate a countertop or a folding table near the dryer to act as the folding station for your clothes. This prevents the need to move your clothes to another room for folding.
If you iron clothes regularly, set up an ironing station close to the dryer or folding area. Ensuring it’s well-lit and has access to a power outlet.
Storage Solutions
Effective storage is key to a functional laundry room.
Install cabinets above the washer and dryer to store detergents, fabric softeners and cleaning supplies. Open shelves can be used for items you use often.
Use drawers for smaller items like stain removers, dryer sheets and clothespins. Bins and baskets can be used to store any bulky items, plus they can be labelled to make it easier for you to find things.
Incorporate pull-out hampers into your cabinetry to keep dirty laundry out of sight. These can be designed to separate laundry into various categories.
Functional Flooring
The flooring in your laundry room should be durable, easy to clean and water-resistant. Luxury vinyl tiles and engineered wood flooring are excellent choices as they can withstand spills and heavy foot traffic. Consider sip-resistant flooring to prevent any accidents; especially if the area is prone to wetness.
Lighting and Ventilation
Ensure your laundry room is well-lit with a combination of overhead lighting and task lighting. Under-cabinet lights can illuminate workspaces, while overhead lights provide general illumination.
Good ventilation prevents the build-up of moisture and odours. Install an exhaust fan to help remove humidity and improve air circulation. If possible, include a window to allow natural light and fresh air to enter.
Stylish and Practical Design
While functionality is paramount, there’s no reason your laundry room can’t be stylish too.
Choose a light, neutral colour scheme to make the room feel larger and more inviting. Soft blues, whites and greys are popular choices. A tile backsplash behind the washer and dryer can add a decorative element and make cleaning easier. Don’t forget to add some personality to your space either. Think about artwork, plants or even just decorative storage containers. These decorative touches can make your laundry room feel more homely and less utilitarian.
Multifunctional Use
Consider designing your laundry room to serve multiple purposes. This is especially useful if space is at a premium. For example, the laundry room can double as a mudroom, pantry or even a pet washing station. Incorporate features like a bench for removing shoes, hooks for coats or an extra sink for washing up.
Your Laundry Room
Designing a functional laundry room involves thoughtful planning and attention to detail. By understanding what you need the space to do as well as prioritising workflow, you can create a practical laundry room.
