Laundry Renovation Mistakes to Avoid in New Zealand Homes (2025 Guide)
Laundry Renovation Mistakes to Avoid in New Zealand Homes (2025 Guide)
A well-designed laundry can make everyday life easier — but when done poorly, it becomes one of the most frustrating rooms in the house. At Key Interiors, we renovate laundries across Auckland every week and know exactly what works — and what doesn’t. Whether you're working with a small space, updating cabinetry, or starting from scratch, this guide covers the most common laundry renovation mistakes Kiwi homeowners make (and how to avoid them).
Use our Free Laundry Renovation Estimator to check what layout options suit your space and budget.
1. Poor Layout Planning
One of the biggest mistakes we see is a layout that doesn’t consider flow or function. Your laundry should be efficient and ergonomic.
Avoid this by:
Making sure your washer and dryer doors don’t open into each other
Placing benchtops at a comfortable height
Positioning your laundry basket near the machines
Including standing space for folding and movement
At Key Interiors, we offer full layout design during your free consultation — so nothing gets overlooked.
2. Wasting Vertical Space
Too many laundries have large blank walls with no storage. In New Zealand homes, especially villas and townhouses, space is tight — and every centimetre counts.
Avoid this by:
Installing overhead cabinets or open shelving
Using tall broom cupboards or slim pull-outs
Adding hanging rails for shirts and delicates
Including recessed storage where possible
Need help visualising the layout? Book your free consult or view real examples in our project gallery.
3. No Bench Space
A laundry without bench space makes folding clothes or sorting washing a chore. It also makes the room feel cramped and incomplete.
Avoid this by:
Running a benchtop over your front-loader washer/dryer
Including a pull-out folding bench
Choosing compact appliances to free up space for cabinetry
Use our Free Laundry Renovation Estimator to check what layout options suit your space and budget.
4. Forgetting Ventilation and Lighting
Ventilation is essential in laundries to prevent dampness, mould, and mildew — especially in Auckland’s humid climate.
Avoid this by:
Including a ducted extractor fan
Choosing energy-efficient LED lighting
Maximising natural light where possible
Adding a window or skylight if doing a major reno
We can assess airflow and moisture risks during your consult. It’s one of the most overlooked — and important — factors in any laundry.
5. Choosing Cheap Fixtures That Don’t Last
Your laundry takes a beating — water, heat, humidity, and daily use. Cheap melamine and poor-quality fittings will deteriorate fast.
Avoid this by:
Using moisture-resistant cabinetry like Melteca or Dezignatek
Choosing tapware that matches the kitchen/bathroom for consistency
Avoiding flat-pack unless it’s good quality and well-installed
Our team works with trusted NZ suppliers to ensure your laundry is durable and beautiful for years to come.
6. Skipping the Style
It’s easy to treat the laundry as a purely utilitarian space — but your laundry deserves just as much attention as the kitchen or bathroom. It’s also a great opportunity to carry your design style throughout the home.
Avoid this by:
Carrying through your colour scheme, handles, and tapware
Using statement tiles or splashbacks for visual interest
Selecting soft-close cabinetry, LED strip lighting, and wall hooks for polish
See our latest laundry renovations for inspiration on how to blend function and beauty on our projects page.
Want a Smarter Renovation?
Avoid costly mistakes and create a laundry that actually works for your lifestyle.
✅ Try our Free Laundry Cost Estimator
✅ Book a free consultation to speak with one of our interior experts
✅ Browse recent laundry renovations in Auckland
We’ll handle the entire process — from design to install — with clear communication, transparent pricing, and a beautiful end result.