From a designer’s perspective

AND THE MOST ESSENTIAL PART OF DESIGN… FUNCTIONALITY

Today I’m sharing the top 5 laundry room must haves when I’m designing these spaces for clients. These are the elements that can transform any laundry room into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. Designing a laundry room that seamlessly blends practicality with style can significantly enhance your overall life and laundry experience.  If you’re anything like me, I prefer to be in  light-filled spaces (especially when I’m doing the world’s worst chore).    

In this blog post, we will explore the must-have elements for a well-designed laundry room, focusing specifically on the benefits of incorporating natural light, layered storage solutions, and custom cabinetry. I will share current drawings and design elements of  laundry rooms I have designed from the past as well as ones I’m currently designing for upcoming projects. Let’s dive in! 

1. The Power of Natural Light

Windows: Consider windows always, when planning your space pre-construction or renovation. Natural light in a laundry room is honestly a number one for me. I don’t know about you, but there is nothing appealing about spending a Saturday morning in a dark space. Windows allow ample natural light to flood the space and it just gives something intangible, that artificial light just cannot touch. They also add an architectural element that is needed, when considering the space as whole. Windows not only brighten these rooms but they provide a refreshing and cheerful vibe that I always feel is needed in these spaces.

Light-Reflective Surfaces: To bring in even more light, try utilizing light-colored paint on walls and ceilings to reflect natural light. This will make the space appear brighter and more spacious. Opt for different finishes that also give dimension and reflect light as opposed to absorbing it. Counter the lightness with some contrast on your windows, doors or cabinetry, to bring in some dimension and grounding elements to the space.

2. Functional Layered Storage

Effective storage solutions are essential for keeping your laundry room organized and clutter-free. Layered storage ensures that you have designated spaces for all your laundry essentials, making it easier to access and maintain order (and hide the mess.) Here’s how to incorporate layered storage in your laundry room:

Closed Cabinets + Built ins: The way to layer your storage is to have specific storage within your cabinetry. Typically in a laundry room you want to maximize vertical space, so I always take built ins to the ceiling regardless of ceiling height. Plan out your storage needs within those built ins, to have a more tailored version to you and your family specifically. Another way to layer storage is to have different kinds of storage. A mix of cabinetry and open shelving, hooks etc.

Baskets and Bins: What is the number one thing you always have in your laundry room. Typically it is a laundry basket, and I always like to remind my clients that they will want somewhere for that to stowe while their loads are washing and drying. A laundry basket sitting in the middle of the floor isn’t necessarily ideal, is it? And if you have some open storage, utilizing baskets to organize the items you are storing will help not only keep things looking more polished, but allows for an aesthetically pleasing solution to just random things on a shelf.

3. The Necessities

There’s a lot we don’t think about when designing our own spaces. The best rule of thumb is to make a list of the things that bother you about your current space. Once you have your list of problems, then it’s on to finding solutions for them.

Hanging Rods and Racks: Incorporate hanging rods and racks for air-drying delicates or hanging freshly ironed clothes. Having a dedicated space for your “air dry” delicates is a life saver. No more hanging things over a doors or any surface you can find that will suffice for 24 hours or more.

Folding Station: Dedicate a flat surface, I like to design these right over top of the washer and dryer for our least favorite task… Folding. Then they can go right into the laundry basket!

Sinks + Washing Stations: Sink’s aren’t for everyone in a laundry space as it really depends on your needs, but they do serve for a functional component especially for hand washed items.

4. Custom Cabinetry Brings Beauty and Functionality

Custom cabinetry is life giving…. in all the ways. It not only adds sophistication and functionality to any laundry room, it elevates any space immediately. Customizing cabinets allows you to tailor the design and layout according to your specific needs. Here are some benefits of incorporating custom cabinetry:

Optimized Storage Space: Custom cabinetry ensures that every inch of available space is utilized efficiently. You can design cabinets that fit snugly around your washer and dryer units or choose floor-to-ceiling cabinets to maximize storage capacity.

Tailored Organization: With custom cabinetry, you have the freedom to design storage solutions that cater to your unique requirements. Include features like pull-out shelves, built-in hampers, or designated compartments for sorting and storing laundry supplies.

Aesthetically Pleasing Design: Custom cabinetry allows you to select materials, finishes, and hardware that match your overall laundry room design. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern look or a rustic charm, customization ensures that your cabinets align with your aesthetic preferences.

5. Functional Materials

When it comes to designing a laundry room, functionality should be a top priority. While wood floors and marble may exude elegance and charm, they may not be the most optimal choices for this particular space. Laundry rooms are prone to constant moisture and spills, making it essential to select materials that can withstand such conditions without compromising their durability and functionality. Wood floors, although visually appealing, can warp and swell when exposed to water. Similarly, marble, with its porous nature, can absorb liquids and stain easily, requiring meticulous maintenance. Instead, go low maintenance but high durability. Consider materials like ceramic or porcelain tiles, or other more durable natural stone options, which offer superior resistance to moisture, are easy to clean, and can effortlessly withstand the demands of a laundry room.

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I hope this blog post was helpful if you happen to be planning an upcoming laundry room refit or renovation. It’s my greatest joy to share my love for design with the world and my clients… and I hope to bring you all the goodies!!

Until Next week,

xoxo