White, Silver or Black?

Let's be honest: doing laundry isn't usually anyone's favourite household task! Between washing, drying, folding and ironing, we spend a surprising amount of time in this hardworking room. So, if we're going to be using it regularly, why not make it a welcoming, well-designed space that we'd actually enjoy spending time in?

A beautiful laundry is about more than aesthetics. It needs to be practical, functional and thoughtfully planned to make everyday tasks easier. From storage solutions and benchtop space to lighting, ventilation, tapware and cabinetry, there are plenty of details to consider when designing a laundry.

But sometimes, it's the smaller decisions that make a real difference to the overall look and feel of a room.

For this article, let's focus on one of those decisions: the colour of washing machine and dryer.

Interior Design by James Treble

When planning a laundry, appliances are often chosen primarily for their functionality, size and features. Their appearance, however, also deserves consideration. Washing machines and dryers are usually among the most prominent elements in a laundry, particularly when they're positioned side by side or stacked together. Their colour can influence the overall aesthetic, complement the cabinetry and tapware, or create a striking contrast.

To explore just how much difference this choice can make, I took one of my original laundry designs and used AI to visualise it with three different appliance finishes: white, silver and black. The cabinetry, layout and overall design remain the same, allowing us to see how changing just one element can create a different impression.

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So, which one would I recommend? The answer depends on the look you're hoping to achieve and, of course, your personal taste.

1. White Appliances: Light, Fresh and Timeless

One of their main advantages is their ability to suit almost any joinery design. When paired with white or similarly toned cabinetry, they can create a seamless, understated look that keeps the space feeling light and uncluttered.

2. Silver Appliances: Sleek and Contemporary

Silver appliances, a stainless-steel or metallic appearance, can introduce a subtle contrast while maintaining a neutral, versatile palette. They work particularly well in contemporary laundries, where metallic finishes can complement stainless-steel sinks, chrome tapware or other cool-toned details.

3. Black Appliances: Bold and Sophisticated

Black appliances can make a stronger visual statement, adding depth, contrast and a sense of sophistication to a laundry. Against light cabinetry, they create a striking focal point. In a darker or more dramatic scheme, they can contribute to a cohesive, considered look, particularly when paired with black tapware, handles or other dark accents.

My Designer Tip? Consider the Other Finishes in the Room (duh!)

When clients ask me which appliance colour they should choose, my first piece of advice is to look at the laundry as a whole. The aim is to create a sense of cohesion, where each element feels as though it belongs in the same space.

For example, white appliances can complement a light, tonal scheme, while silver may work beautifully with chrome or stainless-steel details. Black appliances can tie in with dark tapware and handles, creating a more defined and coordinated look. That said, there's no single rule that works for every laundry. Sometimes, a little contrast is exactly what a design needs.

To give a you and idea of the colour I would choose, let me show the appliances I have selected for the kitchen of this same home ...

Interior Design by James Treble

But, it must be said, this is a display home (Eden Brae Homes) which means that its looks has to be edgy as well as welcoming and attractive.

So, White feels light and timeless. Silver feels sleek and contemporary. Black brings contrast and drama...which one works for you? There's no right or wrong answer - it all comes down to the look you want to create.

Note: The three appliance variations featured in this article were created using AI to visualise different finishes within my original laundry design.

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 Online Course.