The laundry is a room that is often not given much thought to when renovating. However, with the increase of open plan homes and many laundries having a bathroom or powder room attached, homeowners are looking to create a laundry space that is not only functional but modern and as guest presentable as their kitchen and bathroom.
Laundries need to be functional above all else. When doing a laundry renovation, taking advantage of the space available to incorporate as much storage and bench space as possible will create an area that is both neat and easy to work in. Combine this with modern cabinetry, tiles and benchtop, and you create a laundry that you can be proud to show off and not feel the need to hideaway when guests arrive.
Stunning laundry and adjoining bathroom with matching colour scheme. Laundry Renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens
Plan & Plumbing
Determining the measurements and placement of your washer and dryer is a good starting point for your laundry renovation. Placement of your washer will be determined by where plumbing is in place or if plumbing can be moved. The sink will be located next to the washer to allow for water drainage. Relocating the taps and hose for the washing machine from the wall to under the laundry sink creates a neat and streamlined look and hides away ugly plumbing. Whether your washer and dryer can be stacked, as is the case with front loading machines, or if they will sit side by side is a matter of preference and space available. If space allows, having your washer and dryer sit side by side tucked under a bench top allows for a valuable folding and sorting area for doing laundry.
Cabinetry/ Storage
The laundry is the place where most store their mops, brooms, vacuum cleaners and ironing boards, so having a long cupboard to store these items is preferable. Most cleaning products and chemicals are stored in the laundry so it is an advantage to have wall cupboards or shelving to keep these items out of reach from young children. Having a designated cupboard to house a laundry basket or a long pullout drawer with a laundry bag keeps dirty washing out of sight.
Cabinets can be custom made to perfectly suit your laundry area and avoids the need for shelves. Although, pretty containers and baskets set on a shelf can give a laundry a little character, wall cabinets are a better option than open shelving as they keep stored items out of sight and avoids dust collecting on items. Keeping everything stored away inside cabinets keeps the laundry neat and tidy.
Gorgeous laundry benchtop perfect for sorting and folding. Laundry renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens
Sink
The size of the sink is determined largely by space available and the preference of the homeowner. Some prefer a large laundry sink while others require only a small sink to hand wash and soak the occasional item and benefit from a greater amount of bench space . Before starting your laundry renovation, consider what is most important to you if space is limited.
Colour Scheme
Having the cabinetry and benchtop in the laundry match the kitchen is a great option. Should the budget be tight, the material for cabinets and benchtop need not be exactly the same as the kitchen, but of the same colour has equal effect. Should there be a bathroom such as a powder room located via the laundry, consider using the same tiles or colour scheme to create a cohesive design. If the laundry room is quite small, opting for a lighter coloured cabinetry is optimal as it will create the appearance of more space. Colour and character can be added with a tiled splashback if desired. The splashback tile can be the same colour as the floor tile or it can be a feature tile. Consider using the same floor tile and feature tile that has been used in the bathroom or kitchen to create consistency throughout the home.
Kerrie & Spence’s laundry as seen on The Block has plenty of storage and uses the same feature tile as their bathrooms.
Electrical
Ventilation is imperative to avoid mould and odours. While most laundries contain a window or door to the outside, dryers are best if they are vented directly outside. If this is not an option, ensure an exhaust fan is installed to prevent moisture and humidity.
Under cabinet lighting is an inexpensive way to add a little flair and character to your laundry. It is a great feature lighting and serves as a soft light to illuminate the area for those with adjoining bathrooms or powder rooms.
Power points are important in the laundry not only for the washer and dryer but for those who iron in the laundry and for chargeable appliances such as hand and stick vacuums. Ensure adequate power points are installed and consider their placement carefully.
Norm & Jess’s laundry as seen on The Block illuminated their laundry with undercabinet lighting.
Laundry Cupboards (European Laundries)
This type of laundry set up is gaining popularity here in Australia. Whilst in Europe, laundry cupboards are commonly incorporated in the kitchen, when space is limited here in Australia, we tend to combine bathrooms with laundries. The setup is simple, washer, dryer, sink, shelves and basket drawer type storage is located on one wall and hidden inside a cupboard with bi-fold doors.
No matter the size or style of your laundry, it can be renovated to create a functional and stylish space.
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Master Bathrooms & Kitchens is family owned and operated bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovation company that has been renovating the Hills District and Hornsby Shire for over 20 years.
Peruse our website for more renovation advice and inspiration or simply call us on (02) 9899 9330 for a quotation for your bathroom, kitchen or laundry renovation today.
See our video below for just some of our beautiful laundry renovations:
