Laundry sorted Devise a

Make the most of a small area by stacking front loader appliances and installing compact storage, all tucked away behind a sliding door. Kaboodle ‘Alpine’ profile cabinetry in Black Olive, bamboo benchtop and mushroom knobs in Matt Black.

Laundrysorted

Create a dream work space by combining functionality with clever storage and simple but striking style

Awell-planned laundry, styled with flair, can bring far more pleasure than you’d expect from a chore space. With careful planning you can make the most of the zone, ensuring it not only looks great, but functions smoothly and saves you time. Here’s how to plan like a pro and create

a laundry you’ll love.

Location

When choosing where to position the laundry, consider your lifestyle and your interior/exterior layout. In bigger homes, a space where there’s direct access to the

If the laundry has external access it can do double duty as a mudroom and help to corral grubby gear. A light and airy setting with a built-in drying rail is ideal, preferably near an opening window for ventilation.

outdoors and the washing line is perfect. Bear in mind that appliance noise can be a factor, so aim to site it away from bedrooms or living areas.

If you’re pushed for space, an alternative option may be a European-style set-up with a washer/dryer incorporated into the kitchen or bathroom, or a cupboard arrangement where laundry appliances are tucked away out of sight behind sliding or bifold doors. If you live in Western Australia and want to integrate your laundry into your kitchen, you’ll need to allow for a separate laundry tub, too. 

Layout

The optimal layout depends on the shape and size of your laundry. “Stacking your appliances is recommended in a tighter space, but if there’s room, sitting appliances side by side allows for extra bench space, with appliances sitting neatly below your benchtop,” says Simon Warmington, Bunnings national buyer, kitchens, laundry and appliances. A common layout is a straight-line design, with a single benchtop between a run of base and wall cabinets. “Incorporating a sink at one end and tall pantry-sized cabinetry at the opposite end, to store a broom and ironing board, is ideal,” says Jane Wright, Bunnings trend and design manager. “If space is tight, you may need to compromise on sink and bench size – just ensure your chosen sink and tap can fill buckets.”

Greenery and nice storage vessels soften and warm a practical space. Don’t be afraid to get creative – a

contrasting colour scheme and artwork help to lift this laundry, by renovators Hunting For George, to another level. Appliances

Before settling on a design, choose your appliances. A key decision is whether to opt for a top or front loader washing machine. If you want to maximise bench space by placing the washer underneath, you’ll need a front loader which, while often more expensive, generally uses less water, is more energy efficient and is designed to fit into a standard kitchen cabinet space. For larger families, top loaders may be preferable as they may be available in larger capacities and have shorter wash cycles. If space is really tight, a washer/dryer combo is a good solution.

Style ideas

Even though it’s a chore space, the laundry needn’t be dull. Dan Gibney, Bunnings national bathroom buyer, says, “Try replicating key elements from the kitchen and bathroom using the same style of cabinetry, benchtop, tile and sink mixer.” For a seamless look, consider matching your shelving with the benchtops, suggests Jane. Introduce colour or pattern on the splashback, or VJ wall panelling painted with a mould-inhibiting paint. To provide personality, add open shelving for storing washing products in attractive containers, or display a plant or framed print.

Practicalities

“Try a new material such as timber-look benchtops cut as shelving to create contrast and interest”

Simon Warmington

National buyer, kitchens, laundry and appliances

A large timber-style benchtop and display of storage baskets inject warmth and character to the smart grey and white colour scheme in this Kaboodle laundry by Front Porch Properties.

Storage and organisation

Laundries tend to be used to store everything from chemicals, linen and towels to pet supplies and cleaning equipment, so aim to maximise cabinetry and use wall space with systems like an ironing centre. If space allows, try a combination of over- and under-bench cabinets/drawers, and a tall cupboard. You might also like to include slide-out laundry bins for sorting and storing piles of washing and a rail to hang wet clothes. Wall cupboards or high shelves within a broom cupboard are a sensible inclusion in a family home to keep cleaning products out of children’s reach. ◆

Consider where you’ll set up an ironing board or where you need power outlets for appliances. If the room doesn’t have an opening window or external door, an extractor fan will help keep the space ventilated. Think about how to keep the area clean and tidy. “Undermount sinks have a minimalist modern look, plus they are easy to wipe down,” says Dan. Choose durable materials. “Look for laminates with scuff resistance and anti-fingerprint technology so your benchtop and cabinetry will stand the test of time,” advises Jane. “Alternatively, if using a timber benchtop or shelf, keep in mind it needs to be sealed and recoated every two years so it’s resistant to moisture and stains.” For splashbacks, opt for water-resistant or waterproof finishes such as tiles, glass or polymer. If you crave Hamptons style, you can also find VJ-style panelling that is specially for wet areas.

Hanging mops and brooms from hooks is a neat trick in small areas, as is using any available wall space for shelving.