ARTICLE
Laundries With The Lot: Appliances And Design Ideas For A Luxe Makeover
Published May 13, 2022 • Updated May 4, 2026 - 4 min read
A luxe laundry makeover comes down to smart appliances, generous storage and finishes that feel as polished as a kitchen or bathroom. The biggest wins are choosing efficient washers and dryers, then adding practical features that make sorting, folding and drying easier every day.
Key takeaways from this article
Choose a washer and dryer first, then build the layout around easier workflow.
Auto-dosing, steam cycles, quiet motors and Wi-Fi can save time and effort.
Check star ratings, since higher-efficiency machines can cut power bills long term.
Heat pump dryers use less energy and help reduce mould and mildew risks.
Use ceiling-high cabinetry, long benches and a big sink to maximise function.
Carry kitchen-style finishes into the laundry for a more seamless, premium look.
Built-in storage, hanging rails and a bathroom-laundry combo can free up space.
Far from being a room to close the door on, laundries are fast becoming a space to show off. Yes, it’s still a utilitarian zone equipped to get the job done, but the modern laundry has had a glow-up, with features and finishes on par with kitchens and bathrooms. Elevating your laundry to superstar status is all about choosing the right appliances, features and finishes. Here’s what to include when designing a laundry with the lot.
Laundry Appliances To Make Life Easier
No matter what, a laundry’s main purpose is to wash and dry clothes. For this reason, a washing machine and dryer should be central to your design. Just as your laundry layout should streamline your workflow, appliances should save you time and effort.
When upgrading your appliances, look out for high-tech features, including auto-dosing, dual wash systems, steam cycles to refresh barely worn clothes (instead of putting them through a full wash), quiet technology and wi-fi connectivity.
“Washing machines have come a long way in recent years and can do a lot more than they used to,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Laundry. “Auto-dosing machines cut a whole step out of your washing routine by automatically dispensing the right amount of detergent for each load, while wi-fi connectivity lets you control your machine via your smartphone from anywhere in the house or even at work.”
Shop The Latest Washing Machines
Bosch 9kg Front Load Washer – This clever machine features an EcoSilence Drive motor that is whisper quiet.
Samsung 12kg Front Load Washer – Includes a steam refresh Hygiene Steam cycle to sanitise your clothes and removes 99.9% of certain common bacteria.
Fisher & Paykel 11kg Front Load Washer – Wi-fi connectivity allows you to control the machine and access extra cycles from your phone app.
Energy-Efficient Appliances Rule
Environmentally friendly washing machines and dryers are good for both the planet and your bank account. When upgrading, check the energy star rating and remember: the more stars, the better.
When it comes to dryers, heat pump dryers are environmental superheroes that recycle air and operate at a lower temperature. They also prevent mould and mildew from taking hold in your beautiful new laundry.
A more energy-efficient machine might cost you more upfront, but it will save you money on your power bills in the long run.
Shop the latest heat-pump dryers
Bosch 8kg Heat Pump Dryer – With its 10 star energy rating, this dryer takes centre stage.
Samsung 8kg Heat Pump Dryer – Features AI Control that learns your drying habits.
Fisher & Paykel 9kg Heat Pump Dryer – Wi-fi enabled to future-proof your laundry.
More Than A Place To Wash Clothes
The new laundry is now a multi-use space. It can include a mud room, storage space, dog grooming station, pet sleeping pod, second wardrobe, sewing bench and more. The home engine room now requires careful planning and equal billing with other wet areas.
Kinsman ambassador and former winner of The Block, Lysandra Fraser says a well-designed laundry creates better workspaces and cuts down on clutter.
“Laundries are no longer the poor cousin of kitchens – they’re a space you can actually enjoy spending time in,” Lysandra says. “If you have the space, don’t hold back. Install overhead cabinets that reach all the way up to the ceiling to maximise your storage space, include long benches for extra sorting and folding space, add an extra-large sink to fit any size bucket or wash your dog in, and create space for a mud room for shoes, bags and hats.”
“Laundries are no longer the poor cousin of kitchens – they’re a space you can actually enjoy spending time in. If you have the space, don’t hold back.” Lysandra Fraser, interior designer
”
Beauty In The Details
Cabinetry, benchtops and splashback selections in kitchens can be carried over into laundries for a uniform look. Consider engineered stone (or natural marble), brass tapware and stylish sinks to make the laundry a feature space and not just an afterthought.
Also think carefully about cabinet sizes and the items you want to hide away.
“You can have storage for everything from irons, ironing boards, brooms, vacuum cleaners, mops and buckets, to drawers for your dirty laundry, clothing to sort, detergents, washing powders, cleaning products, hamper baskets, towels, linen and more,” Lysandra says.
A hanging rail is another must in a new laundry. “They’re so handy in laundry spaces, as you can drip dry clothing over the sink, use them for drying when it’s raining outside, or hang up your freshly ironed clothes to stop them creasing,” she adds.
Make It Part Of Your Bathroom
Another way to elevate your laundry to star status is to make it part of your main bathroom with a bathroom-laundry combo. This allows you to use your laundry space in other ways – perhaps a home office, bigger living room or extra bedroom.
Dreaming of a laundry with the lot? Kinsman can help you turn your design dreams into reality with the latest washers and dryers from The Good Guys. Visit us in-store or online for expert advice, the biggest range and the best prices.
