Porch reconfigured as mudroom
Inspiration for a traditional utility room in DC Metro.

Inspiration for a traditional l-shaped utility room in Columbus with green walls, grey floor, an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, distressed cabinets, brown splashback, a side-by-side washer and dryer and multi-coloured benchtop.

Marston Lower Level

College City Design Build

This is an example of a large traditional single-wall utility room in Minneapolis with white cabinets, a side-by-side washer and dryer, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, solid surface benchtops, ceramic floors, grey floor, beige benchtop and grey walls.

Laundry Room

Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction

This spacious laundry room off the kitchen with black soapstone countertops and white bead board paneling also serves as a mudroom.
Design ideas for a large traditional utility room in Other with green walls, beige floor, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, limestone floors, a side-by-side washer and dryer and black benchtop.

Laundry Room of the 'Kristen Nicole'

User

Laundry Room of the 'Kristen Nicole'
This is an example of a traditional l-shaped utility room in Other with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, a side-by-side washer and dryer, beige floor, beige benchtop and orange walls.

Manhattan Beach Residence

Erin King Interiors

Beach style utility room in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, white walls and a side-by-side washer and dryer.

Jenny Rausch

Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath

Denash photography, Designed by Jenny Rausch C.K.D This fabulous laundry room is a favorite. The distressed cabinetry with tumbled stone floor and custom piece of furniture sets it apart from any traditional laundry room. Bead board walls, granite countertop, beautiful blue gray washer dryer built in. The under counter laundry with folding area and dry sink are highly functional for any homeowner.

Maple Mud/Laundry Room

Brice's Furniture

Inspiration for a traditional l-shaped utility room in Toronto with recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, a side-by-side washer and dryer and black benchtop.

DUTCH Kitchens: TRANSITIONAL style

Leicht Westchester-Greenwich

Large contemporary l-shaped utility room in New York with an integrated sink, stainless steel benchtops, white walls, a side-by-side washer and dryer, flat-panel cabinets and blue cabinets.

Charming Cape Cod Renovation

Knight Architects LLC

Stenciled, custom painted historical cabinetry in mudroom with powder room beyond. Weigley Photography
Traditional galley utility room in New York with a drop-in sink, grey floor, grey benchtop, beaded inset cabinets, distressed cabinets, soapstone benchtops, beige walls and a side-by-side washer and dryer.

Pine Valley - Lake Cabin

Visbeen Architects

Pine Valley is not your ordinary lake cabin. This craftsman-inspired design offers everything you love about summer vacation within the comfort of a beautiful year-round home. Metal roofing and custom wood trim accent the shake and stone exterior, while a cupola and flower boxes add quaintness to sophistication. The main level offers an open floor plan, with multiple porches and sitting areas overlooking the water. The master suite is located on the upper level, along with two additional guest rooms. A custom-designed craft room sits just a few steps down from the upstairs study. Billiards, a bar and kitchenette, a sitting room and game table combine to make the walkout lower level all about entertainment. In keeping with the rest of the home, this floor opens to lake views and outdoor living areas.

Carolina Design Associates, LLC

Design ideas for a traditional utility room in Charlotte with a side-by-side washer and dryer.

Orlando, FL Renovation

Wolfe Rizor Interiors

This is an example of a large traditional utility room in Orlando with an utility sink, quartz benchtops, brown walls, slate floors, brown floor and medium wood cabinets.

Utility 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.