Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Walker Woodworking, managing day to day operations, and marketing. Stacey has helped many clients create their dream space.

How to design a laundry room

Laundry rooms are an essential part of the home, it is where clothes come out clean and the random boxes with odds and ends are stored. While almost all homes have one, it is safe to say that there are many who wished they had a better, more functional laundry room. It is meant to be a productive area of the home. Some of the things that have made the wish list are:

  • Lots of lighting
  • Sink for rinsing and soaking
  • Ample storage
  • Drying are for both hanging and flat drying

Even though it is a working room there is no reason why it can’t be attractive and functional at the same time. Before getting started on that long-awaited renovation, let’s go over what should be included and considered in your laundry room design that guarantees it will be a space that serves multiple purposes and gives you the benefits you need.

Location

Upstairs or downstairs? This is a good question and one that deserves some serious consideration and comparison. Will you be more likely to do other things downstairs, like being in the kitchen, while doing your laundry? If the answer is yes then it would probably be best to have it there so you can check on it and change out the loads. Are the kids more likely to bring their dirty clothes to the laundry room if it is conveniently near their bedroom? If so it might help avoid messy clothes piles if it’s located upstairs. There are pros and cons to both and ultimately it will be up to you which one will work best for your lifestyle. Some have also recommended doing two laundry rooms which are other great options especially if you are a large family.

Sink

Many laundry room designs are including a sink because of all the added benefits. If you have the ability to upgrade your laundry room with a sink it can be a great move to do it. Having a sink nearby makes it easier to hand wash those delicate items, or scrub out or soak the difficult stains like grass, dirt, and grease. Placing the sink to the left of your washing machine will also make it easier to directly transfer soaking laundry without making a mess or dripping water. Watering your plants or cleaning up after a craft session is also a breeze. Incorporating a sink into your laundry room will enable you to take care of the little messes quickly and easily. If you are limited on space just keep a cover for your sink handy and simply cover it up when not in use. A sink can become a vital part in your laundry room routine and also make your life a whole lot easier when dealing with those tough stains and excess dirt. Read more tips and ideas from HGTV here.

Flooring 

Since the laundry room can have the potential of encountering moisture either through dripping clothes that are laid there to be washed or a leak in the machine, waterproof flooring is a must. 

Besides moisture resistant, here is a list of things to keep in mind when choosing flooring material:

  • Stain-resistant since a lot of dirt will make its way around this room
  • Impact-resistant due to the high traffic and scratches left from appliances if they move
  • Durable so it will last outlast the appliances
  • Easy maintenance for you

One of the best and most popular options is ceramic tile because it is durable and comes in many beautiful designs that will last. There are several options when choosing which one is best suited for you such as natural finishes and chemical resistance. There should also be some thought given to the actual floor space available to you as it is inevitable for laundry baskets to sit there while waiting to be washed. Having sufficient space to move around matters as no one enjoys being in a crowded space. Taking the time to map out your needs will ensure that you get exactly what’s right for your family.

Lighting

This is often overlooked in the design phase of the laundry room but is important. If the area is located in a space without a window or merely in an oversized closet, lighting can be limited making it hard to see the stains or rips. While natural light is the best option it is not always possible so what other choices provide the best lighting for you? 

  • Under-cabinet lighting
  • Canned lighting
  • Track lighting

Incorporating extra light into your laundry room design means less strain on your eyes as well. Under-cabinet lighting works well to eliminate those bothersome shadows that occur when trying to sort and fold laundry on the countertop. Canned lighting is great for direct spots of lighting that can be directed at dark corners or add a little extra boost above the washer and dryer. These additional sources of light mean no stain goes unseen or rip unnoticed. Plus a well-lit area makes for better vibes which we all know is a must when it comes to the laundry room.

Cabinets

Cabinets provide more than just a convenient place to put the essentials like detergent and dryer sheets, they also allow you to have extra storage for the odd item or provide a place to air dry certain clothes. The type and amount of cabinets you need will be determined by the size of your laundry room and the style of washer and dryer you choose. For example, if you have top loading appliances then you need to leave space between them and the doors to make sure you can still open it. 

The organization is key to any space including the laundry room. By incorporating cabinets that feature built-in roll-out hampers you can easily sort your clothes by color and have the loads ready to go instead of having messy piles all over the floor. You can add a fold-out drying rack that lets you air dry certain items without getting in anyone’s way. Choosing to add a large cabinet means you can store your mop, broom, and other cleaning supplies neatly away instead of tucked behind a door. Planning what you want to go into the space will help you pick the right size and layout for your cabinets. 

Built for you

By creating a space that is suited to you and your lifestyle you can take the chore out of laundry. It should be a place where you can accomplish your goals with ease instead of dreading each load. Of course each layout is different meaning that a specific design is needed to reach maximum potential for you which is why custom is a great option. Our designers have years of experience that can help guide you through the process and assist you in finding the layout that is best suited to your needs. Browse our gallery online or visit our showroom to tour our cabinet displays and let’s get started on getting you that perfect laundry room that you will actually enjoy working in.