With the right planning and organization, a laundry room can be transformed from a dull utility space into a treasured spot. Imagine getting laundry done faster while enjoying your surroundings at the same time. Start by analyzing how you live and what features to consider as laundry room design ideas. Then, turn those ideas into an actionable plan and throw in a few decorative touches for a pleasing ambiance.

Laundry rooms are no longer relegated to the basement or the garage. Many homeowners prefer their laundry room to be located near the kitchen for convenience or by an entrance so it can double as a mudroom. Another trend is to place a laundry area near the bedrooms or even inside a master bedroom closet. In a small home, a stacked washer and dryer can be installed almost anywhere including a pantry, closet, or bathroom.

The major components of laundry rooms are mostly functional in nature. Typical items which should be considered in planning the space include a washing machine, clothing dryer, ironing station, and sink area. The washing machine will require plumbing lines that supply both hot and cold water along with a drain. Clothes dryers can be powered by either electric or gas sources, and the latter will necessitate a gas supply line. Both types of dryers call for venting to an outside wall.

Extra amenities like a work sink and an ironing station will make your laundry room design even more efficient. A laundry tub or sink will require plumbing, but will make it much easier to soak clothes and clean up wet messes. Installing a fold-down ironing cabinet like the Hide-Away ironing board will save valuable floor space in the wash room. Also, the laundry room design should include adequate task lighting above the appliances and work areas.

Another laundry room design idea is adding shelves above or near the washer and dryer to keep detergent and other laundry supplies close at hand. If space is limited, then think about a rolling cart which is made to fit between the appliances. Also consider the addition of a rod or pole for hanging up clothes fresh from dryer or drip-drying items. A two-story house will benefit from a laundry chute which prevents lugging hampers up and down stairs.

For larger spaces, you can install laundry room storage cabinets which will keep items organized and conceal them for a tidier look. This type of cabinetry can be custom built to maximize your storage capacity or assembled from modular and pre-fabricated cabinet components. If space permits, upper and lower cabinets can both be installed to make the most of the area. Lower laundry room storage cabinets can then be topped with counters or a worktable surface for sorting and folding the wash.

Laundry Room Décor

Since the laundry area is rarely seen by guests, you can feel free to decorate the room in the style and color of your choice. This is chance to take a risk and try out a daring hue or a kitschy wallpaper design. Laundry room decorating ideas should include whatever makes you smile, since this will lead to a more enjoyable wash day. Of course, you can always coordinate the laundry room décor with the rest of your house for consistency.

When considering paint color or wallpaper in your laundry room design ideas, make sure that the wall finish will be water resistant. Look for satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss paint and vinyl or coated wallpaper made for kitchen and bath applications. The finish of the laundry room storage cabinets can also add a lot of character and warmth. There is a range of wood stain and paint finishes available such as natural gloss, darker stain, crackle finish, and tinted glazes.

Laundry room decorating ideas can also be influenced by other activities in a multi-function room. A wash room can double as a craft room, exercise room, sewing room, or even a butler's pantry. If the area is used a hobby space, use those interests as a theme for the laundry room décor. A nice tablecloth can be draped over the appliances for an impromptu buffet area during parties and get-togethers.