Probably one of the most understated, yet highly utilised rooms in the house has got to be the lovely laundry. Cowan Building looks at a laundry revamp and why you should consider giving this space in your home the ultimate make-over.
Let’s be honest – in most busy homes, this space is normally a place full of dirty clothes strewn on the floor, an overflowing washing basket, a washing machine slightly crooked, and terrible storage options. You are not alone! It’s also the last room to normally reap the benefits of a renovation. Most homeowners focus on the new kitchen, bathroom or extending the living areas, leaving the lovely laundry at the end of the list.
However, with the amount of time many of us spend in this space, and the possibilities of what you can achieve in a good laundry area it’s a good plan to consider a laundry revamp in your 2022 renovation dreams.
Laundry Renovation – top tips
No longer does the humble laundry need to be a dark dreary space that is not enjoyable. Today many laundries offer light bright areas, that certainly bring that WOW factor with family and friends. Plus; when you have your laundry in order and transform it into a space that is enjoyable to be in, chances are so will your washing duties. Imagine wanting to do the washing? This is what a beautiful laundry can create, once you love the space and it’s beautifully organised, you will be surprised how much more enjoyable washing can be.
With clever planning, you can turn the space into a beautiful area, with plenty of clever storage solutions and ample areas for dirty laundry and even the needed ironing board.
The first thing to consider – particularly if you are starting with a fresh canvas of a new home, is the location of the laundry. The perfect spot is away from bedrooms (cue the banging and clanging of the washing machine on full cycle), and also with easy access to the clothesline or the area, you will be hanging your wet washing. Many top designers suggest having the laundry close to the kitchen or even better – in a place that has its own access door to the great outdoors.
If you are looking at a revamp an existing space for your new laundry, it’s a good plan to assess your appliances and their size. Having washing machines and tumble dryers that are too big for the space will clutter your laundry and make it difficult to perform the tasks at hand. Yes, you will certainly do more washing in one go, but the difficulty you will have moving around these appliances and the space they will remove, will not be worth the extra few items of clothing being washed at once. Always purchase appliances that will fit the space well.
Front-loaders are great for the luxury laundry as they can slot easily into benchtops alongside your tumble dryer. Giving you maximum space and adding that all-important element of openness to the area.
All About Functionality
Like with kitchens and bathroom design – laundry design is also about providing a beautiful space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. Having good ample storage space will hugely decrease clutter and mess in and around your space. Consider floor to ceiling cabinetry, or extra cupboards above your benchtop, that can offer great additional storage for items such as spare bedding, etc.
Ensure everything is correctly plumbed to avoid unattractive pipes and cords. Building everything in with a custom design can make your new laundry pop! Gone are the days when the old-boxed, stainless steel laundry sinks are a staple. Today many laundries boast beautifully crafted sinks and tapware to match, with stunning splashbacks and plenty of storage.
Think long cupboards at the end of your bench for all your cleaning products – mops, vacuum cleaners, brooms, and buckets. These can also incorporate a fold-down ironing board for maximum functionality that is easily hidden behind clean crisp designs. While utilising large draws underneath the sink for washing detergents, washing baskets, and other needed item. Want somewhere to hang clothes? Many luxury laundries have built-in clothes rails above the bench for ease of hanging clothes while sorting.
Also, consider the types of materials you will use. Laundries get dusty and are also tasked with all the dirty clothes and bedding in the house. Stick with easy-to-clean surfaces for your laundry revamp to make keeping the area looking its best a simple process.
With the right expert advice, some great planning – and dreaming. You can easily transform your laundry into a spectacular light and bright space that you enjoy spending time in.