New This Week: 7 Laundry Rooms That Clean Up Nicely
See how design and building pros maximize laundry room efficiency and durability without sacrificing style
Suzanne Ennis
March 4, 2022
Houzz Editorial Staff. I write about all aspects of home design and remodeling, but I have soft spots for historic homes, California modernism and lakefront cabins.
Houzz Editorial Staff. I write about all aspects of home design and remodeling, but... More
Laundry rooms tackle dirty clothes and muddy paws, store cleaning products and tools and serve as dumping grounds for backpacks and shoes. And since these multipurpose spaces are no longer relegated to basements and garages — not to mention that we spend around 2½ hours per week doing laundry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — we want them to be bright and beautiful too. Here, design and building pros share how they elevate the humble, hardworking laundry room from simply utilitarian to supremely functional and fashionable.
1. Mad for Plaid
Designers: Stacy Andersen and Joey Johnson of Remedy Design Firm
Location: Mapleton, Utah
Size: 168 square feet (16 square meters); 12 by 14 feet
Homeowner’s request. This homeowner requested a laundry room with a sewing and craft area. “She also wanted it to feel spacious and have a lot of natural light,” says designer Joey Johnson of Remedy Design Firm, who, along with colleague Stacy Andersen, carried out the client’s vision.
Special features. “To create a larger-feeling space, we added 12-foot ceilings and a large, 7½-by-6-foot window,” Johnson says. “We also wanted every space to be purposeful. It was a craft-sewing room first and a laundry room second. The island, which is on wheels, divides the space and makes it even more functional. It can work for laundry and crafts.”
Designer tip. “No more inaccessible cabinets,” Johnson says. “By keeping everything easy to reach and getting rid of unnecessary cupboards, you can actually open up the space and make it more inviting.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The guy who put in the wallpaper for us unfortunately started in the wrong spot,” Johnson says. “Because of this, the seams didn’t line up, which is a big problem when it’s plaid. We put in a floating shelf and accessories to hide the crooked area and the client loved it! We turned this problem into a design opportunity.”
Wallpaper: Patton-Norwall; cabinet paint color: Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore
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Designers: Stacy Andersen and Joey Johnson of Remedy Design Firm
Location: Mapleton, Utah
Size: 168 square feet (16 square meters); 12 by 14 feet
Homeowner’s request. This homeowner requested a laundry room with a sewing and craft area. “She also wanted it to feel spacious and have a lot of natural light,” says designer Joey Johnson of Remedy Design Firm, who, along with colleague Stacy Andersen, carried out the client’s vision.
Special features. “To create a larger-feeling space, we added 12-foot ceilings and a large, 7½-by-6-foot window,” Johnson says. “We also wanted every space to be purposeful. It was a craft-sewing room first and a laundry room second. The island, which is on wheels, divides the space and makes it even more functional. It can work for laundry and crafts.”
Designer tip. “No more inaccessible cabinets,” Johnson says. “By keeping everything easy to reach and getting rid of unnecessary cupboards, you can actually open up the space and make it more inviting.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The guy who put in the wallpaper for us unfortunately started in the wrong spot,” Johnson says. “Because of this, the seams didn’t line up, which is a big problem when it’s plaid. We put in a floating shelf and accessories to hide the crooked area and the client loved it! We turned this problem into a design opportunity.”
Wallpaper: Patton-Norwall; cabinet paint color: Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore
Find a kitchen and bath designer
2. Pretty in Pink
Designer: Danijela Zaric of Space Intervention
Location: Manhattan Beach, California
Size: 70 square feet (6.5 square meters)
Homeowner’s request. “Due to [this laundry room’s] proximity to the kitchen and the fact that the door to the laundry was often left open, the owner wanted something pretty to look at while in the kitchen,” designer Danijela Zaric says.
Function was critical too. Prior to being remodeled, the room consisted of a few wire shelves and a washer and dryer. “On the other side of the laundry wall was an unnecessarily large powder room, and balancing out the two spaces seemed like a perfect solution,” Zaric says. Making the powder room smaller allowed for the wall of cabinetry, which was custom-built by Firm Creative.
Special feature. The concrete floor tile runs from the home’s entrance, through the dining room and kitchen and into the laundry.
Designer tip. “We decided to close off the dead corner that is usually inaccessible and serves to collect dust,” Zaric says. “We created a continuous cabinet on the wall and used the space above the washer and dryer level to create shelving for additional storage.”
Floor tiles: concrete Arabesque Pattern 4 in Natural Gray and Early Gray, Arto; wall paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore; cabinet paint: Setting Plaster, Farrow & Ball
Shop for tile
Designer: Danijela Zaric of Space Intervention
Location: Manhattan Beach, California
Size: 70 square feet (6.5 square meters)
Homeowner’s request. “Due to [this laundry room’s] proximity to the kitchen and the fact that the door to the laundry was often left open, the owner wanted something pretty to look at while in the kitchen,” designer Danijela Zaric says.
Function was critical too. Prior to being remodeled, the room consisted of a few wire shelves and a washer and dryer. “On the other side of the laundry wall was an unnecessarily large powder room, and balancing out the two spaces seemed like a perfect solution,” Zaric says. Making the powder room smaller allowed for the wall of cabinetry, which was custom-built by Firm Creative.
Special feature. The concrete floor tile runs from the home’s entrance, through the dining room and kitchen and into the laundry.
Designer tip. “We decided to close off the dead corner that is usually inaccessible and serves to collect dust,” Zaric says. “We created a continuous cabinet on the wall and used the space above the washer and dryer level to create shelving for additional storage.”
Floor tiles: concrete Arabesque Pattern 4 in Natural Gray and Early Gray, Arto; wall paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore; cabinet paint: Setting Plaster, Farrow & Ball
Shop for tile
3. Power Patterns
Designer: Jenifer Houlroyd of Etch Design Group
Contractor: Skelly Build
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: Approximately 62 square feet (5.8 square meters); 7 feet, 10 inches by 7 feet, 11 inches
Homeowner’s request.
“The client wanted function and design to meet somewhere in the middle,” designer Jenifer Houlroyd says. “The original space was not efficient for a family of five and needed a complete overhaul, starting with new appliances that we married seamlessly with funky floors and elegant wallpaper.” To optimize square footage, Houlroyd chose a stackable washer and dryer, which allowed for additional countertop space with a sink to the right.
Special features. “Small touches like a custom dog station and mudroom really made this home unique,” Alex Siminsky of Skelly Build says. The room also has drying racks that pull out from upper cabinets and built-in hampers.
A Blanco Silgranit sink has an Adora ceramic tile backsplash, and the floor is porcelain mosaic tile. The wallpaper is by Schumacher, and the plumbing fixtures are by Brizo.
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to mix abstract and geometric patterns,” Houlroyd says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “The client asked mid-project to add the LG steamer closet, which meant that coordinating with the builder and cabinetmaker was imperative to be sure we could add the steamer with limited issues and updates,” Houlroyd says.
Designer: Jenifer Houlroyd of Etch Design Group
Contractor: Skelly Build
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: Approximately 62 square feet (5.8 square meters); 7 feet, 10 inches by 7 feet, 11 inches
Homeowner’s request.
“The client wanted function and design to meet somewhere in the middle,” designer Jenifer Houlroyd says. “The original space was not efficient for a family of five and needed a complete overhaul, starting with new appliances that we married seamlessly with funky floors and elegant wallpaper.” To optimize square footage, Houlroyd chose a stackable washer and dryer, which allowed for additional countertop space with a sink to the right.
Special features. “Small touches like a custom dog station and mudroom really made this home unique,” Alex Siminsky of Skelly Build says. The room also has drying racks that pull out from upper cabinets and built-in hampers.
A Blanco Silgranit sink has an Adora ceramic tile backsplash, and the floor is porcelain mosaic tile. The wallpaper is by Schumacher, and the plumbing fixtures are by Brizo.
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to mix abstract and geometric patterns,” Houlroyd says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “The client asked mid-project to add the LG steamer closet, which meant that coordinating with the builder and cabinetmaker was imperative to be sure we could add the steamer with limited issues and updates,” Houlroyd says.
4. Blue Mood
Designer: Elyssa Contardo of S&C Designs
Location: Rancho Santa Fe, California
Size: 63 square feet (5.9 square meters); 7 by 9 feet
Homeowner’s request. “My homeowner has always dreamed of having a transitional-traditional home. She loves details and for things to feel special,” designer Elyssa Contardo says. Contardo gave the space a palette that’s distinct from the rest of the house, with bold blue cabinets, a
black-and-white wall covering and floor, and a black tile backsplash with white grout.
Special features. Contardo selected a coordinating Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper and window valance and a matching Newport Brass faucet and drain. The Circa Lighting ceiling fixture (not pictured) has a small blue strip. “Every detail was very important to my client,” Contardo says.
Designer tip. “Do not skimp on this space,” Contardo says. “To me a laundry room is as important as your powder [room]. Everyone wants to feel good while doing laundry.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We had a little trouble figuring out what paint color to use for the cabinets,” Contardo says. “I texted my client late one night [that] we should do blue, and she was a little hesitant at first. I told her not to be, and that she would love it. And she loved it.”
See five laundry room features pros love
Designer: Elyssa Contardo of S&C Designs
Location: Rancho Santa Fe, California
Size: 63 square feet (5.9 square meters); 7 by 9 feet
Homeowner’s request. “My homeowner has always dreamed of having a transitional-traditional home. She loves details and for things to feel special,” designer Elyssa Contardo says. Contardo gave the space a palette that’s distinct from the rest of the house, with bold blue cabinets, a
black-and-white wall covering and floor, and a black tile backsplash with white grout.
Special features. Contardo selected a coordinating Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper and window valance and a matching Newport Brass faucet and drain. The Circa Lighting ceiling fixture (not pictured) has a small blue strip. “Every detail was very important to my client,” Contardo says.
Designer tip. “Do not skimp on this space,” Contardo says. “To me a laundry room is as important as your powder [room]. Everyone wants to feel good while doing laundry.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We had a little trouble figuring out what paint color to use for the cabinets,” Contardo says. “I texted my client late one night [that] we should do blue, and she was a little hesitant at first. I told her not to be, and that she would love it. And she loved it.”
See five laundry room features pros love
5. Euro Vision
Designers: Renan Menninger and Leah Wilson of RM Interiors
Location: Cincinnati
Size: About 75 square feet (7 square meters); 11 feet, 9 inches by 6 feet, 7 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The clients expressed that they found doing laundry relaxing, and they took pleasure in the ritual,” says designer Renan Menninger, who collaborated on the project with design coordinator Leah Wilson. “They wanted to have a laundry room that facilitated that and enhanced their laundry experience.” The beauty of the space was particularly important because it was part of the primary suite and visible from the walk-in closet.
Menninger and Wilson used Houzz Pro throughout the proposal and ordering process. “The ease of creating spec sheets for everything from plumbing to paint finishes was game-changing,” Wilson says.
Special features. “The oversized solid-surface laundry sink has an integrated washboard for scrubbing stubborn stains,” Menninger says. “A large worktop offers space for folding and often-used supplies. Beneath the worktop and washer-dryer stand, rolling trolleys provide storage for both laundry and cleaning supplies.” All of the cabinetry, including the rolling carts and sink basin, was designed using an Italian line of custom cabinetry.
Designer tip. “In a small space that demands high functionality, lots of detail can be overwhelming,” Menninger says. “Consistent warm gray finishes throughout allow your eye to rest, while the different textures keep things interesting.” The modern, streamlined cabinetry and 24-by-24-inch floor tiles from Porcelanosa enhance the serene vibe.
“Uh-oh” moment. “We realized early on that the oversized U.S. standard appliances initially selected by our clients would overwhelm the space,” Wilson says. So they changed tack and chose a smaller European washer and dryer, which were a better fit for the narrow room. “We made room for larger units in the basement for when, on rarer occasions, they needed to wash larger loads,” Wilson says.
Wall paint color: Balboa Mist, Benjamin Moore
Designers: Renan Menninger and Leah Wilson of RM Interiors
Location: Cincinnati
Size: About 75 square feet (7 square meters); 11 feet, 9 inches by 6 feet, 7 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The clients expressed that they found doing laundry relaxing, and they took pleasure in the ritual,” says designer Renan Menninger, who collaborated on the project with design coordinator Leah Wilson. “They wanted to have a laundry room that facilitated that and enhanced their laundry experience.” The beauty of the space was particularly important because it was part of the primary suite and visible from the walk-in closet.
Menninger and Wilson used Houzz Pro throughout the proposal and ordering process. “The ease of creating spec sheets for everything from plumbing to paint finishes was game-changing,” Wilson says.
Special features. “The oversized solid-surface laundry sink has an integrated washboard for scrubbing stubborn stains,” Menninger says. “A large worktop offers space for folding and often-used supplies. Beneath the worktop and washer-dryer stand, rolling trolleys provide storage for both laundry and cleaning supplies.” All of the cabinetry, including the rolling carts and sink basin, was designed using an Italian line of custom cabinetry.
Designer tip. “In a small space that demands high functionality, lots of detail can be overwhelming,” Menninger says. “Consistent warm gray finishes throughout allow your eye to rest, while the different textures keep things interesting.” The modern, streamlined cabinetry and 24-by-24-inch floor tiles from Porcelanosa enhance the serene vibe.
“Uh-oh” moment. “We realized early on that the oversized U.S. standard appliances initially selected by our clients would overwhelm the space,” Wilson says. So they changed tack and chose a smaller European washer and dryer, which were a better fit for the narrow room. “We made room for larger units in the basement for when, on rarer occasions, they needed to wash larger loads,” Wilson says.
Wall paint color: Balboa Mist, Benjamin Moore
6. Checkmate
Designer: Troy Curry of Crisp Architects
Location: Dutchess County, New York
Size: 114 square feet (11 square meters); 8 feet, 10 inches by 13 feet, 3 inches
Homeowners’ request. “[The clients] wanted to convert a powder room with a stacked washer and dryer into a laundry room that could also accommodate a dog bath
and folding station,” says designer Troy Curry, who used Houzz ideabooks to coordinate style inspiration with the homeowners.
Special features. The renovated laundry room has Carrara marble counters, imported floor tile, vertical shiplap on the exterior walls, custom wallpaper and custom cabinetry.
Designer tip. “Make sure you know what size dog you’re designing a bath area for,” Curry suggests. “And always make counters over the washer and dryer deep enough to allow room for water hoses behind them.”
Shop for laundry room products
Designer: Troy Curry of Crisp Architects
Location: Dutchess County, New York
Size: 114 square feet (11 square meters); 8 feet, 10 inches by 13 feet, 3 inches
Homeowners’ request. “[The clients] wanted to convert a powder room with a stacked washer and dryer into a laundry room that could also accommodate a dog bath
and folding station,” says designer Troy Curry, who used Houzz ideabooks to coordinate style inspiration with the homeowners.
Special features. The renovated laundry room has Carrara marble counters, imported floor tile, vertical shiplap on the exterior walls, custom wallpaper and custom cabinetry.
Designer tip. “Make sure you know what size dog you’re designing a bath area for,” Curry suggests. “And always make counters over the washer and dryer deep enough to allow room for water hoses behind them.”
Shop for laundry room products
7. Sew Happy
Designer: Sadie Beachy of S. Flynn Designs
Location: Sugarcreek, Ohio
Size: 100 square feet (9.3 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The vision for this room was to incorporate a large window and to make a place where the homeowner could sew,” designer Sadie Beachy says. “The wife wanted to keep it light, bright and clean for the design aspect of this room. She also wanted a pretty counter space in her laundry room.”
Special features. Beachy delivered on the counter request with a Corian waterfall countertop in Venaro White over the washer and dryer. Her choice of wallpaper, a blue-accented print from Serena & Lily, was equally well thought out. “The house has some blue features on the outside, and with the big window looking in from the front of the house, we wanted to coordinate the best we could and this wallpaper was perfect,” Beachy says.
Other details that elevate the look are a 20-inch farmhouse sink by Signature Hardware, a shiplap ceiling and gold accents throughout the room. “A neat feature you cannot see are the pullout drawers located on either side of the sink,” Beachy says. Designed like spice drawers, they hold laundry detergent.
Designer tip. “These clients really valued their custom [hickory] hardwood floor,” Beachy says. “When having rich wood tones in a flooring, we suggest pairing warm whites in the design as well.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The homeowner loved the large window and all the natural light that comes in, but guests can see straight into the laundry room from the front of the house,” Beachy says. “The wife wanted to make sure that it could easily and quickly be cleaned up.” The solution was to make hidden storage on the other side of the room and to style the room with elevated details like wooden hangers and glass containers for laundry detergent. “These items helped make the room look pretty while still having all the necessary items for a laundry room at hand,” Beachy says.
Paint colors: Commercial White (cabinets) and Focus (walls), both by PPG
More on Houzz
Read more laundry room stories
Browse photos of newly featured laundry rooms
Designer: Sadie Beachy of S. Flynn Designs
Location: Sugarcreek, Ohio
Size: 100 square feet (9.3 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The vision for this room was to incorporate a large window and to make a place where the homeowner could sew,” designer Sadie Beachy says. “The wife wanted to keep it light, bright and clean for the design aspect of this room. She also wanted a pretty counter space in her laundry room.”
Special features. Beachy delivered on the counter request with a Corian waterfall countertop in Venaro White over the washer and dryer. Her choice of wallpaper, a blue-accented print from Serena & Lily, was equally well thought out. “The house has some blue features on the outside, and with the big window looking in from the front of the house, we wanted to coordinate the best we could and this wallpaper was perfect,” Beachy says.
Other details that elevate the look are a 20-inch farmhouse sink by Signature Hardware, a shiplap ceiling and gold accents throughout the room. “A neat feature you cannot see are the pullout drawers located on either side of the sink,” Beachy says. Designed like spice drawers, they hold laundry detergent.
Designer tip. “These clients really valued their custom [hickory] hardwood floor,” Beachy says. “When having rich wood tones in a flooring, we suggest pairing warm whites in the design as well.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The homeowner loved the large window and all the natural light that comes in, but guests can see straight into the laundry room from the front of the house,” Beachy says. “The wife wanted to make sure that it could easily and quickly be cleaned up.” The solution was to make hidden storage on the other side of the room and to style the room with elevated details like wooden hangers and glass containers for laundry detergent. “These items helped make the room look pretty while still having all the necessary items for a laundry room at hand,” Beachy says.
Paint colors: Commercial White (cabinets) and Focus (walls), both by PPG
More on Houzz
Read more laundry room stories
Browse photos of newly featured laundry rooms
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I have a nice spacious kitchen. My small laundry / powder room is down a short hall from my kitchen. The laundry rooms in the article are lovely! They must be in huge homes!
Lovely laundry rooms! I wish mine were a bit wider, but we’d have to steal from my office/grandson’s bedroom to make that happen, (which I really don’t want to do) so I’ll live with what I have. I see this comment all the time: “stacking the washer and dryer allowed for more countertop space”; actually, the opposite is true. Placing washer and dryer side by side allows for a continuous countertop across the entire length, which is not possible when they are stacked. What stacking does allow, however, is the addition of an extra base cabinet, for instance.
Coray, placing washer and dryer side by side may NOT allow for a continuous countertop.
I have a top loading washer and the lint filter on my dryer is on the top, so no continuous countertop for me.
But, I have a laundry room large enough that allows for a countertop.