It’s one of the hardest working rooms in the house but often times doesn’t receive as much attention to design as the bathroom and kitchen. Many of us know the struggle of trying to work in a laundry that’s too small or just simply not functional, so what exactly are the essential components of a utility room that makes it easier to get the job done?
Block royalty and interior designers Alisa and Lysandra explain it comes down to four key elements: cabinetry, bench space, appliance placement and storage accessories. Below, they share four of their favourite examples that get the balance just right.
1. RONNIE AND GEORGIA
Ronnie and Georgia’s laundry during last year’s season of The Block was a stand-out, delivering a considered layout and ample storage for both laundry baskets as well as taller items such as the ironing board, brooms and mops. Stacking the appliances also paying dividends when it came to optimising storage space.
The secret to any good laundry design is to pack in as much storage as you can afford, to accommodate both washing and cleaning items. Left, the Häfele Broom Pantry by Kinsman stores taller items while the inclusion of storage rack keeps cleaning items organised.
With the functionality boxes ticked, what else earnt this room its high score? According to Alisa and Lysandra, it’s all about the joinery choice and colour scheme.
“We love the palette of grey, timber, marble, and brass as it evokes the classic meets coastal vibe,” explain the twins. “It also has universal appeal, suiting various house styles from modern to the Hamptons.”
When choosing joinery for your laundry opt for a timeless style. In this space, subtle shaker-style Camden doors in Oyster Grey Matt paired with Antique Brass handles, both by Kinsman, will stand the test of time.
2. ALISON LANGDON
The Channel 9 TV presenter didn’t have space on her side but was able to deliver big impact in her laundry room. Sticking with an all-white palette to make the room feel brighter and more spacious, personality was added in the way of brass hardware and cabinets with a detailed profile.
“We love the use of Kinsman’s new shaker-style door, Montauk, in Classic White Matt, especially when paired with a white subway-tiled splashback and marble-look benchtop,” explain Alisa and Lysandra.
It’s not just good looks that earnt this laundry a place on the list though, the layout provides plenty of storage for keeping clutter at bay. Deep drawers act as a light and darks sorting station in place of the usual hamper, and a hanging rail has been added so clothes can air dry.
3. SARAH AND GEORGE
The Block 2020 contestants Sarah and George went all out when delivering their galley-style laundry – and showed just how versatile this utility room can be by incorporating a mini mudroom and built-in dog bed (read: Barkitecture).
“In Australian homes, mudrooms are fast becoming a must
nd or lust-have, as they provide space to hang coats and store shoes and bags and other items you don’t want strewn throughout your home,” explain Alisa and Lysandra. “The layout doesn’t need to be extravagant. This design – which includes a bench seat, open shelving and hanging hooks – ticks all the boxes.”
Dirty shoes through the house will be a thing of the past with the inclusion of a mini mud room. With access from the outside, it means tracks will stop at the laundry. Genius.
With enough floor space the washing machine and dryer were able to be positioned side-by-side, in turn maximising the length of benchtop installed which makes sorting and folding clothes easier. A glass backsplash allows additional light into the room during the day with under-cabinet downlights offering task lighting at night.
4. LUKE AND JASMIN
With ample storage, a functional layout and elegance in spades, The Block 2020 contestants Luke and Jasmin delivered a faultless laundry. Spacious and bright thanks to the external glass door, which is not only a practical addition offering access to the backyard (something all these laundries have in common too), but also allows natural light to flood the space. This is enhanced by the white Kinsman cabinetry and Caesarstone benchtops, with oak open shelving and brass hardware adding warmth.
Integrated wire laundry baskets keep the space tidy, eliminating the need for hampers.
Functionality isn’t lost here though, with a hanging rail providing a space to dry clothes, the appliances stacked to create more workspace and the inclusion of a tall broom cupboard. Even the lighting plays a part in the successful design with the LED downlights above the sink ensuring this zone is well-lit at all times of day.
Brought to you by Kinsman.
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