How to Make Your Laundry Room Cute as Hell, According to an ELLE DECOR Editor
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As a mother of three girls under the age of six and an avid collector of linens (comes with the territory as a design editor), laundry is a big part of my life. So when we recently moved houses, I was ecstatic to discover that I would finally be able to have a large space to make sorting and stain removing less of a chore. I immediately started scheming and creating mood boards, thinking about what I would need. I was lucky to inherit great cabinetry, a beautiful sink area, and marble countertops, giving me a good head start. However, since my new home had sat empty for some time (it had been abandoned for a couple of years), the machines no longer worked, the wallpaper was peeling off, and everything was covered in dust. It took a few months and lots of cleaning, but I now have a laundry room I actually want to be in—and even escape to when home life gets hectic. I’ve always felt that the laundry room should feel as decorated as the rest of the house, meaning that even utilitarian sundries need to somehow look good when not in use. Want to learn how? Read on for my top dos and don’ts.
Do: Choose a Statement Wallpaper
Just because a laundry room is mainly about function doesn’t mean that it can’t also be beautiful. Plus, if you have young kids like I do, you and your partner are likely going to be spending a lot of time in there. To make the room really pop, I started off with one of my favorite wallpaper patterns by Casa Branca, Bambù. And because I can’t get enough of great pattern, I chose the company’s Celestino fabric for custom window treatments. Get the look yourself with a pattern of your choosing—even peel-and-stick brands have great options.
Don’t: Skimp on Technology
Your appliance purchase is the most important, and with my busy schedule, having smart technology was a major priority. I landed on Samsung’s Bespoke front-load washer and dryer, and I love being able to run the machines from my phone. The brushed navy finish brings a little drama to my mainly pink-and-blue scheme. Bonus: These babies also play a song when finished, which has been a big hit with my little ones.
Don’t: Air Your Dirty Laundry
Under-counter skirts are very in right now for kitchens, but I found the same hack is the perfect solution for hiding my dirty-laundry bins. To keep everything coordinated, I chose the same Celestino fabric by Casa Branca that I had used for the Roman shades, and I bought a rolling bin from Crate and Barrel to make it easier to push everything to the washer and dryer.
Do: Get a Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
One thing I learned from living in New York City is that you can maximize space by using your walls. I found that going with a wall-mounted drying rack like this one from Ballard Designs not only looks better but also makes my laundry room feel larger.
Don’t: Neglect Your Sink
A sink in your laundry room is a must for soaking those stained clothes or for arranging flowers. Why shouldn’t it be as pretty as the one in your kitchen? For me this was a major upgrade from the very utilitarian one I had in my old basement. Here, a Roman shade, cute soaps, and a bunch of flowers went a long way.
Do: Delegate
As a family of five, there are a lot of schedules to manage, so a calendar is extremely important. Many families keep theirs out in the kitchen, but I like having it in the laundry room. I worked with Circle and Square Decor to create a custom acrylic one with washable markers for our family. I think it’s such a chic way to keep track of our busy schedules—and I don’t have to buy a new one each year.
Don’t: Forget About Accessories
I wanted my laundry room to feel as decorated as the rest of my house, so finishing it with a rug was a must. I chose the Mainsail French blue rug by Annie Selke to add the perfect grounding color to the space. Because it’s indoor/outdoor, it can withstand wear and tear and spills.
Do: Get Crafty
I hate letting anything go to waste, so when I had a little bit of fabric left over from my shades and under-counter skirt, I talked to my upholsterer and window treatment seamstress, Mona Mosquera, about creating a custom ironing board cover. Now, instead of hiding my ironing board in a closet, I leave it out, as it’s part of the room decor. It also just makes me happy!
Do: Stash Your Sundries
I had a little extra space next to my appliances that I turned into a work area. I keep my Bounce sheets, dryer balls (I’m obsessed with these wool ones from the Steamery Laundry kit at Crate & Barrel) and lint rollers in the drawer, but I like to keep my detergent on the counter so it’s easier to access. I sourced clear labeled bottles from Amazon to make it prettier—plus the blue detergent matches my room scheme.
Do: Enjoy!
Once you’ve completed your makeover, remember it doesn’t have to be just for your literal laundry list. In fact, I use mine as a respite from my kids!
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