Richard Mandelkorn A newly connected hallway leading to the master suite had the added benefit of a new laundry closet squeezed in; the original home had a cramped closet in the kitchen downstairs. The space was made efficient with a countertop for folding, a hanging drying rack and cabinet for storage. All is concealed by a traditional barn door, and lit by a new expansive window opposite.

Laundry and mud room with custom dog wash

Jennifer Ryan Design

The dog wash has pull out steps so large dogs can get in the tub without the owners having to lift them. The dog wash also is used as the laundry's deep sink. Debbie Schwab Photography

Compact Laundry Room Renovation

Henrietta Heisler Interiors Inc

This little laundry room uses hidden tricks to modernize and maximize limited space. The main wall features bumped out upper cabinets above the washing machine for increased storage and easy access. Next to the cabinets are open shelves that allow space for the air vent on the back wall. This fan was faux painted to match the cabinets - blending in so well you wouldn’t even know it’s there! Between the cabinetry and blue fantasy marble countertop sits a luxuriously tiled backsplash. This beautiful backsplash hides the door to necessary valves, its outline barely visible while allowing easy access. Making the room brighter are light, textured walls, under cabinet, and updated lighting. Though you can’t see it in the photos, one more trick was used: the door was changed to smaller french doors, so when open, they are not in the middle of the room. Door backs are covered in the same wallpaper as the rest of the room - making the doors look like part of the room, and increasing available space.

Milton Lake House

LuxeMark Company

Photos By Tad Davis
Design ideas for a large transitional u-shaped utility room in Raleigh with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured walls, a stacked washer and dryer, grey benchtop, shaker cabinets and grey floor.

Howell Residence

Design Actually, LLC

Ample storage and function were an important feature for the homeowner. Beth worked in unison with the contractor to design a custom hanging, pull-out system. The functional shelf glides out when needed, and stores neatly away when not in use. The contractor also installed a hanging rod above the washer and dryer. You can never have too much hanging space! Beth purchased mesh laundry baskets on wheels to alleviate the musty smell of dirty laundry, and a broom closet for cleaning items. There is even a cozy little nook for the family dog.

Traditional Home Update

Brian H Murray Interior Design

Photo of a mid-sized traditional single-wall dedicated laundry room in Raleigh with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, white walls, dark hardwood floors and a stacked washer and dryer.

Rivers Edge Drive - Bogart

Studio Design Elements

This is an example of a large transitional u-shaped utility room in Atlanta with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, white walls, ceramic floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, white floor, white benchtop and planked wall panelling.

Designs Featuring Inspired Closets

Inspired Closets Nashville

Photo of a transitional single-wall dedicated laundry room in Nashville with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, white walls, a stacked washer and dryer, grey floor and white benchtop.

Traditional Laundry Room

Large traditional utility room in Grand Rapids with an utility sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, limestone benchtops, beige walls, marble floors and beige floor.

BOSCH Compact Laundry Room

K&N Appliance Gallery

The pop of color really brightens up this small laundry space!
Photo of a small contemporary single-wall dedicated laundry room in Houston with flat-panel cabinets, laminate benchtops, multi-coloured walls, a stacked washer and dryer and blue cabinets.

Santa Monica

Haefele Design

Mark Lohman
This is an example of a beach style laundry room in Los Angeles with a side-by-side washer and dryer, open cabinets and white cabinets.

Laundry Room/Mudroom

Christie Share Designs

Christie Share
Photo of a mid-sized transitional galley utility room in Chicago with an utility sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, grey walls, porcelain floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, grey floor and brown benchtop.

Mudroom with a Purpose

Closet Organizing Systems

This mudroom is finished in grey melamine with shaker raised panel door fronts and butcher block counter tops. Bead board backing was used on the wall where coats hang to protect the wall and providing a more built-in look. Bench seating is flanked with large storage drawers and both open and closed upper cabinetry. Above the washer and dryer there is ample space for sorting and folding clothes along with a hanging rod above the sink for drying out hanging items. Designed by Jamie Wilson for Closet Organizing Systems

Lake Minnetonka New Construction

Vivid Interior Design - Danielle Loven

Hendel Homes Landmark Photography
Inspiration for a transitional dedicated laundry room in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a side-by-side washer and dryer, a farmhouse sink, grey floor, black benchtop and grey walls.

West Perry Street

Rethink Design Studio

Richard Leo Johnson Wall Color: Smokestack Gray - Regal Wall Satin, Flat Latex (Benjamin Moore) Cabinetry Color: Smokestack Gray - Regal Wall Satin, Flat Latex (Benjamin Moore) Cabinetry Hardware: 7" Brushed Brass - Lewis Dolin Counter Surface: Marble slab Window Treatment Fabric: Ikat Ocean - Laura Lienhard Desk Chair: Antique (reupholstered and repainted) Light Fixture: Circa Lighting

DSSecretClient

Amy Storm & Company

Picture Perfect House
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional single-wall utility room in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, grey benchtop, an undermount sink, beige walls, a stacked washer and dryer and beige floor.

Deerfield

AG&M Nashville (Architectural Granite & Marble)

Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped dedicated laundry room in Nashville with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, porcelain floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer and brown walls.

Woodchuck Kitchen Renovation

Terracotta Design Build

Jeff Herr
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional laundry room in Atlanta with shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, medium hardwood floors and wood benchtops.

Kingsway

Pizzale Design Inc.

This contemporary compact laundry room packs a lot of punch and personality. With it's gold fixtures and hardware adding some glitz, the grey cabinetry, industrial floors and patterned backsplash tile brings interest to this small space. Fully loaded with hanging racks, large accommodating sink, vacuum/ironing board storage & laundry shoot, this laundry room is not only stylish but function forward.

Crisp and Organized Laundry Room

Nathan Taylor for Obelisk Home

Mid-sized transitional galley dedicated laundry room in Other with an undermount sink, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey walls, porcelain floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, shaker cabinets, grey floor and white benchtop.

All Cabinet Finishes Laundry Room Design Ideas

Laundry designs seldom receive the attention they deserve, especially considering how often they’re used. A well-planned laundry, complete with built-in cabinets, a laundry sink, washing machine and clothes dryer, can serve many needs. It can help simplify your household chores; store drying clothes and cleaning products; and can even provide a spot for you to groom pets. Because of its hardworking, multipurpose potential, a laundry renovation is a worthwhile investment. Smart laundry designs have layouts that save you time and effort. For example, a washing machine and clothes dryer should be positioned next to one another or stacked, and laundry baskets and hampers should be within easy reach; while an ironing board should be stowed by a power point. Ample storage, bench space for laundry baskets and practical lighting are also essential. Browse the photos on Houzz for efficient laundry ideas, from layouts and storage to appliances, and strike up a conversation with the designers of your favourite laundry renovations. For more laundry ideas, browse the Stories section on Houzz.

How do I add storage to my laundry?

A combination of storage solutions is key to running an efficient laundry. Include shelves above or beside the washing machine to store washing detergent, softener and other cleaning products; and laundry bins for dirty clothes. Consider a custom-built cupboard for an ironing board, so it can easily fold out when you need it, or mount the ironing board directly to the wall or on the back of a door. A retractable clothesline is a handy addition to dry delicate clothes, while a clothes hanger mounted to the wall is ideal for hanging freshly pressed shirts.

What else can I use my laundry for?

Multipurpose laundry rooms or utility rooms can help save valuable space in your home. The laundry sink can be used to bathe your furry friends; your laundry cupboard can store sports equipment, gardening tools and umbrellas; and a spare nook can be filled with a desk and chair to create an office space while you wait for your load to finish. If your laundry is at the front of the house, consider using it as a drop station for mail, mobile phones and keys. Include a bench seat or stool, wall-mounted hooks for bags and a coat stand and it can even be used as a place to get the kids organised before you walk out the front door.

How can I decorate my laundry?

Laundries are usually filled to the brim with appliances and storage, so take advantage of your walls when decorating and use cheery paint colours or wallpaper to make doing the chores more pleasant! Fun signs, posters, murals and wall decals will also add character to the space. Think of your storage as decor, too – look for bins and baskets with decorative touches, and use brightly-coloured or patterned hangers.