When designing Matilda and Art’s sleek new laundry, Louise Robertson from LaBella Kitchens had a clear brief: create a space that makes doing the washing for a busy family of five at least somewhat enjoyable.
Before the renovation, it would have been generous to call their set-up a laundry. A stacked washing machine and dryer sat beside a “sliver” of a sink installed by Art. That was about it.
“It was so small and cramped that we barely had room for the washer and dryer,” says Art. “They were just piled on top of each other, looking a bit sad.”
“When you have three kids, you spend a lot of time using the washing machine, so you want to make it somewhat enjoyable,” says Matilda.
The pain points
For Louise, the main issue with the Greens’ previous laundry was clear – they had no space.
“They had no storage at all,” says Louise. “Laundry was ending up on the floor because there was nowhere else to put it. There was nowhere to store an ironing board and no room to set one up, either.”
New design
By removing a wall, the team was able to reimagine the layout completely.
“This allowed us to introduce full cabinetry with generous bench space above,” says Louise. “The cabinetry itself became a feature. Matilda wanted something fun. She initially considered matching the kitchen cabinetry and adding a painted feature wall in a pinky, terracotta tone.”
The solution came at just the right time. “VidaSpace had just launched their Alt SolidVelvet range in a beautiful terracotta colour. It was perfect in terms of both tone and durability. As soon as I received the sample, I dropped it off, and they loved it.”
The ultra-matte, silky-smooth finish brings a softness to the space, while offering impressive durability, is scratch-resistant, UV-stable and designed to handle everyday wear.
“The Beverly Rose benchtop that we had chosen for the kitchen looked stunning with the terracotta-toned cabinetry. The Viefe Moon handles make for easy use and add the finishing details.”
Smart solutions
A larger sink makes soaking and cleaning easy, while well-considered storage solutions keep clutter at bay.
“For a family of five, laundry hampers are essential,” says Louise. “We incorporated tall storage to house the laundry baskets when not in use. The Hideaway Concelo hampers are perfect for everything from everyday washing to bulky bed linen.”
Additional touches help streamline flow, including a hanging rail that allows clothes to be put away straight from the machine, while a pull-out ironing board is both practical and space-saving.
“It’s great for quickly pressing items without having to store a full-sized board,” says Louise.
The results
The Greens couldn’t be happier with the planned transformation.
“We’ll have actual bench space,” says Matilda. “I can spread out the kids’ paintings to dry and I have plans to dry flowers in there.”
Art and Matilda’s laundry checklist
Cabinetry: VidaSpace Alt SolidVelvet in terracotta.
Handles: Viefe Moon in brushed bronze (supplied by Enko).
Sink: Archant Robiq 400-10 in stainless steel.
Benchtop: Beverly Rose-honed marble, supplied by CDK Stone, and fabricated by Unique Stone Benchtops.
Hardware: Blum.
Laundry hampers: Hideaway Concelo 35L hampers.
Create a laundry you’re excited to spend time in. For bespoke laundry design in the Auckland area and surrounding regions, visit labellakitchens.co.nz
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