New This Week: 7 Smart and Stylish Laundry Rooms
See how colorful wallpaper, elegant tile and the right cabinetry add loads of character to these functional rooms
Laundry is a fact of life. And the look and function of the space in which you wash clothes can make a huge difference in how pleasurable the task can be. Incorporating the right paint color, tile pattern or storage piece can brighten your mood on washday — just like wearing your favorite outfit. The following laundry rooms offer seven ideas for adding style.
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2. Open Locker Storage
Designer: Angela Watson of Designer Resource
Location: Carmel, Indiana
Size: 133 square feet (12 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. A larger laundry room with updated style and more storage. The design-build team combined a mudroom, two coat closets and the original laundry room to create the spacious new laundry room.
Main style feature. Open locker storage with a wood bench. “It is what brings the whole room together,” designer Angela Watson says. “Not only does it display creative storage and organization, but it is fun and trendy.”
Other special features. River Blue quartzite countertops. Custom cabinets. Apron-front sink. Stone-look white-and-gray floor tile. Gray walls (Colonial Revival Gray by Sherwin-Williams). Hanging rod.
Designer tip. “Reconfiguring the lighting in this room also made a huge difference,” Watson says. “Spacing out lighting between four can lights and one well-proportioned chandelier in the center of the room creates a well-lit space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “There was a mishap with measurements,” Watson says. “We had to decide to either cut the brand-new window frame we had installed or cut the brand-new backsplash. Ultimately, we decided to cut the backsplash, and you would never know.”
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Designer: Angela Watson of Designer Resource
Location: Carmel, Indiana
Size: 133 square feet (12 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. A larger laundry room with updated style and more storage. The design-build team combined a mudroom, two coat closets and the original laundry room to create the spacious new laundry room.
Main style feature. Open locker storage with a wood bench. “It is what brings the whole room together,” designer Angela Watson says. “Not only does it display creative storage and organization, but it is fun and trendy.”
Other special features. River Blue quartzite countertops. Custom cabinets. Apron-front sink. Stone-look white-and-gray floor tile. Gray walls (Colonial Revival Gray by Sherwin-Williams). Hanging rod.
Designer tip. “Reconfiguring the lighting in this room also made a huge difference,” Watson says. “Spacing out lighting between four can lights and one well-proportioned chandelier in the center of the room creates a well-lit space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “There was a mishap with measurements,” Watson says. “We had to decide to either cut the brand-new window frame we had installed or cut the brand-new backsplash. Ultimately, we decided to cut the backsplash, and you would never know.”
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3. Wavy Accent Tile
Designer: Sashya Thind Fernandes of ID8 Design Studio
Location: Canton, Massachusetts
Size: 96 square feet (8.9 square meters); 8 by 12 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The old laundry room was dated and didn’t have a folding surface, hanging rod or sink,” designer Sashya Thind Fernandes says. “We added those features to make the process easier for the homeowners.”
Main style feature. Wavy backsplash tile. “This room was part of a larger renovation, and we chose to keep the design elements consistent throughout,” Fernandes says. “The tile is probably the most interesting feature in this room with its wavy texture. It adds visual interest and texture.”
Other special features. Quartz countertops. Hanging rod. The cabinets have a “brushed linen” finish.
Designer tip. “We designed for specific storage needs, like the detergent, a space for the laundry basket to tuck into and out of the main walkway, and a shelving area for folded linens,” Fernandes says. “It’s important to come up with storage for key objects that can be put away and keep the counters clear of clutter. The rod was also sourced to float versus span wall to wall. Planning for the smaller details really makes a difference.”
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Designer: Sashya Thind Fernandes of ID8 Design Studio
Location: Canton, Massachusetts
Size: 96 square feet (8.9 square meters); 8 by 12 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The old laundry room was dated and didn’t have a folding surface, hanging rod or sink,” designer Sashya Thind Fernandes says. “We added those features to make the process easier for the homeowners.”
Main style feature. Wavy backsplash tile. “This room was part of a larger renovation, and we chose to keep the design elements consistent throughout,” Fernandes says. “The tile is probably the most interesting feature in this room with its wavy texture. It adds visual interest and texture.”
Other special features. Quartz countertops. Hanging rod. The cabinets have a “brushed linen” finish.
Designer tip. “We designed for specific storage needs, like the detergent, a space for the laundry basket to tuck into and out of the main walkway, and a shelving area for folded linens,” Fernandes says. “It’s important to come up with storage for key objects that can be put away and keep the counters clear of clutter. The rod was also sourced to float versus span wall to wall. Planning for the smaller details really makes a difference.”
Shop for laundry hampers, appliances and other products
4. Floral Wallpaper
Designer: Deboni Sacre and team at Liv Design Collective
Location: Highland, Utah
Homeowners’ request. A home with lots of fun details and color.
Main style feature. Floral wallpaper (Blooms Grande in gray by Caitlin Wilson Design).
Other special features. White cabinets (White Dove by Benjamin Moore) with a platform for the appliances that includes drawer storage. Twelve-inch porcelain hexagonal floor tile. “We also added custom storage for easily storing laundry baskets,” designer Deboni Sacre says.
Designer tip. “If you choose something bold, other items can take a step back,” Sacre says. “Choose one focal point. The other elements should complement it.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Sometimes the first reaction can be, ‘Is this too crazy?’” Sacre says. “After it sits for a minute, then you know it’s all going to be OK. The home had a lot of balancing color and texture. Some rooms were bright; other rooms were very calm. Once we layered in the accents and decor, it created balance in each room. The home is large. There was a lot of patience and coordination during the construction process. The biggest ‘uh-oh’ moment was mainly the persistence of pushing through a long, hard job.”
Designer: Deboni Sacre and team at Liv Design Collective
Location: Highland, Utah
Homeowners’ request. A home with lots of fun details and color.
Main style feature. Floral wallpaper (Blooms Grande in gray by Caitlin Wilson Design).
Other special features. White cabinets (White Dove by Benjamin Moore) with a platform for the appliances that includes drawer storage. Twelve-inch porcelain hexagonal floor tile. “We also added custom storage for easily storing laundry baskets,” designer Deboni Sacre says.
Designer tip. “If you choose something bold, other items can take a step back,” Sacre says. “Choose one focal point. The other elements should complement it.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Sometimes the first reaction can be, ‘Is this too crazy?’” Sacre says. “After it sits for a minute, then you know it’s all going to be OK. The home had a lot of balancing color and texture. Some rooms were bright; other rooms were very calm. Once we layered in the accents and decor, it created balance in each room. The home is large. There was a lot of patience and coordination during the construction process. The biggest ‘uh-oh’ moment was mainly the persistence of pushing through a long, hard job.”
5. Flat-Panel Wood Cabinets
Designers: Denise Morrison Interiors and Brandon Architects
Builder: Andrew Patterson of Patterson Custom Homes
Location: Corona del Mar, California
Size: 72 square feet (6.7 square meters); 8 by 9 feet
Homeowners’ request. Plenty of countertop space and cabinetry for storage and folding laundry. “Maximizing views of the ocean and canyon was important throughout the entire home, and the laundry room was no exception, as you can see the ocean through the window in this room as well,” builder Andrew Patterson says.
Main style feature. Flat-panel wood cabinets. “The homeowners wanted to blend modern style with vintage so that they could display the antique items they had collected from their travels over the years throughout their home. The entire home blends these two styles, and the theme continues into the laundry room with sleek modern cabinets paired with a vintage rug,” Patterson says.
Other special features. Dark countertops. Glass tile backsplash.
Designers: Denise Morrison Interiors and Brandon Architects
Builder: Andrew Patterson of Patterson Custom Homes
Location: Corona del Mar, California
Size: 72 square feet (6.7 square meters); 8 by 9 feet
Homeowners’ request. Plenty of countertop space and cabinetry for storage and folding laundry. “Maximizing views of the ocean and canyon was important throughout the entire home, and the laundry room was no exception, as you can see the ocean through the window in this room as well,” builder Andrew Patterson says.
Main style feature. Flat-panel wood cabinets. “The homeowners wanted to blend modern style with vintage so that they could display the antique items they had collected from their travels over the years throughout their home. The entire home blends these two styles, and the theme continues into the laundry room with sleek modern cabinets paired with a vintage rug,” Patterson says.
Other special features. Dark countertops. Glass tile backsplash.
6. Wood Countertops
Designer: Anisa Darnell of Truth & Co.
Builder: Daniel Harper of Renew Properties
Location: Cumming, Georgia
Size: 120 square feet (11 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The hallway from the garage leads directly to the laundry room, where the homeowners were hoping to have a drop zone and mudroom alongside the laundry room,” builder Daniel Harper says. “Aesthetically they wanted it bright and functional.”
Main style feature. Wood countertops. “The apron-front sink is lined up with big, beautiful windows to create the bright space desired,” Harper says. “The charming wood countertop gives it a good country feel.”
Other special features. Custom-built cabinets painted in Boothbay Gray by Benjamin Moore. Rolling laundry carts. “The multiple functions of this space are really what makes it so appealing, by providing a place where you can drop things off on your way in — and hope to keep it organized — and do laundry,” Harper says.
Sink: Whitehaven undermount, Kohler; paint on walls, trim and floating shelves: Simply White, Benjamin Moore
Designer: Anisa Darnell of Truth & Co.
Builder: Daniel Harper of Renew Properties
Location: Cumming, Georgia
Size: 120 square feet (11 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The hallway from the garage leads directly to the laundry room, where the homeowners were hoping to have a drop zone and mudroom alongside the laundry room,” builder Daniel Harper says. “Aesthetically they wanted it bright and functional.”
Main style feature. Wood countertops. “The apron-front sink is lined up with big, beautiful windows to create the bright space desired,” Harper says. “The charming wood countertop gives it a good country feel.”
Other special features. Custom-built cabinets painted in Boothbay Gray by Benjamin Moore. Rolling laundry carts. “The multiple functions of this space are really what makes it so appealing, by providing a place where you can drop things off on your way in — and hope to keep it organized — and do laundry,” Harper says.
Sink: Whitehaven undermount, Kohler; paint on walls, trim and floating shelves: Simply White, Benjamin Moore
7. Bird-Theme Wallpaper
Designer: Liz Goldberg of Carolynleona
Location: Cary, North Carolina
Size: 79 square feet (7.3 square meters); 8 feet, 4 inches by 9½ feet
Homeowners’ request. “Our client’s vision was a modern home with a nod to vintage glam, which we incorporated in unexpected ways with popping color and unique shapes,” designer Liz Goldberg says. “This was a ground-up complete new construction project. Quite often, laundry rooms don’t have personality, and we wanted to bring this small space to life, highlighting the gorgeous view of the tree-filled backyard with nature-inspired wallpaper.”
Main style feature. Colorful bird-theme wallpaper. “To give the laundry room a sense of identity, a place where you look forward to spending time, we selected the Birds Sinfonia Jonc by Christian Lacroix wallpaper,” Goldberg says. “The all-white quartz counters complement the all-over pattern. We added our client’s blue-and-white pottery collection to further turn an ordinary space extraordinary.”
Other special features. White painted Shaker-style cabinets. Quartz countertops.
Designer tip. “Think outside the box,” Goldberg says. “Laundry rooms don’t have to be utilitarian. While they are highly functional, you can add special moments to create a space you enjoy spending time in. Small spaces are a great place to really go for it with color or pattern.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Our client immediately fell in love with the wallpaper selection. However, when she presented our idea to her husband, he just couldn’t wrap his mind around why they would invest in papering their laundry room,” Goldberg says. “After the installation and our clients moved in, she updated us right away that this space actually turned out to be his favorite room in the house, and he is so glad we went for it.”
More on Houzz
4 Storage and Style Ideas in Top Laundry Rooms of Spring 2020
How to Remodel the Laundry Room
Find an interior designer
Shop for laundry room products
Designer: Liz Goldberg of Carolynleona
Location: Cary, North Carolina
Size: 79 square feet (7.3 square meters); 8 feet, 4 inches by 9½ feet
Homeowners’ request. “Our client’s vision was a modern home with a nod to vintage glam, which we incorporated in unexpected ways with popping color and unique shapes,” designer Liz Goldberg says. “This was a ground-up complete new construction project. Quite often, laundry rooms don’t have personality, and we wanted to bring this small space to life, highlighting the gorgeous view of the tree-filled backyard with nature-inspired wallpaper.”
Main style feature. Colorful bird-theme wallpaper. “To give the laundry room a sense of identity, a place where you look forward to spending time, we selected the Birds Sinfonia Jonc by Christian Lacroix wallpaper,” Goldberg says. “The all-white quartz counters complement the all-over pattern. We added our client’s blue-and-white pottery collection to further turn an ordinary space extraordinary.”
Other special features. White painted Shaker-style cabinets. Quartz countertops.
Designer tip. “Think outside the box,” Goldberg says. “Laundry rooms don’t have to be utilitarian. While they are highly functional, you can add special moments to create a space you enjoy spending time in. Small spaces are a great place to really go for it with color or pattern.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Our client immediately fell in love with the wallpaper selection. However, when she presented our idea to her husband, he just couldn’t wrap his mind around why they would invest in papering their laundry room,” Goldberg says. “After the installation and our clients moved in, she updated us right away that this space actually turned out to be his favorite room in the house, and he is so glad we went for it.”
More on Houzz
4 Storage and Style Ideas in Top Laundry Rooms of Spring 2020
How to Remodel the Laundry Room
Find an interior designer
Shop for laundry room products
Designer: Chad Esslinger
Location: Downers Grove, Illinois
Size: 78 square feet (7.2 square meters); 6½ by 11½ feet
Homeowners’ request. “We explored completely changing this room to be more of a mudroom and laundry room with all new cabinetry with lockers, and stacking the washer and dryer, but the costs to do so didn’t make sense,” says designer Chad Esslinger, who used Houzz ideabooks to gather inspiration ideas. “So we kept the same layout but upgraded all materials and finishes.”
Main style feature. Dark gray cabinets (Chelsea Gray by Benjamin Moore). “The cabinet bases stayed as is, but all the doors and drawer fronts were replaced with full-overlay Shaker-style fronts that were painted a dark gray,” Esslinger says. “They also have soft-close hinges, and crown molding was added at the top to make it look more custom.”
Other special features. Geometric-pattern cement backsplash tile. Floating shelves across from the appliances with pipe fixtures that double as hanging rods. Quartz countertops, including a folding counter above the appliances. Antique brass hardware, lighting and faucet. “It’s like jewelry for the space,” Esslinger says of the brass elements.
Designer tip. “Contrasting elements of color, material and finish give [a laundry] room, which is typically an eyesore, a distinct, upscale feel,” Esslinger says.
Harbour Point three-light semiflush ceiling light: Minka Lavery; wall paint: Cape May Cobblestone, Benjamin Moore