Sometimes, it can feel like laundry rooms are the ugly duckling of spaces in the home. They’re just kind of…there. But, they’re actually so meaningful! (Writer’s Note: Don’t make fun of me for saying laundry rooms are “meaningful.”) Anyway, I digress.
They’re important. Aside from the kitchen, a laundry room is the center of our home. It’s where we go to feel accomplished, organized and clean. It’s where we should feel the most functional. So, we have some key must-haves to build a laundry room space that fulfills all of these basic and beautiful needs. Psst…aesthetics are still an option!
CABINETRY
This seems like a captain obvious one, but it’s not always! Space to store things like detergent and bleach are essential. One, the space will appear cluttered and overwhelming if you don’t have a space to store those items. Two, cabinets are a great way to add personality to space. We love green or white cabinets, with unique hardware. If you don’t have space for cabinets, pull outs are great alternatives.
QUALITY FINISHES - WATERPROOF FLOORING
The laundry room doesn’t have to be left to vinyl floors and minimal fixtures. A beautiful laundry room, one you’ll like to spend time in, should have quality elements too. Tile or water-resistant flooring is great and will make clean up a lot easier.
UNIQUE LIGHT FIXTURES
Like I wrote above, just because it’s a laundry room, it doesn’t mean it should be left out of the fun design elements. Bright lighting in the laundry room is important (especially since you sew and search for long lost socks in there). A fashionable chandelier or geometric pendant light are both great additions. But, we encourage you to explore your options!
FOLDING TABLE + HANGING RACKS
I know. I bet the first thing you’re wondering is…where? Where is a folding table going to fit in a (typically small) laundry room? There are solutions! A built in table you can pull out works and also functions secondarily as an ironing board. You can also install a flip-down shelf from the wall or storage closet. If you have some countertop space, voila! In order to take the best care of your clothes, hanging racks are essential. But, they don’t have to look dingy.
A (PRETTY) UTILITY SINK
The first laundry room sink I think of was the one from my childhood. A giant, grey plastic bin that my dad would put all his paint buckets in. Utility sinks don’t have to be left out of the aesthetic game – they can be stylish and functional, too. A stainless steel sink with a backsplash or a farmhouse sink are great options. Add a subway tile backsplash, too! And if you’re super bold and fun, wild wallpaper can be a great addition to this space as well.
CLOTHING RODS
We love a simple set of clothing rods right under the cabinetry, if you’re able. Keep hangers handy so you can readily access them for clothes that need to air-dry.
GOOD LIGHTING
The room should have a great ventilation system, since so much humidity is being emitted from the washer and dryer. To enhance the value of the home, good lighting in a laundry room space has been the preferred option for buyers.
A HOME FOR YOUR HAMPER
That’s right, a space for your hampers! You don’t want them randomly tossed about as early morning toe-stubbers. Also, a laundry room is all about a seamless (no pun intended) process, so you want to make sure all items needed for the room to function should have a designated space.
CHALKBOARD OR WHITEBOARD
These are a fun addition, especially for families. Keep everything straight by using the boards for a shopping list or chores list. Painting with chalkboard paint on a cabinet wall or open space will do the trick. Easy and effortless.
A PRACTICAL (FUN!) RUG
You need a cushioned surface to support your back while you’re folding all that laundry. A rug is a helpful option and can add style or a pop of color to the space. Also, laundry rooms can end up looking barren and cold with all the appliances. A rug is an opportunity to pull some warmth and coziness into the area.
So, that’s the coveted must-have list! If you ever need ideas to spruce up your laundry room or another area in your home, let the Mom’s Design Build team transform those practical design needs into reality!
