We added a pool house to provide a shady space adjacent to the pool and stone terrace. For cool nights there is a 5ft wide wood burning fireplace and flush mounted infrared heaters. For warm days, there's an outdoor kitchen with refrigerated beverage drawers and an ice maker. The trim and brick details compliment the original Georgian architecture. We chose the classic cast stone fireplace surround to also complement the traditional architecture. We also added a mud rm with laundry and pool bath behind the new pool house. Photos by Chris Marshall

Pah Cockle Bay

Kitchen Architecture Ltd

Photographer: Jamie Cobeldick Auckland, New Zealand
This is an example of a large contemporary u-shaped laundry room in Auckland with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, mosaic tile splashback and ceramic floors.

Laundry Room

Great Rooms Building Group

Photo by Linda Oyama-Bryan
Photo of a large arts and crafts l-shaped dedicated laundry room in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, granite splashback, beige walls, slate floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, multi-coloured floor and brown benchtop.

Lake Cabin Home Addition

Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling

Lake Cabin Home Addition - Laundry Room
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley dedicated laundry room in Atlanta with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, granite splashback, blue walls, porcelain floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, beige floor and brown benchtop.

Custom Home Remodel

Captivating Construction Group

Custom Home Remodel in New Jersey.
Inspiration for a mid-sized country galley utility room in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, timber splashback, multi-coloured walls, a side-by-side washer and dryer, multi-coloured benchtop and wood walls.

Laundry Room

Willet Construction Inc.

The cabinetry was moved to one wall, rather than in the corner for better flow through the room and better balance. The finish and style match the kitchen right next door, as well as the flooring.

Uplands Classic

Island Dream Kitchens

Dennis Robinson
Inspiration for a large traditional u-shaped dedicated laundry room in Vancouver with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, stone slab splashback, porcelain floors, beige floor, beige walls and a side-by-side washer and dryer.

Showplace EVO Channing Kitchen in Cherry Flagstone

Cabinetry by Better Bilt

Cabinetry: Showplace EVO Style: Channing Finish: Cherry Flagstone Designer: Andrea Yeip
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic galley utility room in Detroit with an utility sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, ceramic splashback, beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, brown floor and brown benchtop.

French-country Formal

12/12 Architects & Planners

Large traditional galley dedicated laundry room in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, laminate floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, beige floor, beige walls, a drop-in sink, brown splashback, marble splashback, brown benchtop, wallpaper and wallpaper.

Highlands Cove

Black Rock Design | Build

Compact and very functional laundry room
Inspiration for a small u-shaped utility room in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, glass tile splashback, beige walls, ceramic floors, a stacked washer and dryer, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Uplands Classic

Island Dream Kitchens

Dennis Robinson
This is an example of a large traditional single-wall dedicated laundry room in Vancouver with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, stone slab splashback, porcelain floors, beige floor, beige walls and a side-by-side washer and dryer.

Showplace EVO Channing Kitchen in Cherry Flagstone

Cabinetry by Better Bilt

Cabinetry: Showplace EVO Style: Channing Finish: Cherry Flagstone Designer: Andrea Yeip
Mid-sized eclectic galley utility room in Detroit with an utility sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, ceramic splashback, beige walls, dark hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Lake Cabin Home Addition

Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling

Lake Cabin Home Addition - Laundry Room
Photo of a mid-sized transitional galley dedicated laundry room in Atlanta with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, granite splashback, blue walls, porcelain floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, beige floor and brown benchtop.

Laundry Room Design Ideas with Granite Benchtops and Brown Splashback

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.