16 Jul Designing a Laundry Room That’s Both Functional and Stylish

For years in home design, the laundry room was basically an afterthought. Often just a utilitarian space with a single purpose. But today’s laundry rooms are having a moment. As more Quad Cities homeowners realize they spend time in their laundry rooms, they want a pleasant aesthetic that complements the rest of their homes. In today’s dedicated laundry space, style and function are not at odds; they work together.

With the right approach, your laundry room can be a space that is both functional and stylish. But designing a laundry room that works best for you and your family takes some forethought and planning. Here are our ideas for creating a space that embraces both style and function.

Start With Defining the Purpose

When it comes to laundry room function, before you even decide on a paint color or flooring, consider the true purpose of your laundry room. Your laundry goes through a flow cycle: sorting, washing, drying, folding, and back to where it belongs. When you design your laundry room, consider the workflow to ensure your task is supported at each stage. 

Think about where your appliances should go. If you have a front-loading machine, an elevated pedestal helps protect your back from having to bend over and may allow for some storage beneath your washer and dryer. For laundry rooms with ample space, a countertop spanning your machines, or adjacent to the dryer, is ideal for folding your laundry. Home buyers often request this feature in new homes, so that counter offers resale value.

Storage is Key to A Functional Laundry Room

You may be drawn to the idea of open storage for its stylish aesthetic, but unless you are a very disciplined minimalist, these are not really practical for a laundry room. Closed cabinets above your machines do a much better job of keeping your detergents and fabric softeners, stain removers, and cleaning supplies tucked away. If you must, a few open shelves are great for placing frequently used items. 

Built-in hampers, a drop-down ironing board, nooks to stow laundry baskets, and pull-out storage are a very wise investment for a functional and stylish laundry room. They keep the typical laundry room clutter to a minimum. Clutter can make the space feel much smaller and a bit chaotic. 

Durability and Style When Selecting Materials

Consider the durability and practicality of your flooring and cabinets when designing a laundry room. Yes, your space can be aesthetically pleasing, but think about moisture, heat, spills, and heavy foot traffic. Ceramic tile is an excellent choice as it handles spills and maintains its beauty for years. Also, ceramic and porcelain tile give the space an intentional style without foregoing function. A checkerboard pattern adds some personality as well.

Countertops should be solid-surface for their durability. Quartz is an excellent choice. In addition to being virtually impervious to stains, quartz countertops can withstand the heat of an iron. 

Walls should be painted in semi-gloss or satin, which wipe down easily. Beyond that, let your personality and sense of style determine the colors. Go bold if you like! Or playful. A laundry room is a great area to try new ideas. Unique choices feel intentional instead of odd or overwhelming.

Light and Ventilation are Important

Ideally, you want natural light in your laundry room. A window, skylight, or sky tube not only opens up the room but adds interest and much-needed light. For additional lighting, a good overhead light supplemented with under-cabinet lighting helps you see care tags on clothing or stains that need attention.

Ventilation is critical to your laundry room. Preventing the buildup of humidity and moisture protects your countertops. And an exhaust fan also keeps odors from building up when you can’t address your laundry right away.

Style is In The Details

If you want your space to look genuinely and thoughtfully designed rather than merely functional, you’ll need to zhuzh it up in the little details that make the space your own. Add a retractable line for your gently washed delicates, or a hanging rack for those items you hang right out of the dryer. 

A generous sink adds so much function to your laundry room. Use it for hand washables, stain removal, pre-soaking small items, and more. Use a decorative tray for your laundry pods, decorative labels for your storage bins, and even some greenery or artwork to add a touch of panache.

Make Your Laundry Room Reflect Your Style with Our Help

Whatever the footprint of your space, a well-thought-out design plan can help create a laundry room that’s both functional and stylish. For more on how you can have a space you love, contact the professionals at Seiffert Building Supplies. Our experts can help you plan a design and select the right materials to keep your laundry room looking great for years to come.

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