Photo of a mid-sized country single-wall utility room in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, white walls, dark hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer and brown floor.

Hood House

Mihaly Slocombe

Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

Rickmansworth Property Development

Chantel Elshout Studio

Contemporary laundry and utility room in Cashmere with Wenge effect worktops. Elevated Miele washing machine and tumble dryer with pull-out shelf below for easy changeover of loads.

In-law Suite Addition

12/12 Architects & Planners

This is an example of a small traditional galley utility room in Chicago with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, timber splashback, white walls, light hardwood floors, brown floor, wallpaper, wallpaper, a stacked washer and dryer, a single-bowl sink, quartz benchtops and grey benchtop.

Victorian (Contemporary Style) Extension

Sally Feeney Interior Design Pty Ltd

Spacious family laundry
Design ideas for a large contemporary u-shaped dedicated laundry room in Melbourne with a single-bowl sink, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, blue splashback, subway tile splashback, white walls, medium hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Versatile Modern Farmhouse

CG&S Design-Build

Photography by Tre Dunham
Inspiration for a country utility room in Austin with an undermount sink, white walls, a side-by-side washer and dryer, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, brown floor and white benchtop.

Fun Laundry Room - Mudroom Combo

Paper Moon Painting

Gotta love a vintage/retro orange fridge!
This is an example of a large eclectic l-shaped utility room in Austin with recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, white walls, light hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer and brown floor.

Transitional

Candelaria Design Associates

This is an example of an expansive transitional u-shaped dedicated laundry room in Phoenix with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white walls, dark hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer and brown floor.

Laundry Room w/ Custom Wood Countertops, Tile Backsplash, Phone Charging Station

Cabinet-S-Top

We updated this laundry room by installing Medallion Silverline Jackson Flat Panel cabinets in white icing color. The countertops are a custom Natural Black Walnut wood top with a Mockett charging station and a Porter single basin farmhouse sink and Moen Arbor high arc faucet. The backsplash is Ice White Wow Subway Tile. The floor is Durango Tumbled tile.

Eastmoreland Basement

C Change Design

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall dedicated laundry room in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, white walls, slate floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Rumley Lofts Renovation

Haven & Co.

D&M Images
Inspiration for a small industrial single-wall laundry cupboard in Other with white cabinets, laminate benchtops, laminate floors, a stacked washer and dryer, grey benchtop, white walls and brown floor.

Annex

M-Squared Contracting Inc.

Photo Credit: Scott Norsworthy Architect: Wanda Ely Architect Inc
Photo of a mid-sized single-wall utility room in Toronto with medium wood cabinets, white walls, light hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer and brown floor.

Laundry Room w/ Custom Wood Countertops, Tile Backsplash, Phone Charging Station

Cabinet-S-Top

Blanchard | Laundry, Bar & Pantry Renovation

Phase One Design

Hidden washer and dryer in open laundry room.
This is an example of a small transitional galley utility room in Other with beaded inset cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, white walls, dark hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, brown floor and white benchtop.

Transitional Kitchen and First Floor Flock Remodel - Naperville

Redstart Construction, Inc.

Picture Perfect House
Large transitional galley utility room in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, white walls, dark hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer and brown floor.

Aging in Place, Gracefully:

Princeton Design Collaborative

Former Kitchen was converted to new Laundry / Mud room, removing the need for the client to travel to basement for laundry. Bench is perfect place to put shoes on with storage drawer below Photography by: Jeffrey E Tryon

Laundry Room

WL Kitchen & Home

This is an example of a small modern galley dedicated laundry room in New York with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white walls, dark hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, brown floor and white benchtop.

Concealed Laundry

Brisbane Kitchens and Bathrooms

Hidden away, this laundry looks like a storage cabinet, matching the existing home. Photos by Brisbane Kitchens & Bathrooms
Design ideas for a small contemporary single-wall dedicated laundry room in Brisbane with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white walls, dark hardwood floors, a stacked washer and dryer, brown floor and beige benchtop.

1940's Montrose Remodel

Penberthy Custom Builders

Inspiration for a small arts and crafts galley utility room in Houston with shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white walls, light hardwood floors, a concealed washer and dryer, brown floor and white benchtop.

Coburg House

Lisa Breeze Architect

Built by Neverstop Group + Photograph by Caitlin Mills + Styling by Natalie James
Inspiration for a small contemporary galley dedicated laundry room in Melbourne with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, white walls, medium hardwood floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Laundry Room Design Ideas with White Walls and Brown Floor

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.