Designer Laundry Rooms

Photo courtesy of Canadian House and Home

When collaborating with our clients on their Calgary renovations we frequently get asked to pay special attention to the laundry room. Over the past few years this room which used to be relegated to a shabby corner of the mechanical room has now become an important space with carefully thought out design considerations. It has developed into a high priority and is often at the top of my clients’ wish lists. The unfinished, neglected and sad space next to the furnace or under the stairs is no longer good enough for today’s designer laundry rooms!

Photo courtesy of Hampton Design

The most logical place for the laundry room is near the bedrooms – the spaces that generate the most laundry. In some very large homes the master closet may also contain a washer and a dryer separate from the main laundry room. There has also been a trend to include more than one washer and dryer (as seen in the photo above) in large laundry spaces making the chore of cleaning clothing half the length of time!

Photo courtesy of Canadian House and Home

Often times the laundry room shares a space with another utilitarian room in the home, like a mudroom. This arrangement can work really well if there is lots of storage for coats and boots as well as cleaning products.

Photo courtesy of Velvet and Linen

Look at the size of this dream laundry room! It is as big and as beautifully detailed as a kitchen. Check out the marble countertops, furniture-style island and cabinet bases. This laundry room has loads of counter space, but just a little will do. One way to achieve this in a smaller space is to run the counter over the top of your washer and dryer. European washer and dryer manufacturers like Miele or Asko make models that run under standard height counters, but North American companies like Maytag make taller models. If you go with a taller version, just be careful of how high the counter will be and what is above it. In this laundry room, the counter is higher over the appliances then it is in the rest of the room and it looks lovely.

Photo courtesy of Canadian House and Home

This laundry space is cleverly disguised by folding doors. Concealing the appliances is a great idea if the laundry space is shared with a bathroom or if there is a sight line from another room and seeing the washer or dryer is not ideal.

Photo courtesy of Asko

Asko makes a washer/dryer that can be completely built-in. This is a perfect solution for spaces like condos where laundry rooms are often incorporated into kitchens.

Photo courtesy of Simple Effects

Since folding takes a while to do, why not incorporate a TV? This little laundry room had got it all. An entertainment system, a fold down counter, space for drying clothing, and storage for hampers. Plus, the wallpaper is really cute too!

Photo courtesy of the Washington Post

Speaking of wallpaper, this delightful laundry room in a designer showcase sports a pretty floral print, metal mesh cabinet fronts and a pewter lantern. There is no reason why the laundry room can’t be high on style!

Photo courtesy of My Home Ideas

Apple green walls, turquoise backsplash and a bright red blind make this laundry room funky and fun. Don’t forget to dress up your laundry room with artwork and accessories like the vintage detergent boxes on the shelves of this room.

Photo courtesy of Country Living

Fold down drying racks, rods and hangers are a must for delicates in the laundry room. This type is easy to get out the way when not in use.

Interior design by Sarah Richardson, photo via Alkemie

Try displaying your detergent in apothecary jars or easily accessible on a tray. Think about incorporating overhead storage for extra towels and linens.

Photo via Alkemie

Don’t forget about finding a home for the ironing board! They are large but not bulky when stored against a wall. This ironing board has a cheeky cover which becomes the design feature in this laundry room.

As you can see laundry rooms have come a long way design wise. These images show that they can be not only functional spaces but also good-looking rooms too. Hey, if you are going to be doing a mundane chore like the laundry, at least do it in a beautiful room!

Cheers!