Photography: Are Media Syndication
The laundry might be one of the hardest-working spaces in your home, but it is often the most overlooked. Whether it is tucked into a cupboard or spread out in a larger room, a few smart updates can transform it from purely practical to beautifully functional. We asked the experts how to make your laundry more organised, efficient and a space you actually enjoy spending time in.
I’ve got $1000 to update my laundry. Where should I start to get the most impact?
Samantha Elliot from Studio Elliot says that if the bones of the space are fine, focus on the elements you touch and see every day. “Laundries are often small spaces, so you can afford to be a little braver with colour or texture, especially because it is not an area where you are sleeping, eating or spending long periods of time in. New tapware, cabinet handles and good lighting can make a surprisingly big difference without blowing the budget.
“Storage is also a great investment. Even something simple like open shelving, better baskets, or internal cabinet organisers can dramatically improve how the space functions. In a laundry, the goal is not just to make it look better – it is to make the daily routine easier.”
I’ve got no space. My laundry is literally in a cupboard. What are some space-saving tricks?
Mary-Ellen Hinton of Hello Saturday commiserates. “Cupboard laundries and kitchen laundries can be tough – staying organised is absolutely key.” To start, she recommends stacking the washing machine and dryer to free up enough space for a small sink or extra storage. Built-in joinery can also make a huge difference.
“This alone can transform a chaotic cupboard into a functional mini laundry.”
Another tip is to use a bamboo or plastic sink cover so your sink can double as extra bench space. As an alternative to stacking, Louise Hancock, marketing manager at Haier, says a combi machine (a washer and dryer in one unit) is a great solution for a small space.
“Haier’s 500 Series Combi Front Load Washer Dryer enables you to choose from a variety of cycles and options, including six continuous wash-dry cycles for convenience.”
I don’t have a separate laundry. The washing machine is in the kitchen. How can I be more organised?
“When laundry happens in the kitchen, it helps to treat it as its own mini zone,” says Samantha.
“Try to keep laundry products contained in one dedicated space. A single cabinet, tray or basket works well, so detergents and cleaning supplies do not spread throughout the kitchen. Another simple improvement is a small rail or drying rack nearby, so items that cannot go in the dryer have somewhere to go immediately rather than draping over chairs or benches.”
I’m planning a renovation with a laundry that doubles as a mudroom or second toilet. How do I make it work?
“Laundries can work brilliantly in multifunctional rooms,” says Mary-Ellen.
“The key is that it’s a room, not just a cupboard. Whether it’s in a large scullery, a mudroom or a second bathroom, creating a proper room, rather than squeezing the laundry into a cupboard, will always work in your favour. Carefully plan the room for flow, add as much storage as possible and some bench space, as well as a laundry sink.
Expert tip: Maximise bench space. It will be invaluable for folding and sorting laundry.
Should I stack the washing machine and dryer, or place them side by side?
Mary-Ellen says it really depends on space. “If you’re tight on bench space, stack the units, but if you have the luxury of room, placing the appliance side by side gives you more usable surface area.
If you are stacking your washer and dryer, Louise recommends using a stacking kit for safety. Alternatively, she recommends Haier’s Laundry Centre heat pump dryer, which can run simultaneously or individually as an ideal all-in-one unit solution.
I want a rail for hanging up shirts and other items, but I don’t have the space. Any hacks you can share?
Samantha suggests installing a pull-out hanging rail inside a cabinet that can slide out when needed and disappear when not in use.
“I often buy a 600 to 900mm single towel rail off the shelf. These are often cheaper than a custom-built rail and they can look nicer, too. Vertical towel rails can also be helpful if wall space is limited.”
Mary-Ellen suggests leaving a small open space at the end of wall cabinets to fit a narrow rail. “Or use an over-the-door towel hook from Ikea for a budget-friendly solution.”
I have a busy household and kids. The laundry is out of control – Help
“Having two or three labelled baskets for whites, colours or sports gear can remove a lot of the chaos,” says Samantha.
“If space allows, a generous folding bench is invaluable. Being able to fold clothes straight out of the dryer stops piles from building up elsewhere in the house.”
Mary-Ellen advises getting the kids on the job by giving each child their own designated laundry basket.
“Once the washing is folded, pop it straight into their basket, so that they can take it to their room and put it away.”
Using a large washing machine to get more washing done in fewer loads will also help, says Louise.
My laundry is spacious, but a bit drab. How can I fancy it up?
Samantha says that materials also make a big difference.
“A beautiful tiled splashback, textured or coloured cabinetry, or a statement light fitting can quickly elevate the room, while plants, artwork, or even a sculptural drying rail can add interest. In larger homes, we are also seeing laundries that incorporate pet-washing stations or mudroom-style areas with integrated steamers and wardrobe-type cabinetry for coats, school bags and sports gear.”
Any absolute no-no’s in laundry design? How about wallpaper?
“The biggest mistake is failing to plan for how the space is actually used,” says Samantha.
“A common issue is not allowing enough room for appliance doors to open fully, especially when stacking or placing machines inside cabinetry. Ventilation and moisture management are also important.”
And, good news, wallpaper is definitely not a no-no. “Laundries can actually be a great place for it. Just make sure it is in an area that will not be exposed to direct water and pair it with good ventilation.
Read more
- Key comforts: How Haier is keeping the Green family comfortable in every season
- Spin cycle: How this laundry set up is helping a 12-person household
- Laundry Glow-Up: How to revive your laundry on a budget
