Washington Post
Sarah Hartill
Scandinavian Chic
Bolig Pluss
BHG
Canadian House and Home October 2007 Issue
Claire Bock
The Polished Pebble
Davis Design
Laundry Rooms
I’ve been thinking a lot about making our laundry room more pleasant. To be honest, I don’t actually enjoy laundry—especially lately. Our small, not-so-cute laundry room has seen a lot more use because our nearly 18-year-old Westie, Winston, generates extra loads. While that adds work, it’s also given me time to study the space and imagine how much better it could look.
I daydream about simple updates that would make laundry more bearable: fresh paint, new flooring, better lighting, and smarter storage. A few well-chosen touches—a colorful rug, patterned wallpaper, or open shelves with pretty containers—can change the mood of a room and make routine tasks feel less like chores. Even small projects like adding hooks for baskets or a folding shelf can improve functionality and calm the clutter.
Practical improvements are important too. Efficient appliances, a deep utility sink, and durable countertops make sorting, scrubbing, and folding easier. Organizing products in labeled jars or baskets keeps detergent, stain removers, and clothespins within reach but out of sight. Good lighting, especially warm task lights over work areas, reduces mistakes and strain when dealing with dark stains or delicate items.
If space is tight, take advantage of vertical storage. Tall cabinets, wall-mounted drying racks, and stacked washer-dryer units free up floor area. A slim rolling cart can tuck beside machines and hold frequently used supplies. For multi-purpose areas, consider a counter above stacked machines to provide an instant folding station.
Design choices also matter. Neutral walls with a single accent wall or patterned wallpaper can add personality without overwhelming the room. Light, reflective colors make small laundry rooms feel larger. Adding a small plant, a framed print, or coordinated storage containers gives the space a finished, inviting look.
I haven’t forgotten other home goals and planned projects for the year—those posts are coming soon. For now, updating the laundry room feels both achievable and rewarding. A few purposeful changes could transform this once-neglected space into a functional, attractive room I actually don’t mind spending time in.
Do you have a cute laundry room?