Laundry Room Essentials: From Layout to Lighting.

The laundry is often one of the last thought of spaces when it comes to house design, even though it is one of the most used.  On average, we do roughly 300 loads of washing per year!!

Some houses have an integrated laundry within a bathroom. But if space allows, a separate laundry room can make all the difference to what can sometimes be a tedious chore.

So let’s look at what makes a good laundry space:

Functionality and Layout.

The primary goal of any laundry room is to serve its purpose efficiently.  Consider your laundry workflow in terms of washing/drying and folding. 

Think about whether you want to have your washing machine and dryer stacked on top of each other or side-by-side.  A lot of your decisions will be influenced by the shape of the room you have to work with and appliance choices.

A tub or a utility sink is a non-negotiable.  It needs to be big enough to hold a bucket so that you can use it to soak items, or prewash dirty items before adding to the wash.

Whether space allows, consider adding the following features:

-              A bench top for sorting or folding washing

-              A drying rod or rack for drying delicates or general items on wet days

-              Inbuilt laundry basket/s for sorting colours etc

Image source: AI design via midjourney by OBNL design.

Appliances/Whiteware.

Choosing the right appliances is fundamental.  Washing machines here in New Zealand come as 2 main styles – top load and front load – you can refer to my Instagram post on the pro’s and con’s of each.

When choosing appliances, it’s important to consider the following:-

Energy efficiency:  Appliances with a higher energy star rating are more energy efficient and will save you money on utility bills.

Capacity: Select machines that can handle your household laundry volume

Features: advanced features like steam cleaning, quick wash cycles and remote app connection may be of benefit.

Image source: OBNL design via Instagram

Lighting and Ventilation.

Proper lighting and ventilation are essential for functional laundry space.

Lighting: Nothing can beat natural light, but sometimes that isn’t always possible, so combine ambient, task and accent lighting where appropriate. This may include down lights or a main pendant light, then LED strip lighting under overhead cabinets and/or angled spot lights on specific areas.

Ventilation: Good ventilation prevents mold and mildew.  If you don’t have an opening window, ensure there’s adequate airflow with a quality exhaust fan. 

Material Choices.

Select materials that are both durable and easy to clean and most importantly impermeable.  Good options for countertops are quartz or granite, which are resistant to both stains and scratches.  However, a correctly sealed wooden bench or laminate top is also a nice option.

Choose cabinetry made from high quality materials that can withstand moisture and wear.
For flooring, tiling is a great choice, however there are also a number of engineered timber, laminate and vinyl flooring options that provide a beautiful finish at different price points and won’t be as cold on your bare feet! But you can always add a rug if space allows

Image Source: AI image via Midjourney by OBNL design.

Storage.

Smart storage solutions help keep your laundry room organized and efficient.

Think about cupboards or open shelves for storing general product.  Commercially packaged product generally looks best when tucked behind closed doors, but you can make a feature out of powders etc in glass jars on open shelves.

A broom cupboard for storing brooms, mops and vacuums; This is often overlooked, but so handy to store all those unsightly things in one place for easy access.

Also consider storage for awkward shaped items such as buckets and the ironing board.

A well designed laundry room combines functionality with style, making daily chores more manageable and even more enjoyable!
By considering the layout, appliances, light & ventilation, material choices and storage  you can meet a space that truly meets your need and also fits aesthetically within your home’s overall design.

Remember – the laundry doesn’t have to solely be just a workspace.  With thoughtful design, it can be a beautiful and efficient part of your home!