Real Life Inspiration: 6 Laundries You’ll Love

In recent years, the laundry has evolved from an interior design after-thought to a space to make a style statement. As one of the hardest working rooms in the home, functionality has always been key, but today the design aesthetic of the laundry gets just as much love (if not a little more) than the kitchen and bathroom. Looking to update yours? Here are six stunning looks to inspire your new design.

Cool, Calm and Coastal

Found within an historic bungalow home in Sydney’s Lower North Shore, this fresh new space designed by Annie Bowen of Annie Bowen Design is a masterclass in timeless style, with just a hint of the beloved Hamptons aesthetic. “The client wanted a functional space to contain a new washing machine and condenser dryer, a good amount of bench space and access to the window for ventilation,” explains Annie Bowen. With classic Shaker-style cabinetry, louvre windows and a eucalyptus green splashback, the end result is calm, practical and cohesive with the rest of the home. “Here, we kept the cabinets in the same white as we had used in the kitchen, then used a slightly deeper green handmade tile for the splashback,” she adds.

Country Luxe

There’s a lot to love about this modern take on country style, from the deep navy cabinetry and the abundance of storage, to the fluted farmhouse sink and beautiful brass hardware. “A marble penny round tile splashback adds an extra layer of opulence to this sophisticated laundry design,” says Alisa Fraser, interior designer and Kinsman ambassador.

The panel detailing of Kinsman’s Avalon door profile brings the charm and character for which country homes are adored, while the Oxford colour paired with brass handles and tapware, and a marble-look Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo benchtop, add elegance. The under-bench cabinetry encompassing the washing machine and dryer was specified in matte white to bounce the natural light and complement the white front loading appliances.

A Space-Saving Statement Maker

Short on space? That doesn’t mean you can’t make a big impact. In this compact apartment design by Alix Helps of Alix Helps Interiors, the laundry and bathroom share a single room with custom cabinetry that conceals the big appliances. A statement black and white tile is repeated throughout the shower and on the laundry splashback, bringing both bold visual interest and a sense of cohesion to the design.

The walnut finish of the cabinetry adds depth and warmth, with chrome hardware for a timeless touch. In a small laundry such as this, stacking appliances is key to saving floor space – the LG WashTower 17kg-10kg Combo Washer Dryer is an easy solution (and its black steel finish would be perfectly at home within this stylish space). As for the designer’s insight on creating a functional dual-use zone, the secret is investing in quality. “When you're asking a lot of your cabinetry (particularly large doors) to cleverly conceal laundry equipment, listen to your joiner and don’t scrimp on hardware,” says Alix Helps.

Neutral Beauty

Understated elegance abounds in this chic laundry space, as touches of timber inject warmth and texture into the pared-back design. “The open shelving in Chadstone Prime Oak Woodmatt is a clever way to bring some charm to the space, and to display your prettier pieces above the benchtop,” says Lysandra Fraser, interiors expert and Kinsman ambassador. The clean lines and simple profile of the Camden doors in Oyster Grey Matt keep things contemporary, while the marble-look Caesarstone Statuario Maximus and brass hardware create a sense of luxury that extends to the European appliances. A Bosch washing machine and dryer are stacked to the side of the bench, which allows for more easy-access storage and generous drawers that double as laundry hampers.

Monochrome Magic

Straight lines, handleless cabinetry and a black-and-white palette could easily lead to a bare and boring laundry, but there’s a secret to pulling it off. “The texture of the cabinetry grain and the veins of the Caesarstone benchtop and splashback add a whole new layer to this monochrome design,” says Alisa Fraser, Kinsman ambassador. The galley design offers ample storage and added bench space, with a pair of Bosch appliances neatly tucked beneath the bench, and cleverly placed in proximity to the sink for a seamless transfer when soaking is required. Black hardware (including the sink) completes the look to ensure a sleek, chic modern laundry.

Colour Pop

There’s no place like the laundry to experiment with colour and bold design choices. “The beauty of the laundry is that it’s really your own, it’s not somewhere you’d have guests coming in and out of, and if you’re lucky you won’t be spending long hours in there every day,” explains Lysandra Fraser. “So it’s the perfect opportunity to be brave with your choices and try out a colour or statement tile you’ve always wanted to use.” Here, Kinsman’s Ballina Rose All Day cabinetry is the style standout, balanced by a splashback in white zellige tiles and a benchtop in Caesarstone White Shimmer.