49 Clever Laundry Room Ideas That Will Make This Space a Joy to Work In

These creative laundry room ideas combine function and style.

A laundry room is a high-function zone that should be optimized accordingly, but you don’t necessarily need to take an "all business" approach when designing one. In fact, adding some character to a laundry room through inventive colorways, gorgeous flooring, and unexpected personalized touches can make this space one you actually look forward to working in.

"Even though we need superior functionality in our laundry room, it is also a space where homeowners can add some whimsy and personality. It’s more fun to do laundry when you are in a happy space," says Claire Paquin, interior designer and founder of Clean Design. "Make sure to have a bit of fun when designing your space. I think you’ll find the task of laundry more enjoyable if you do!" 

From clever storage solutions to beautiful window treatments to chic light fixtures, implementing some of these laundry room ideas in your own home will help make tackling this never-ending chore more enjoyable in the years to come.

Related: 10 Laundry Room Updates Under $100 That Will Make Wash Day Easier (and More Enjoyable)

Incorporate Ample Storage

Incorporate storage solutions wherever possible in order to maximize your laundry room's functionality. Here, designer Kristen Elizabeth added both upper and lower wall cabinetry, a clothing rod, and countertops.

Add a Non-Laundry Work Station

Make your laundry room a true hangout zone by creating a place to get other work done. This seating area with low countertops, designed by Maggie Griffin, is a great place for kids to do homework or parents to tackle other to-dos while the laundry spins.

Soften the Space With a Rug

Rugs don't need to stay in the living room or bedroom—they work brilliantly in laundry rooms, too. In fact, as you can see in this design by Curated Nest Interiors, they can make this utilitarian space feel extra cozy and inviting.

Infuse Whimsy With Wallpaper

Whimsical wallpaper will instantly remove any lingering sense of a sterile-feeling laundry room. Andi Morse went with a soft blue and gray design here, which she tied into the cabinets and sink.

Choose Highly Durable Materials

When sourcing materials, stick to durable materials that can handle splashes, wear, and tear—similar to the way you would when designing a kitchen.

"Laundry rooms need to be incredibly functional, so I always make sure to specify durable surfaces for floors, countertops, and backsplashes and make an effort to include a clothes hanging bar whenever possible," says Paquin.

Decant Laundry Washing Necessities

Detergent tubs and packaging are notoriously loud and busy, which can detract from the serenity of your space. Whitney Leigh Morris, interior designer with Micro Cotton, says to decant these items into glass jars, baskets, and containers so everything looks more purposeful and cohesive. "Also store accessories such as sewing gear, cleaning supplies, and laundry clips in nice containers," she says.

This task was conquered beautifully by Reclaim Professional Organizing in this image. Don't forget your labels!

Install a Stunning Backsplash

A beautiful backsplash is a simple way to make a laundry room feel sophisticated and intentionally designed. Designer Mimi Meacham went for a soft iridescent tile with texture in this space.

Add an Island

If space allows, build an island in your laundry room similar to what you'd find in the kitchen, as seen here in a design by Maestri Studi. It provides additional countertop space for sorting, folding, and other "while you wait" work and offers extra storage underneath for supplies and other necessities.

Hang Framed Wall Art

To add a little form to your function, incorporate framed wall art that ties into your taste and makes you smile. Interior designer Amber Guyton, founder of Blessed Little Bungalow, added instant charisma to this laundry room via gold-framed floral prints and a funky illustrated portrait above the washer and dryer units.

Chooose Whether Front or Top Load Makes More Sense For You

When selecting new laundry units, you have the choice between a front load and a top load machine. Each has its own pros and cons, so weigh both and consider which one makes the most sense for the laundry room design and your family's needs.

Related: The Difference Between Top-Load and Front-Load Washers: Is One Better Than the Other?

Lay Some Fun Flooring

Spice up your space by opting for playful flooring instead of the expected. Here, designer Karen Harautunein of Hub of the House Studio chose a black and brown terrazzo that paired perfectly with the black cabinetry and geometric wallpaper.

Hide Your Valve Boxes

In order to make laundry rooms more beautiful, Paquin says she always hides those hideous washing machine valve boxes. "I ask the plumber to mount it directly behind the machines, hidden from view, and then bring up two volume control shut-off valves that are easily accessible (and good looking) above the machines in the tiled backsplash," she says.

Consider a Dog Wash Station

"If you have a dog, a designated dog washing station is great to get the pup clean before entering the rest of the home," Mckay says. The simple tiling and mounted matte black spigot add some character, too.

Conceal Your Laundry Unit With a Custom Cupboard

"Keep a compact laundry space streamlined and operating smoothly by getting clever with utility zones that can quickly be tidied or tucked away to reveal the spaceʼs decor and design," says Morris. Pictured here is a two-in-one washer and dryer, but you can do the same for a traditional two-unit system.

Use Curtains to Hide Your Machines

An alternative to a custom build around a unit is to simply use a curtain rod and curtains to tuck it out of sight, which is what Morris did in this simple laundry room design.

Or Keep Them Behind a Sliding Door

Another way to keep your units out of sight is to hide them behind a sliding cabinet door. You can stack them, as pictured here, or put them side by side.

Make Your Sink a Focal Point

A sink in the laundry room comes in handy all the time. Instead of a boring basin, consider making your sink a focal point of the room, like Kelly Scanlon Designs has done here. The gold hardware and playful wallpaper help this area feel extra special.

Try Black and White Color Scheme

Lean into a classic laundry room aesthetic with a black-and-white color scheme, as pictured in this design by Meredith Owens Interiors. Black cabinetry, white glossy countertops, a clean white backsplash, and fun black and white tiles bring the space together in a cohesive way that still feels playful.

Install Multiple Sinks for Washing

If you tend to wash garments by hand—and if space allows—consider installing multiple sinks similar to this laundry room design by Bethany Adams Interiors. The cheerful yellow sinks, background, and pedestals make it feel more homey versus industrial.

Splurge on Double Units

You can get double the amount of laundry done at a time with two sets of washers and dryers. This is particularly helpful in large or multi-family homes. Take your cue from designer Maggie Griffin; stack them on top of each other and build them into the wall to save space and create a cohesive look.

Related: 17 Laundry Room Organizing Tips to Simplify Wash Day

Try a Bright and Cheery Palette

"I often add wallpaper on the walls and sometimes go out on a limb by
choosing a fresh and unexpected color for the cabinets," Paquin says. Here, she chose a creamsicle orange complemented with a bright orange basket and yellow flowers.

Or Opt for a Dark Theme

The goal of your laundry room is to create a space that feels cohesive with the rest of your home. If your aesthetic tends to lean into saturated and moody colors, take your inspiration from this laundry room design by Brad Ramsey Interiors.

Enclose Your Laundry Room

Keep an open laundry room tucked out of sight by installing some doors. This design by Collected Interiors features a modern sliding door with frosted glass panes for a streamlined look.

Have Fun With Your Hardware

Enjoy the process of picking out key details for your laundry room design—even if they seem insignificant. Here, Kelly Scanlon Designs opted for an antique brass look and included a spray head for easier washing.

Place Your Laundry Units Up High

Make loading, unloading, and switching laundry over much easier by keeping your units at arm level. Here, interior designer Ami McKay of PURE Design opted for custom shelving with storage above, below, and beside.

Or Purchase Manufacturer Laundry Pedastals

If custom shelving isn't in the budget but you still like the idea of raising your units off the ground, purchase the manufacturer's laundry pedestals. In this laundry room design by Andi Morse, you can see how they add nice height without looking out of place. Each pedestal has storage, too.

Let the Light In

Lighting is essential throughout your home but is particularly important in a work zone like the laundry room. Allow for as much natural light to flood this space as possible, as pictured in this design by Leah Ashley. Maybe that means installing a second window or making your existing window larger, skipping the curtains altogether, or adding a ceiling light.

Hang Pendant Lights

If you're working with a small and narrow laundry room, then incorporate more light via fixtures. Pendant lights above the sink, like in this design by Collected Interiors, will help you see better and don't take up much space.

Create Easy Acces to the Outdoors

If your home's layout allows, allow easy in-and-out access to the outdoors for easier access to line drying.

Add a Laundry-Sorting System

A laundry-sorting system will help keep your laundry organized, which can save you lots of time in the long run. Consider having a system for colors, whites, and delicates and/or a system where you divide each person's clothing.

Related: 20 Small Laundry Room Ideas to Help You Make the Most of Your Space

Or Create Your Own Sorting System

As an alternative to a store-bought organizer, carve out space in your cabinetry to store individual laundry baskets. In this laundry room design by Daley Home, laundry baskets are tucked neatly under the sink in three separate compartments.

Related: How to Sort Laundry the Right Way, According to Experts

Tuck Laundry Out of Sight

Another solution is to keep your laundry sorting out of sight. In this design by nobilia North America, four hampers rest behind a closet cabinet right next to the units.

Add Backsplash to Your Laundry Closet

If you don't own a full laundry room and instead have a laundry closet, you can still make this space feel beautiful. Here, Paquin's laundry room design dazzles with a fun silver backsplash paired with crisp white cabinetry and a chrome rod.

Install a Hanging Bar

No doubt you'll need to hang some garments as you work. A hanging rod, pictured in this design by Harautunein is a practical solution you'll be grateful for time and again.

Add a Farm Sink

Many laundry rooms come equipped with a basic utility sink, which may be functional but isn't very pretty. For a deep and wide washing situation that still looks great, consider a farm sink as pictured in this Collected Interiors design.

Leverage Nearby Space for More Storage

When your actual laundry room isn't quite big enough to store everything you need, consider ways you can incorporate storage nearby. For example, use custom cabinetry in an adjacent hallway or room—like in this design by Andi Morse—or you can add a piece of furniture that provides extra storage space.

Hang Wall-Mounted Drying Racks

Save space and improve the function of your laundry room by adding a handful of wall-mounted drying racks, as pictured in this design by Kathryn Murphy Interiors.

Create Views to the Outdoors

Not only do windows and doors provide lots of light in a laundry room, but it also provides the ability to enjoy outdoor views while you do your work. Consider placing one above the sink and countertops—like in this design by Meredith Owens.

Warm Up With Wood Tones

You can prevent your laundry room from feeling too utilitarian by adding warm wood tones and earthy textures throughout. Here, interior designer Shannon Eddings chose butcher block countertops and light wood flooring accented by a marble-inspired tile backsplash.

Incorporate Open Shelving

Open shelving can help a narrow space feel less compact and more open, even if it's technically taking up the same amount of space as enclosed cabinets. Of course, it also serves as an excellent organizational solution. You can see that effect in this narrow laundry room by Urbanology Designs.

Fuse Your Laundry and Mudrooms

Mudrooms and laundry rooms go hand in hand, so why not tie them into the same space? It minimizes clutter throughout the rest of your home, keeps dirtied garments and shoes out of your living spaces, and streamlines the laundering process. Incorporate similar details in both—like Meredith Owens does with the color blue here—for a more cohesive look.

Related: 18 of Our Best Laundry Tips to Keep Your Clothes and Linens Looking Good as New

Make It Feel Cozy With Decor

Make your laundry room feel like an extension of the rest of your house by incorporating decorative details. It doesn't have to be over-the-top, either. Here, Leah Ashley added thrifted paintings, beautiful vases, and baskets to infuse warmth, texture, and a real sense of home into this space.

Go a Little Bit Retro

Hearken back to simpler times by playing with retro colors and patterns, as pictured in Victoria Holly Interiors' laundry room design here. The muted sage green paired with a vertical striped wallpaper creates a welcoming, cozy space that just feels right.

Choose Soft, Soothing Tones

Laundry is one of those chores that can start to wear on you, so create a serene place to tackle this task via soothing tones. In this design by Brad Ramsey Interiors, a creamy mint green and cool gray ease the mind.

Lean Into a Feminine Aesthetic

Consider tapping into a sophisticated feminine aesthetic for your laundry room design. The key is to not go too bubblegum or girly. Instead, take your cue from Maestri Studio by choosing a pinkish beige and white color palette, then temper it with touches of black. A muted, large-scale floral wallpaper brings ties everything together.

Match Your Backsplash to Your Floors

A quick way to create a cohesive-looking laundry room is to match your walls to your floors. However a neutral color and/or minimal pattern works best for this approach, otherwise you risk overwhelming the space.

Incorporate a Cat Den

As much as we love them, finding a discreet place for kitties to do their business is not the easiest task. Consider creating a hidden kitty den in your laundry room like Scanlon did here.

Make Space for a Sink

If you don't already have a sink in your laundry room, consider investing in one. It doesn't have to take up much space, and you'll find yourself using it all the time.

Add Storage Where You Can

When working with small laundry room spaces, it's important to leverage the square footage as best as you can. In this design, two simple open shelves above the sink provide more room for necessities and a touch of decor.

Related: Your Complete Home Cleaning Schedule: What to Clean Weekly, Monthly, and Seasonally

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.