The Ultimate Laundry Design

1. Location, location, location

Directly off the kitchen is an ideal location as it’s usually in the middle of your home but moving a laundry here isn’t always practical or possible if you’re renovating, unlike when you’re building a home. If renovating, make sure that your entry has easy access with no hazards, as you’re going to be carrying a laundry basket with no free hands.

2. Measure, measure, measure

Although many washing and drying machines come in standard sizes, particularly broad, tall, or deep models are also available. Don’t realise too late that your dream appliance won’t fit or that there’s wide gaps on either side of your washing machine when you were hoping for a seamless fit. That said, decide on your appliances first, and then measure your gaps.

3. Agree on the fit-out

The doors to your laundry room, as well as to any stairs or corridors should be wide enough to handle moving appliances. If you or anyone in the family have any mobility concerns or will be ageing in your home, you must consider your long-term needs.

4. Decide on a layout that best suits your needs

The next step is to think about how you’ll use your laundry and what you’ll keep in it. Make sure you have adequate room to move about safely and comfortably and access your appliances with ease. This will minimise double handling and expedite the washing, drying, and folding clothes process to save you time.

5. Consider space-saving storage solutions

A laundry storage system will not only make your laundry look clean and tidy, but it’ll also help to compartmentalise your items, so you won’t dread it as much as you would in an un-organised space. The spaces you have available for storage includes cupboards, overheads, drawers, and benchtops, utilise these as your space saving solutions.

Overheads are ideal for storing chemicals safely, and cupboards can be perfect for storing brooms, mops, and vacuum cleaners out of sight. You can opt for custom, built-in cabinetry or use a flat pack or standard storage option.

6. The ideal configuration

A straight laundry is the most frequently used laundry design. It maximises the useable area in your home. You can make a humble but practical laundry room with a single worktop, cabinets, storage above and below, and space for washing machines and dryers.

However, you might be able to fit an L-shaped or U-shaped laundry if you’re lucky. You can store washing baskets, put up ironing boards, and still move around with more space. This design also allows a hanging rack above the washing machine and more storage to keep everything hidden.

Lastly, consider placing your washing machine between your sink and laundry baskets if possible, allowing you to transfer garments directly between the two.

Position the dryer next to or above the washing machine to eliminate double handling and provide table space for folding or sorting clothes straight from the dryer. Perhaps include an air dryer or a rail to hang wet clothing that can’t go in the dryer. The ironing station can be ideally located adjacent to this space for easy access.

Extra considerations

• Appliance upgrades

Regardless of how much you like them, every appliance you’ll have will eventually be replaced. Don’t plan your laundry room solely around the devices you already own. Instead, make room for upgrades.

• Appliance configurations

Remember there are multiple configurations in appliances such as front loader or top loader washing machines. Do you want a separate washer, dryer, or an all-in-one? And how many do you want on display and easily accessible vs. hiding them away in a cupboard?

• Bench depth

Having sufficient bench depth is essential. Your laundry appliances and sinks tend to need more depth than a typical kitchen bench. Ensure you have enough space for the equipment you plan to have.

• Sinks

With various options available, be sure to pick one that best suits your requirements. You can even have two sinks side-by-side, so that you can soak and wash your clothes at the same time.

• Ironing centre

Having all your laundry functions in the one room can save you a lot of time and effort. A foldable ironing board can save you space and come in handy as it’s technically already assembled.

• Pull out laundry bins

A couple of sizeable slide-out laundry bins will simplify your laundry sorting. They’re out of the way, and laundry can be sorted into dark and lights separately.

• Access, ventilation, and lighting

Incorporate direct access to your clothesline from your laundry where possible and ensure adequate ventilation and lighting in the laundry through a window, skylight and/or an exhaust fan.

• Drying

A drying cupboard is another item you can look at. It’s beneficial if you live in a damp climate, or if it snows often. There must be enough airflow to avoid moisture or mould growth, so think this one through. 

• Plumbing and electrical

The plumbing taps and electrical outlets for the washing machine can be kept in a cupboard next to the washing machine if you prefer them hidden. Just remember that if you have appliances such as an iron stored in there, you may want to be able to access them without opening doors. 

• Washing machine chutes

If you’re building or renovating a two-story home, you’ll want to include a laundry chute. The chute can be built out of a laminate board by a cabinetmaker. These really do cut down the amount of time you need to walk up and down the stairs. 

• Splashbacks and flooring

Ensure the flooring is waterproof and non-slip in damp conditions. Running a tile band skirting up the wall to prevent damage in the event of a water leak is an option. A glass splashback will ensure a watertight and elegant finish to your laundry and be easy to clean and maintain.

Start designing today

Now that you know how to make your laundry functions seamless, it’s time  to provide the room in which you do it sing with designer flair by installing a glass splashback from DecoGlaze’s DecoDesigns range above your benchtop and sink. A glass laundry splashback will provide your laundry with extra natural light, by bouncing light and reflection around the room.

You can also opt for a mirrored glass splashback, which can create the illusion of space. Glass splashbacks are easy to clean, tough, durable and add that touch of glam in any room they’re installed in.

Book a free consult today or call us on (02) 9624 7099.