The laundry room is essential to the smooth operation of the household because it keeps garments tidy and ready for use. Given that the washing cycle never ends, it is obvious that long stretches of time will be spent in this area, so enough time should be spent designing it to be equally practical and pleasant. Finding ways to make the most of your available space, being aware of the crucial components to incorporate into the design, and simplifying the process will reduce frustration and save time.

How to design a laundry room layout

The location and flow of a space are just as important as the elements inside. Consider the tasks involved with doing the laundry so that you can structure it accordingly. Placing the laundry room upstairs is a great option if most of the bedrooms are located there. Creating a specific spot to store detergent and dryer sheets near the appliances keeps them within easy reach. Adding a countertop to the laundry room provides you with the perfect space to fold your clothes right away instead of on the couch or in each individual bedroom. Take time to go through each task so your design can be customized to your needs.

Laundry design with front loader

A front-loading washer and dryer have doors facing the front, which tends to offer easier access when doing the laundry. There are several ways to make the most of storage when designing for a front loader, such as placing it on a pedestal with built-in drawers. If the appliances are placed side by side, you can take advantage of the wall space above by either adding a full wall of upper cabinets or shelves. Stacking the front-loading machines frees up space for cabinets to be installed that go from floor to ceiling. Opting for custom cabinets can provide tailored made solutions that guarantee every inch of space is used to the fullest.

Laundry design ideas

One of the main goals in design is to create a space that is functional, and this is especially true with the laundry room, but no one said it had to be boring. Including elements, such as color and pattern, can brighten up the space and highlight a touch of your personality. Tile or backsplash can be a wonderful way to do this, and because it is water-repellent, it is also a practical choice. Opting for a bold cabinet color is a great choice, especially when paired with a neutral wall and flooring palette. Don’t be afraid to include a little bit of style in this functional space.

How to design a laundry room for small spaces

It is always important to maximize space in the home but it becomes a top priority when working with less square footage. For a small laundry room, study the available space and look for ways you could utilize it to the fullest, such as wall space. Installing a wall of cabinets, even if they are not as deep as the standard size, will provide you with ample storage for detergent, cleaning supplies, and other items. Shelves are another ideal design tool, plus they can be used to add a little style to the laundry room. Minimizing clutter is crucial throughout the home, but in a confined area like the laundry room, it is essential, so be sure to only keep what is needed.

Laundry room storage

When building a laundry room, storage is a crucial component that should be carefully considered. The finest storage options are cabinets since they can accommodate a wide range of items and sizes while remaining out of sight. Cabinets also make it easier to stay organized by separating items, such as detergents, cleaning supplies, and even paper products. Built-ins provide storage for a laundry room since they offer storage, but to add style, you can use woven baskets or bins covered in fabric to add a little color to the space.

Laundry room design mistakes

Deciding where to place the laundry room is an important part of the design, but being open to several options can help ensure that the best spot is selected. Though you may want it in the basement because it is out of the way, if most of the laundry comes from the second floor, it might make more sense to place it there. If there is an extra foot of space next to the washer and dryer, see if there is something that can go there like a narrow roll-out. Lighting is critical in task-heavy areas like the laundry room, so be sure to incorporate particular resources, such as LED strips under cabinets and overhead lighting.

Laundry design must-haves

Some features are forgotten when building a laundry room due to financial constraints or because they can be updated later. However, some characteristics, such as:

  • Drying rack: this provides a place for delicates as well as other clothing items that cannot go in the dryer to hang up versus scattered around the house blocking doorways.
  • Folding stations: instead of having to carry each load of laundry to another room of the house, usually a bed or couch, to fold, having a designated area that is waist-high makes it easy to get it all done in one spot. Not to mention helps the backaches!
  • Sink: Including this component in the layout of the laundry room makes it simple to soak or pre-scrub a difficult stain before washing it.

Adding these features to the laundry room can help make the repetitive task a bit more enjoyable.

Laundry mudroom design ideas

Sometimes a space needs to serve multiple purposes, and places like the laundry and mudroom are great combinations that complement each other. While there are a few variations in each of the spaces, there are also several common threads that make it easy to blend them together. Mudrooms are designed to be a designated areas for the family to take off outerwear like coats, hats, and shoes so that dragging dirt into the house is limited. Laundry rooms are the place where clothes are washed and dried. The main goal is to craft an area where the two can operate seamlessly. Placing them across from each other or side by side creates defined boundaries for each. Adding a hamper for dirty clothes helps eliminate the chance of dirt making its way onto clean clothes as well. Including a sink is a good choice since it allows everyone to immediately wash their hands or wipe down any other messes, such as the dog’s muddy paws. With this pleasing combination, you can have an organized place to do the laundry plus an area for the family to shed those dirty clothes right away.

Designing a laundry room

Every laundry room should aim to choose the components that produce a functional workspace. It will be customized to meet your unique demands, resulting in less time wasted and more time for your favorite activities. With the help of your designer, create the ideal laundry room for your household.

Get inspired with our photo gallery of laundry rooms by Greenbrook Design.

Organization is a key part of a successful life. You make a plan, you know what you need, and how you will accomplish your goals. This strategy requires you to lay everything out so you can be prepared, which is why people love apps that help them stay on track or write it down in an old-fashioned paper planner.  An organization can also infiltrate multiple areas of life, such as time management and home layout, meaning it has made its presence known in the design world. More and more designers are seeking ways to integrate organization into their designs, to the extent that a new term has been coined to describe this approach: organizeology. Let’s unpack what organizeology means!

If you are looking to hit the refresh button on your home, color is always a great way to start. From simple accent pieces, such as pillows and rugs, to repainting an entire room, choosing a new color can inspire you and help you regain your focus. The color of the year for 2022 are a wonderful place to start and can guide you down the right path for your home. Come visit our showroom in Uptown Shelby, NC, where you can walk through our 5,000-square-foot space and experience the possibilities for your home.

Lighting is a crucial aspect of interior design; it significantly influences the mood in the home and alleviates eye strain when there is minimal natural light or when it gets dark. More often than not, a home suffers from insufficient lighting instead of overillumination. For seniors, lighting is even more critical, as the muscles in the eye weaken over time and the pupil size decreases, making it harder for light to enter. Better lighting reduces the chance of bumping or falling over an obstacle and lessens the strain on the eyes as you look around. Good lighting also helps create a comfortable and relaxing environment, exactly what you want for your well-deserved retirement. Let’s talk about how you can have the best lighting, what the benefits are, and which lighting choices are best for certain areas in the home.

Color matters. It is a part of how we tell our story, especially within our homes. In the last few years, homeowners have ventured off the traditional path of neutrals, such as white, gray, and beige, to bring in pops of bold hues like red, green, and even blue. As the demand for brighter colors increases, both manufacturers and designers have risen to the occasion by creating and incorporating a more diverse color palette for their clients. Traditional products, such as tile, furniture, flooring, cabinets, and even glass, come in a wider selection of bold colors, which provide homeowners with the opportunity to blend a variety of bold colors and neutral colors together in a stunning final design. Although color is a fun element in the world of interiors, it can be challenging to determine the right amount and the various ways it can be incorporated into the home to create the perfect balance for everyone to enjoy.

Home is a reflection of you, and one of the best ways to do that is through color. Color is more than a collection of tints and shades; it has more impact on our mood than anything else and can influence the look of our home more than we realize. Color psychology has been studied for decades, with recent findings revealing just how powerful color truly is in the home. Size and style can change by simply selecting different colors for your furniture, accent pieces, or wall color. As color plays such a vital role in the atmosphere and presentation of the home, it can feel a little overwhelming or even intimidating to make color choices. We have compiled a list of 15 simple ways you can add color to your home.