Laundry is simply a part of life. While this chore might not be your favorite part of your week, it’s essential. So is your laundry room, a space that, no matter the size, can make washing, drying, and folding a simpler task. Even more, a well-designed laundry room allows you to complete these tasks more efficiently–all in a space that you love being in. Follow these tips to redesign your laundry room into a functional space that showcases your design style.
Build around the essentials
Whether you’re starting from scratch or redesigning an existing laundry room, your design begins around those must-have items in the space. Your appliances–namely, your washing machine and dryer–will be the focal point of your room. If your hookups, including the hot and cold water and dryer vent, are already in place, the layout of your room is established for you. If you’re shopping for new appliances during your laundry room redesign, consider energy-efficient options that will help save costs over the long run. Keep an eye out for appliances that are available with energy-saving rebates, which can offset costs even more.
Once you have your washer and dryer in place, consider other essential pieces in this space. A sink is a convenient addition to a laundry room, providing a spot for prewashing or hand delicate washing items. Finally, with your appliances and sink in place, consider where you want to store your cleaning supplies. Keeping your detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers accessible is essential to make laundering efficient.
Create functional workspaces
With the essential elements of your laundry room in place, you now want to focus on designing a workspace that makes washing, drying, and folding easier tasks. To begin your redesign, consider diving your space into separate workspaces for separate tasks. Your laundry room should include areas designed for various laundry tasks so that you always have a spot to tackle your task. While your laundry room should be designed around your unique needs, these potential workspaces can serve as inspiration as you create a customized laundry room.
- Hanging and drying space – Keep delicate items in good condition by hanging them to dry. This task is easier to do if you have a designated area for clothes drying. A wall-mounted drying rack is a space-saving feature that ensures you always have a spot to hang clothes to dry. Consider a retractable drying rack that you can pull out when you need it and push it flush against the wall when you don’t.
- Ironing station – Ironing is easier if your ironing board is accessible. While you might not want to leave an ironing board set up all of the time, you can keep it within reach by mounting it to an open wall. A wall-mounted ironing board hook opens up floor space. If your laundry room is small, consider a magnetic ironing pad that attaches to the top of your washing machine for space-saving, board-free ironing.
- Folding area – A countertop or large table can serve as a convenient spot to fold your freshly laundered clothes. If you’re renovating your laundry room, invest in a counter and cabinets for storage and folding space.
- Sorting area – Reserve space for sorting your clothes before washing them. To save time, invest in a multi-basket laundry basket, which gives you spaces for colors, whites, delicates, and hand-wash-only items. While these baskets may take up a bit more floor space, they will save you time on laundry day.
- Sewing area – If you sew, you need a space to tackle this task. Your countertop or tabletop may also serve as a convenient sewing space when paired with convenient storage to keep your sewing accessories well organized.
Design with organization in mind
Storage is an essential element of any well-designed laundry room. As you create your new space, focus on using a variety of organizational features to clear out clutter, and make laundry easier.
- Laundry bins – Laundry bins make sorting your laundry simple. Rather than tackling the sorting when it’s time to run a load, place dirty laundry into designated bins when you bring it to the laundry room. Bins for whites, colors, and delicate clothes ensure that everything is laundered properly.
- Laundry baskets – Laundry baskets are another must-have in your new space. They serve multiple functions when you’re doing laundry. Use them to sort clothes, if you don’t have a multicompartment laundry bin. Fill your baskets with freshly dried clothes in preparation for folding. You can also use the baskets to transport folded clothes to bedrooms and closets.
- Open shelving – When it comes to laundry room organization, the more shelves, the better. Consider mounting shelves above the washer and dryer, if you have room, or on an open wall. Use these shelves to store cleaning products, detergents, dryer sheets, and other commonly used items.
- Cabinets and drawers – Cabinets and drawers maximize laundry room organization. Concealed storage serves as a convenient spot to keep sewing accessories, irons, cleaners, and other products and tools stored but accessible. Consider adding plastic bins to the drawers and cabinets to keep items organized.
Go green
Create an eco-friendly laundry room by choosing an energy-efficient washing machine and dryer that deliver significant savings over the long run. Follow these tips if you’re your updated laundry room an environmentally friendly space.
- Do laundry thoughtfully – While it might be tempting to run a load just to wash a few pieces, doing so can waste water and energy. Instead, run full loads to reduce your home’s water and energy consumption.
- Use the dryer only when necessary – Many clothes can be air-dried––and some might actually last longer and hold up better that way, too. Hanging your clothes to dry requires less energy uses, so the less frequently you use your dryer machine, the better for the environment.
- Wash with cold water – Cut your energy usage in half by washing clothes in cold water instead of hot water. Doing so isn’t just good for the environment––it also saves you money.
- Choose natural cleaners and detergents – A variety of natural, often plant-based, detergents and cleaners are on the market today, making an eco-friendly laundry room achievable. These products are free of chemicals, fragrances, dyes, and brighteners. Instead, they include biodegradable ingredients that work well in cold water.
- Use eco-friendly dryer sheets – Typical dryer sheets feature chemical ingredients that aren’t good for you or the environment. If you use dryer sheets, opt for eco-friendly styles made with natural ingredients.
Add decorative touches
With your appliances and storage in place, you can now focus on the decorative elements of your laundry room. Consider the following factors as you create a space that speaks to your personal style.
- Design style – Envision your updated laundry room, focusing on your preferred design style. You can create a farmhouse-inspired space by choosing neutral tones, rustic elements, and plenty of greenery. Or, create a contemporary space filled with clean lines, sleek metallic finishes, and simple decor. Go bold and create a vibrant space filled with color and pattern to showcase your personality. Look for inspiration photos on the Internet or in magazines, and let these photos guide your design decisions.
- Color – Wall color is the first decorative element that can define your style. Consider the size of the space when choosing a wall color. If your laundry room is small and cozy, a lighter color can help make it feel larger. Consider adding intrigue to the walls by painting an accent wall a complementary color or pattern or even wallpapering a wall to serve as a focal point in your space.
- Vinyl and wall frames – Fill empty walls with vinyl and wall frames that enhance your space. Your options are limitless when choosing what to showcase in a frame. Laundry-inspired phrases, personal photos, abstract art, or images of your favorite landscapes can adorn your walls. Consider your wall color and color scheme when choosing art.
- Plants – Fill open shelving or the corner of your counter with plants, real or faux, to add a touch of greenery to your space. Potted plants transcend design styles, incorporating effortlessly into any laundry room design.
- Lighting – Replace builder-grade overhead lighting with a more stylish fixture. Flush-mount lighting is probably the most functional fixture in a laundry room, but it doesn’t have to be dull. Choose a metallic finish that coordinates with your space, and consider an open glass shade that showcases an Edison bulb for some vintage charm. When selecting a light fixture, consider how much illumination your room requires. If your laundry room is windowless and dimly lit, a multi-light fixture can brighten your space.
- Curtains – If you do have a window in your space, add a finishing touch with curtains. A valance adds a touch of decor to a small window. A longer window that reaches the floor can be flanked by sweeping floor-length curtains. Or, consider bamboo Roman shades to decorate your window. Curtains also help to block sunlight from streaming into your space, preventing direct sunlight from fading your clothes.
Create a space just for you
While your laundry room is certainly focused on function, that doesn’t mean it must be devoid of a space for you, too. After all, laundry day won’t be so bad if you can relax in your space while you wait for your clothes to dry. Follow these tips as you design your space:
- Create a comfortable space – A comfortable armchair or chaise lounge chair is the perfect spot to sit when you’re working on the laundry.
- Design a seating area – Add an end table beside your seating, and top it with a table lamp to create some ambient lighting. A few decorative accessories on the table add a personalized touch.
- Envision how you will use the space – This cozy laundry room nook offers plenty of ways to use it. You can read, journal, or catch up on your favorite show on a tablet while you’re doing laundry.
- Add some self-care products – Add a bin or basket filled with your favorite self-care items, including aromatherapy, essential oils, hand cream, or a refreshing face mask. Keeping these self-care items accessible will remind you to take care of yourself while you’re taking care of the laundry.
Other Considerations
Finally, as you complete your laundry room design, keep these considerations in mind:
- Room size – Your design depends largely on the size of your laundry room, but even small rooms can be stylish and functional spaces. If you plan on purchasing new appliances or furniture for the space, measure carefully to ensure you’re ordering pieces that will fit.
- Safety – Ensure that your laundry room has a properly installed dryer vent, which is essential to reduce the risk of fire. Also, clean out the lint every time you run the dryer to avoid buildup.
- Select water-resistant flooring – While you never want a leak in the laundry room, you need to be prepared for one by choosing the right flooring. Luxury vinyl, porcelain tile, and even concrete can withstand a leak. A floor drain can also reduce the risk of water damage in the laundry room.
Add a personal touch to your laundry room and optimize its functionality with a room redesign. New decorative accents carry your home’s unique style into this space, infusing your personality into the room. A functional design with the appliances and organizational features you need makes laundry day easier and more efficient. Adding a cozy space for relaxation inside your laundry room instantly transforms this room into a space you don’t mind being in–even if washing, drying, folding, and ironing are involved.
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