Laundry Design: Practical Ideas for a Functional Space

When planning a home renovation, don’t overlook the importance of a well-thought-out laundry layout. By giving attention to this space during the planning phase, you can ensure that it functions seamlessly with your lifestyle.
If you’re fortunate enough to have an entire room dedicated to your laundry, here are some key considerations to help you design a space that’s both practical and stylish.

Maximise Your Storage

Consider everything that needs a home in your laundry room and plan accordingly. In older homes like villas or bungalows, storage can be limited, so the laundry often doubles as a utility and storage space.
Ensure you have at least one tall cupboard to store larger items, such as brooms, mops, and vacuum cleaners. Don’t forget to account for your pet’s needs—this could be an ideal spot for their bed or feeding station.

Items to Store in the Laundry Room:

• Broom and mop

• Vacuum cleaner

• Stick vacuum (such as a Dyson) with charging station

• Handheld vacuum with charging station

• Pull-out ironing board or folding ironing board

• Household linen (towels, bedding)

• Pet supplies (food, leads, grooming tools, beds)

• Cleaning products and a bucket

Incorporating custom cabinetry makes all the difference. Think about adding dividers in cupboards to keep items organised and easily accessible. Built-in holders can secure tools like mops and brooms, preventing them from toppling over.

Choosing the Right Laundry Appliances

When selecting laundry appliances, space and efficiency should be top of mind. Here are some options and tips to consider:

Underbench or Stacked Appliances:

For a streamlined look, consider placing your washer and dryer under the bench. This configuration allows you to maximise bench space for folding and sorting laundry. However, if you’re working with a smaller laundry room, stacking your dryer on top of the washing machine can be an excellent way to save floor space. Just ensure the appliances are compatible for stacking and make the most of the space between the top of the dryer and the ceiling by incorporating well-thought-out cabinetry.

Raising Front-Loading Appliances:

If space allows, raising your front-loading washer and dryer off the floor can greatly enhance convenience. Installing them on a raised platform with a drawer or two below, or a pull-out shelf, provides a handy spot for placing your laundry basket. This setup not only makes it easier to transfer laundry in and out of the machines without bending down too far but also helps keep your laundry area organised. Ensure you have enough space to accommodate this feature, as it requires a bit more room.

Heat Pump Dryers:

If energy efficiency is a priority, a heat pump dryer is an outstanding choice. These dryers consume significantly less electricity than traditional vented or condenser models by recycling air, making them gentler on clothes and kinder to the environment.

Top Loader vs. Front Loader Washing Machines:

While top loader washing machines are still available, front loaders have gained popularity for several reasons. Front loaders are generally more energy-efficient and use less water per load. They also tend to be gentler on clothes and can be stacked with a dryer, freeing up valuable floor space. However, top loaders offer the convenience of adding items mid-cycle and may be preferred by those who find bending down difficult.

Space-Saving Features

In-drawer Folding Ironing Board:

For those tight on space, an in-drawer folding ironing board is a game-changer. It’s perfect for a quick morning press without the hassle of setting up a full-sized board. Just make sure there’s an electrical outlet nearby for your iron.

Pull-out Laundry Hampers:

Integrated pull-out hampers are a stylish and efficient way to manage laundry. With colour-coded baskets, sorting whites from colours becomes effortless. The removable baskets make it easy to transport laundry around the house.

Thoughtful Additions

Hanging Rail for Drip Drying

Install a hanging rail above your bench for drying delicate items that shouldn’t go in the dryer. Ensure there’s at least a metre of space between the rail and bench, allowing enough room for items like business shirts to hang without touching the surface below.

Cubby Holes for Sorting

If you have the room, create designated cubby holes for each family member. These can be used to sort clean laundry, making it easy for everyone to collect their items and put them away. This is also a great way to get kids involved in household chores.

Drying Cupboards

If space permits, consider installing a drying cupboard. These are ideal for drying delicate items that shouldn’t go in the dryer, such as woollens or sports gear. A drying cupboard uses gentle, warm air circulation to dry clothes efficiently, reducing the need for tumble drying and helping to extend the life of your garments. It’s also a great solution for wet weather days when hanging clothes outside isn’t an option.

Sink Selection and Smart Placement

Location of the Sink

Positioning the sink close to the washing machine is a practical choice. This setup allows for easy pre-treating of stains, soaking, and transferring wet clothes directly from the sink into the washer. It’s especially beneficial if you frequently need to rinse or soak items before washing, making your laundry routine more efficient.

Choosing the Right Sink

For larger families or those frequently dealing with sports gear, a spacious tub is essential. However, for many, a compact sink that comfortably fits a bucket will suffice. Don’t feel limited to stainless steel—explore different materials and finishes to add a personal touch to your space.

Linen Storage

When storing linen, slatted wooden shelves are ideal as they allow air to circulate, keeping everything fresh. For a modern twist on the traditional hot water cupboard, consider installing a small, low voltage heater in the lower part of your linen cupboard to keep towels and bedding warm and dry.

Add a Splash of Fun

Who says laundry rooms need to be dull? This is the perfect space to experiment with bold tiles, vibrant wallpapers, or playful accessories. A bit of colour or pattern can lift the mood and make everyday tasks feel just a little more enjoyable.