With a few strategic changes, even a small laundry room can become a space that’s appealing to be in and can double as a room for other activities.
New York-based interior designer Deborah Martin and two other designers — HGTV’s Brian Patrick Flynn and Miami-based Raquel Mothe, of Mothe Design — offer advice on turning a laundry room into a space you love.
LOCATION, LOCATION
If you’re remodeling, Flynn says, consider relocating your laundry room as close to the master bedroom as possible. In fact, make it part of your master bedroom closet, if there’s enough space.
“This makes it way easier for homeowners to tackle their laundry without having to then bring it back and forth across the house,” he says.
When working on new luxury home projects, Mothe says, she often includes one laundry room on the house’s main level for cleaning things like small rugs, pet toys, pool towels and other household items. She puts another laundry space with similar design and the same machines on the second floor near the bedrooms.
GO BRIGHT AND BOLD
Have fun with color and pattern, the designers say.
Mothe rarely uses white for a laundry room, aiming for a cozier vibe.
If there are colors you love but think are too bright for other rooms, Flynn suggests using them in a laundry room. It’s also a great place for patterns that seem too much for a living room or bedroom. Wallpaper’s a good way to do that.
“Nine times out of 10,” Flynn says, “I find that simply adding wallpaper to a laundry room or laundry closet instantly makes it feel more inviting.”
If you’re updating the floor, Martin suggests creating a cheerful space with an interesting tile design.
HELPFUL DETAILS
Martin and Mothe both advise including a really large sink in a laundry room. And Martin suggests adding a drain in the floor.
“We never plan for accidents, but accidents happen,” she says.
Martin also recommends built-in bins or baskets for separating clothes.
Also: Have plenty of space for drying items that you won’t be putting in the dryer. “Let’s say you are washing a silk blouse that you are not sending to the dry cleaners,” Mothe says. Install a bar with hangers or a retractable hanging rack.
Mothe also adds drying racks for clients who will be washing things like sneakers and other shoes.
BEST LIGHTING
Laundry rooms need plenty of light, and that can include what designers call “statement lighting” — something gorgeous that brightens the room and adds a dose of style.
Flynn suggests adding a pendant light or some kind of chandelier, if space allows.
Recessed ceiling lighting is also helpful, Martin says, especially over areas where you’ll be trying to get out a stain or sorting clothes.
And if you’re doing new construction or remodeling, Martin says, give your laundry room plenty of windows. Even if we’re just doing laundry, she says, “We can enjoy a little light. We can enjoy a view.”
STRATEGIC STORAGE
Don’t forget to add a few tall cabinets for things like brooms or ironing boards, Mothe says. And she thinks it’s worth investing in high-quality countertops.
A detail like that, she says, can “make a difference between the regular laundry and the luxury one.”
