Midcentury utility room in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white walls, ceramic floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer, white floor and red benchtop.

CHELSEA TOWNHOUSE No 1

STEPHEN FLETCHER ARCHITECTS

A bright red composite counter enlivens what would otherwise be a rather clinical utility room. Discreet white panels conceal a plethora of 'stuff' including various laundry and kitchen appliances, the boilers, and the extensive hardware for the Lutron lighting and audio-visual installations. Photography: Rachael Smith

Savko Model Home

Savko Home Builders

Functional laundry room. Floors are waterproofed below tile to prevent potential water leaks from seeping through. Photo by MKleck Photography
Inspiration for a small contemporary u-shaped dedicated laundry room in Other with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, white walls, porcelain floors, a stacked washer and dryer, grey floor and red benchtop.

Blaine House

UIC Homes

Doing laundry in this room takes it from being a dreaded chore to an enjoyable activity. What good space and storage!
Photo of a contemporary single-wall dedicated laundry room in St Louis with flat-panel cabinets, white walls, a stacked washer and dryer, red benchtop and an undermount sink.

Terraza, lavadero

EMCQ Decoración Interiorismo

Terraza lavadero, junto a la lavadora, armario con los productos de limpieza. Enfrente, banco con almacenaje para la ropa. Cerramiento de aluminio con tratamiento en los vidrios de protección solar, que previenen el calentamiento excesivo en el interior, ya que la energía que incide sobre vidrio exterior se absorbe o se refleja en su mayor parte, y así no penetra en la habitación. Foto Carla Capdevila

Laundry Room/Pantry

Vulkan Architects

Photo of a contemporary single-wall utility room in Los Angeles with a drop-in sink, grey cabinets, white walls, a side-by-side washer and dryer, grey floor, red benchtop and shaker cabinets.

Laundry Room Design Ideas with White Walls and Red Benchtop

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.