I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who loves spending time in the laundry, and yet this is one of the most important rooms of the house, and one that we use every day. So, how can this room be designed and styled to become a space we might enjoy spending time in? Of course, it should look inviting every day, but it’s especially important if placing your property on the market and stying to sell by “Interior Design For Profit”.
A standard laundry usually comes with a free-standing metal tub and a stainless-steel bowl, but depending upon your space and budget, you can easily upgrade this laundry into a beautiful space with a few simple improvements. Let me show you how.
A clever way to add to the function of this room while keeping an eye to the budget is to add one piece of cabinetry. This allows you to include valuable space as well as storage space. Adding built-in cabinetry also allows for a drop-in laundry sink and possibly allowance for a front-loading washing machine, resulting in a good looking and functional space.
The drier can easily be wall mounted, leaving useful bench space free, or if you have the space, it can sit side by side with the washing machine. In the middle image above we have polyurethane doors with a flat profile, a 20 mm stone benchtop and an elegant tiled splashback for a little texture. You can save some money here, and still get great results, by using laminate doors as shown on the image on the right, and further your saving by using laminate for the benchtop instead of stone, still achieving a well-considered design.
Adding some wall-mounted cabinetry above the tub allows us to store all the nasty chemicals out of reach from the kids, whilst keeping the benchtop clutter free. As we all know storage is essential, so you should try to add as much cabinetry as you can to both the base cabinetry and wall above. Tall cabinetry is also very valuable to store brooms the ironing board and other tall equipment, and extra bench space will be necessary if you have a busy family or just a busy life. But remember, the success is in the detail. Small elements like push-button handless doors and practical overhead hanging-rails will help add both function and form to your laundry. A nice deep 45 L drop-in tub is perfect for all the family’s needs, and a swivel tap will also be useful. One of my fav tips though is to consider upgrading the tap to a pull-out mixer tap, this way you don’t have to lift the bucket up and into the laundry tub when filling it to mop the floor.. good tip right?
Now, here’s another important tip: surface finishes are very effective at improving every space, so, why not consider upgrading the splashback tiles to something luxurious. As the laundry is usually a small space, the small amount of tiling required will help you achieve the wow factor for a small expense, and adding some texture or even a little colour here, can really up the ante in this too often ignored room.
There are many options to consider, and all important to help you achieve the perfect laundry for your needs… so, do your research. Look for clever ideas in magazines or even better, visit display homes and explore the newest possibilities on offer. Of course, those who know me by now, know that some clever styling of this space not only allows it to be efficient but very good looking too! Get it right and leaving the door open will never be an issue.
So, my overall point is: the laundry is a room well worth spending a little effort in and some well-considered budget, allowing you stay organised and make those necessary chores in there, that little more pleasant.
James' Top Tips for the Laundry:
Add plenty of storage with cabinetry to hide things away,
Provide a generous benchtop, to facilitate chores,
Use good quality finishes and some wow details to make this room one to be proud of.
Styling can elevate the look and feel of any room, and the laundry is no different!
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has 3 decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to homes through clever design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information.
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