10 Laundry Renovation Ideas for a Beautiful and Functional Space

Gone are the days of dark, neglected laundry rooms hidden behind pocket doors or squeezed into leftover corners. For today’s homeowners, the laundry has become a thoughtful, well-designed space that deserves just as much attention as the kitchen or bathroom. Modern laundry renovations often add storage solutions and aim to create a complete, functional space. Whether you’re planning a full laundry renovation or just looking to upgrade the layout, these design ideas blend beauty with practicality—with a distinctly Australian sense of style.

Begin With a Plan

A good laundry renovation begins with a clear understanding of how the space works—and how it doesn’t. Consider your household habits: Do you need extra bench space for folding clothes? A concealed ironing board? Better flow between your washer and dryer?

A smart laundry room design should include a balance of storage space, accessible appliances, and good light. Planning should also consider the inclusion of cabinets and drawers for better organization, allowing you to stow away laundry essentials and optimize the space. Whether it’s a small space or a full multi-purpose space, defining your priorities early on makes the entire process smoother and more efficient.

Use Vertical Space to Your Advantage

When square metres are tight, vertical space becomes your best friend. You can hang items like decorative signs, art, or lighting fixtures to utilize vertical space effectively. A shelf, such as floating shelves, built-in cabinets, and even a clothes hanger mounted to the wall, can help you keep the room tidy without taking up extra floor area.

In a narrow space, tall shaker cabinets can offer generous storage for cleaning supplies, washing detergent, and laundry baskets. Meanwhile, open shelving above the washer and dryer makes it easy to keep all the essentials within easy reach.

Make Room for a Laundry Sink

Don’t underestimate the humble laundry sink. Whether it’s a farmhouse sink with a feature tap or a streamlined utility sink built into your new cabinetry, having a dedicated sink for soaking or handwashing dirty clothes is invaluable.

Pair it with durable finishes like stainless steel or concrete to handle everyday mess. If space permits, a deep sink with a nearby hanging rail or drying rack makes the room feel like a well-oiled machine.

Maximise Small Laundry Rooms

If you’re working with a small laundry room, focus on space-saving layouts and integrated storage. A front loading washer can be stacked with a dryer, creating room for a bench or hanging space. These solutions help save space. Pull-out hampers, pocket doors, and even slide-away ironing boards help keep the room clean and open.

For the ultimate space saver, a European style laundry concealed behind cabinetry in a hallway or kitchen is perfect for apartments or compact homes.

Prioritise Smart Storage

Nothing elevates a laundry quite like well-planned storage. Consider built-in cabinets to store bulk items, open shelves for daily-use supplies, and labelled baskets for washing, supplies, and accessories.

Adding a mix of closed and open cabinetry helps reduce clutter, while a concealed vacuum cleaner station or vertical pantry-style cupboard for mops and brooms keeps the room feeling intentional, not makeshift.

Choose Beautiful, Hardworking Materials

Function and beauty can absolutely coexist. In fact, a beautiful space can be created in your laundry with the right materials. Think natural materials, warm-toned cabinetry, or white walls paired with bright tile or framed art.

Ceramic tiles, timber benchtops, and brushed metal hardware add style without sacrificing durability. A little character can go a long way in creating a beautiful space that still works hard.

Make It Multi-Purpose

Laundries are no longer single-function spaces. If you have the room, think about how your laundry can also function as a mudroom, storage area, or even a pet-washing zone.

Built-in bench seating with storage space underneath, wall-mounted hooks for bags, or a mini fridge for extra household items can make your laundry a quiet multitasking hero.

Think About Light

Laundry rooms can feel dark or forgotten—but they don’t have to. Make sure there’s adequate lighting above all work zones. Where possible, bring in natural light through windows or a skylight. Where not, opt for LED ceiling fixtures and task lighting above your sink or appliances.

Good lighting doesn’t just help you spot stains or read washing instructions—it can also serve as inspiration for the rest of the design.

Flooring and Walls

When it comes to designing a laundry room, the flooring and walls play a crucial role in creating a functional and beautiful space. For a modern laundry room, consider using durable and water-resistant flooring options such as tile, vinyl, or concrete. These materials are easy to clean and maintain, making them perfect for a room that is prone to moisture and dirt. In terms of walls, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders in brightening up the space. Choose a light and neutral color to reflect light and make the room feel larger. Additionally, consider adding some decorative elements such as framed art or a statement wall to add some visual interest to the space. To maximize storage space, consider installing built-in cabinets or shelves to keep laundry supplies and cleaning essentials within easy reach.

Window Treatments

Window treatments can add a touch of style and functionality to a laundry room. For a small laundry room, consider using light and airy window treatments such as sheer curtains or blinds to allow natural light to filter in. This can help make the room feel larger and more welcoming. For a laundry room with a lot of natural light, consider using UV-blocking window treatments to prevent fading of clothes and laundry supplies. Additionally, consider using window treatments that are easy to clean and maintain, such as vinyl or aluminum blinds. To add some decorative flair, consider using patterned or textured window treatments to add some visual interest to the space. By choosing the right window treatments, you can create a beautiful and functional laundry room that is perfect for doing laundry and other household chores.

Personalise the Details

It may be a utility room, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel cold. Bring in moments of personality: vintage jars for pegs, ceramic trays for washing detergent, or a beautiful wall hook for your clothes hanger.

Even small details like framed art, coloured grout, or handmade floating shelves can help the laundry feel like part of your home’s larger design narrative. Don’t forget a pretty door hook for robes or bags. Personal touches like these can inspire more ideas for enhancing your laundry space.

Maintenance and Upkeep

To keep your laundry room looking its best, regular maintenance and upkeep are essential. Start by creating a schedule for cleaning and organizing the space. Set aside time each week to wipe down surfaces, sweep and mop the floor, and tidy up laundry supplies. Consider using a laundry room cleaning caddy to keep cleaning essentials within easy reach. Additionally, consider implementing a “one-touch” rule for laundry, where you fold and put away clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer. This can help prevent clutter and keep the space feeling organized and peaceful. To take your laundry room to the next level, consider implementing some smart laundry room ideas, such as installing a laundry sorter or a folding station. By following these tips, you can create a laundry room that is not only functional but also beautiful and enjoyable to use.

Final Thoughts

A well-designed laundry makes wash day feel a little less like a chore. Thoughtful laundry design can enhance practicality while maintaining style, whether you’re working with a tiny nook or a full renovation. The key is thoughtful laundry room design that reflects your lifestyle and the needs of your house.

With the right mix of function, style, and smart planning, your laundry can become a quiet design moment that adds both joy and value to your home. Now that’s a laundry reno worth celebrating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best layout for a small laundry room?

Stacking your washer and dryer, using floating shelves, and incorporating built-in cabinets or pull-out hampers can help save space. Consider a European style laundry hidden behind cabinetry if you're really tight on room.

Do I need a laundry sink?

A dedicated laundry sink or utility sink is incredibly useful for dirty clothes, hand washing, or even rinsing mops. If space permits, it's a worthwhile inclusion.

How can I maximise vertical storage?

Use shaker cabinets or open shelves that reach the ceiling. Add a clothes hanger mounted to the wall or inside a cabinet door to make the most of unused vertical space.

What materials are best for benchtops and cabinetry?

Durable materials like ceramic tiles, timber, or laminate are ideal. For cabinetry, moisture-resistant finishes help extend the life of your new cabinetry.

What should I store in my laundry room?

Think beyond washing detergent. Store cleaning supplies, laundry baskets, cloths, and even seasonal items. Use baskets and drawers to keep clutter at bay.

Can I include a drying rack if I’m short on space?

Yes. Wall-mounted or ceiling-hung drying racks are great for small spaces. You can also add a fold-out option above your laundry sink or bench space.

Should I match the laundry design to the rest of the house?

While not essential, using similar materials or colours (like matching cabinetry or white walls) helps the laundry room feel like a seamless extension of your home.

How do I make my laundry feel more welcoming?

Add framed art, use natural materials, bring in a plant, or opt for warm lighting. Even little styling moments can make the room feel like a beautiful space rather than just functional.