Why the Best Laundry Layouts Start with Appliances

How an appliance-first strategy can save you money

“It’s a big investment, so do it once and do it well,” says interior designer Alisha Bouris of Maytree Studios in Brisbane. “Decide on your appliances as early as possible and integrate them into the design during the initial design phase.”

Incorporating washer and dryer dimensions into your laundry design from the outset ensures that joinery fits snug to appliances for a seamless and well-designed look. Plus, deciding on appliances early helps to avoid costly mistakes.

“Every appliance should be considered in relation to cabinetry, not just a ‘tack on’ at the last minute,” says Alisha.

“To be able to forward-plan for these appliances eliminates last-minute changes and can be captured in cabinetry drawings, rather than changing it on-site, which always ends up an expensive endeavour, with unhappy contractors. Plan ahead, and you’ll save relationships and money.”

How to find the right washer and dryer

Selecting your soulmate appliances starts with asking yourself a few leading questions: How many people in your household? How many loads of washing do you do in a week? How important is water and energy efficiency?

“With many styles of washing machines and dryers on offer, it’s important to consider the best type of appliance for your laundry needs,” says Andrew Wand, Head of Home Appliances at Samsung Australia.

“For example, a top loader allows you to drop in and lift out clothes without bending over, whereas a front loader takes up less space and tends to offer more water and energy efficiencies. If you are tight on space, there are also combo washer and dryers in one unit.”

Thinking about your washing and drying habits will help you determine the right size appliances. As a general rule, choose a 5kg capacity for up to two people, 5kg to 8kg for three or four people, and 8kg and above for a family of five or more.

“It’s important to have a product that is the correct size for your needs,” says Brisbane-based interior designer Jo Byrom of Interior Design by Jo.

“For example, don’t get a washing machine that doesn’t allow for a quick wash if that is really important to how you live, or isn’t big enough for you to wash your curtains or doona if that’s important.”

Finally, consider the look. Alisha Bouris says: “Ask yourself, ‘Does this appliance fit with my interior design?’ Is it simple, clean and white, industrial, black or contemporary?”

Let’s go shopping

• Love top loaders? Ideal for families, the Solt 12kg Top Loader Washer features Pulse+ technology to shorten wash time and Autosensing technology to boost cleaning and water efficiency.
• For dark good looks, go no further than the LG 9kg Front Load Washer with 12 washing programs and capacity for a family of five.
• Short on space? The Miele 7kg-4kg Combo Washer Dryer is gentle on clothes and ideal if you like to do a daily load.
• Looking for value and a high-end look? Choose the Haier 8.5kg Front Load Washer and Haier 8kg Condenser Dryer.

How to create the perfect laundry

Beyond appliances, there are several other key elements to consider in your laundry design – starting with where to put it. Easy access to outside makes it a breeze to dry clothes on the line, rather than always relying on the dryer.

“Most people want the laundry near the kitchen, as that’s where you are most of the time and you don’t want to walk to the other end of the house to put on a load,” says Jo Byrom.

“You might even like to place it in the butler’s pantry, so it’s a combined space. You can put on a load of dishes and do the washing at the same time.”

Why ventilation is vital

Plan for a window or door to allow excess moisture to escape from the dryer, so you avoid the problem of mould. For Jo Byrom, windows rule in laundries.

“A window is more practical because a door must be open or shut, but a window can always be open when you have the dryer on,” says Jo Byrom. “It also means you do not have a door swinging into the space, so you have more room in the laundry.”

Alisha Bouris is also a fan. “Windows capture daylight and cross-ventilation. If you cannot achieve a window, consider a ventilated skylight or a glass hinged door to let in light,” she says.

In internal laundries, extraction fans are essential for drawing out moisture. In apartments, where outdoor access can be tricky, heat pump dryers are a great option because they do not create hot air or moisture. They also use half the energy of vented or condenser dryers. Check out the LG 8kg Heat Pump Dryer, which offers energy savings and cares for your clothes.

Tailor the space to your needs

How can your new laundry make your life easier? Older people might prefer their washer and dryer parked side by side on a bench or plinth to avoid having to bend down to fetch clothes.

A “mud room zone” for shoes, school bags and outerwear can help contain mess, while a deep sink with retractable hose is great for washing the dog or filling buckets.

In compact laundry designs, stacked appliances will free up space for a broom cupboard or other much-needed storage.

Alisha Bouris says hanging rails for clothes, bench space for folding and tall storage for mops and brooms should also be on your list. “And integrated laundry hampers – if you are lucky, a drawer for each person in the house!”

Get clever with cabinetry

“Natural colour schemes, and textured and matte cabinetry finishes are some of the top trends we are seeing in laundry cabinetry,” says Philip Ryder, Design and Product Manager at Kinsman Kitchens. “A neutral backdrop of cabinetry allows the room to feel larger and gives focus to key items within the laundry design.”

Timber cabinetry is also big and injects warmth and texture into a space. Get the look with Kinsman’s Prime Oak and Bottega Oak melamine-coated doors that mimic real timber – all the warmth minus the maintenance.

Visit us instore or online for a huge range of the latest washer and dryer appliances. Once you’ve got your appliances sorted, you’ll be well on your way to creating a functional and practical yet stylish laundry in no time. For more advice, tips and inspiration on planning your new laundry layout - be sure to visit our home renovation ideas page.