The laundry is often overlooked when it comes to renovations. Not often photographed and promoted as a focus for a rental or property listing, it’s based on its size and use ... it’s a workhorse space.

It’s an underrated room that you don’t fully appreciate when it’s functioning well, but definitely notice when it’s not. But whatever size the area you’re working with or creating, make it count. When planning your next laundry project here’s our favourite lessons to keep in mind.

Function The Key

Function is key in the laundry so prioritise this in planning. It doesn’t matter how pretty it looks; it needs to deliver on its core function. In order of priority these are washing, drying, sink space and storage. What you can fit in depends on the area you’re working with.

With larger areas you may have the option to include extras: a mud room, pet beds or a second fridge. In smaller spaces, particularly apartments and townhouses, the laundry is often a bare minimum tucked under stairs, in a garage or integrated into a bathroom.

However, even in small spaces, practical elements can be added to serve its use.

Keep these thoughts front and centre when you detail your plan:

• Laundry appliances provide options of stacking (front loaders), side by side, or combined in one machine (integrated). Stacking takes up less floor space, and side-by-side provides more bench space.
• Bench space is very valuable and will get high usage for washing and folding. Many washing appliances are deeper than 600mm, so require a deeper benchtop than a kitchen to be fully tucked under.
• Storage. Where there is spare space laundry storage will always get used. This may include safe storage for cleaning products.
• A tall cupboard for broom, mop, vacuum cleaner, ironing board.
• Overhead cupboards and shelving can provide much used storage space in otherwise underutilised areas.
• Open shelving, racks or hooks are a great and affordable option above benches or for wasted spaces with irregular depths. A rail or hook can allow for hanging.
• Think of where dirty and clean washing will be stored and make allowances for where this could be located.
• Integrated laundries are common in smaller homes, tucked into another room or in a recess. A sliding door is a great way to close off this area while not losing floor space when opening a door.
  

Practical Side

This room requires all the practical services and elements to make it operate efficiently and be durable. Wet areas are prone to higher risk and impact from water, so consider protecting your property for the long term.

• Extraction. A laundry can create high amounts of moisture which needs to be removed. An extractor fan or dedicated dryer vent is the best way to deal with this or having adequate natural ventilation.
• Use the right paint. Make sure you use the right type of paint for wet areas. Modern paints include mould resistant properties, such as Resene Lustacryl Kitchen and Bathroom.
• Power outlets. Add power in the right places for appliances as well as additional outlets above the bench for small appliances.
• Flooring. Laundry flooring should be durable, waterproof and slip resistant. Commonly these are tiles, wood or vinyl. Consider adding a slope to a floor waste as an additional precaution.
• Laundry sinks are best with depth for soaking. Pick a sink with an overflow outlet and add in a small splashback. For small spaces there are specific laundry tubs in a range of sizes which are just for this purpose and have fittings for your washing machine.

Designer Touch

Laundries are often tucked away and out of sight, which means design can be as simple as you like, or an opportunity to inject design. These are the areas we look to do this:

• Colour. Whether through wall paint or even in cabinetry. These are often done to match other rooms in the house, but if separate we like to add some fun and try something different. For a safe option, whites and neutrals are the go-to.
• Racks and shelving. Not only practical, it allows detail and decor to be added in the space.
• Handles and tapware. Little details make a difference in a neutral space and may be all that’s needed to show your style.
• Splashback. A white tile is always clean and ties in with appliances, but some texture or pattern adds a point of difference.

Washing is not the activity you typically think of when you’re renovating a house. So, rather than it being an overlooked space, with a bit of planning and thought you can create a well-functioning laundry that delivers on its core functions as well as looking good.