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The laundry has traditionally been one of the most overlooked rooms in Australian homes often tucked away, purely utilitarian, and rarely considered a place deserving of thoughtful interior design. But in modern homes, the modern laundry room has evolved into a practical yet beautiful space that supports daily routines, reduces clutter and enhances overall home comfort.
Whether you’re renovating an existing laundry space, refreshing a small laundry room, or designing a new laundry room from scratch, clever layouts and fresh design ideas can help you maximise bench space, increase storage, and turn your laundry into a pleasant place to spend time. From built-in cabinets and concrete floors to fun wallpaper and floating shelves, today’s modern laundry ideas bring together both style and function.
Below, we explore ways to transform any laundry room large or small into an organised, efficient, and visually appealing part of your home.
Why Modern Laundry Rooms Matter More Than Ever
In contemporary living, the laundry works hard. It’s where clothes are cleaned, sorted, dried, folded, ironed and stored. It’s also where cleaning products, clothes horses, linen, and everyday tools often live. A well-designed laundry makes all of these tasks easier, faster and much more enjoyable.
A modern laundry should:
- Provide ample storage for laundry items and household supplies
- Offer functional bench space for sorting and folding
- Include a durable laundry sink
- Maximise hanging space for drying clothes
- Support efficient workflows for washing, ironing and organising
- Look beautiful using simple styling, lighting, and a neutral colour palette
Regardless of your home’s size or budget, there are innovative ways to elevate your laundry space and create a seamless blend of style and practicality.
1. Start With a Smart, Functional Layout
Image Credit: c&k concepts
The foundation of any modern laundry room is a layout that supports how your household operates. Even the most stylish laundry room ideas won’t be effective if the workflow feels cramped or cluttered.
Plan for Easy Access & Movement
Think about the steps involved in washing clothes loading, sorting, drying, ironing, storing. A good layout ensures:
- The washer and dryer are accessible
- The laundry sink is close to water sources
- Bench space is located near the washer or dryer
- Cabinets provide reach-friendly storage
If you’re working with a small laundry room, vertical organisation becomes key.
2. Incorporate Built-In Cabinets for Ample Storage
Image Credit: Zephyr and Stone
One of the hallmarks of a modern laundry is excellent storage space. Built-in cabinets streamline the room, provide hidden storage for cleaning products, and help keep the room organised.
Storage Ideas:
- Tall cabinets for ironing boards, brooms or clothes horses
- Overhead cupboards above the washer and dryer
- Pull-out laundry hampers
- Deep drawers for bulky laundry items
- Open shelving for everyday essentials
The aim is to create a clutter-free environment that enhances both function and style.
3. Maximise Bench Space for Folding & Sorting
Image Credit: Good Housekeeping
Bench space is often the most-requested feature in modern laundry design and for good reason. It simplifies folding, sorting and organising laundry items.
Ways to Increase Bench Space:
- Position a bench over a front loading washer and dryer
- Use wall-mounted cabinets to free up bench area
- Add a fold-down bench if space is limited
- Extend benchtops into corners for additional workspace
Choose materials that are durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean. Dark countertops are becoming increasingly popular, offering a sophisticated contrast against white walls and light cabinets.
4. Embrace a Contemporary Neutral Colour Palette
Image Credit: DOT + POP
A neutral colour palette with soft whites, creams, greys or warm natural tones helps create a calm and beautiful laundry. For a fresh, modern laundry room:
- Start with white walls to brighten the room
- Pair with timber accents, brass hardware or polished chrome
- Add subtle colour through accessories, baskets or potted plants
Neutral tones also make the space feel larger, making them perfect for compact laundry rooms.
5. Floating Shelves & Open Shelving for Style + Function
Image Credit: eccashelf
If you want a modern look that also feels casual and welcoming, open shelving and floating shelves are excellent additions.
These allow you to:
- Display potted plants
- Store detergent in attractive jars
- Keep everyday items within arm’s reach
- Add personality without overwhelming the room
Floating shelves help balance the visual weight of built-in cabinets and contribute to a light, airy feel.
6. Choose the Right Flooring for Durability & Style
Image Credit: Flooring Xtra
Laundry floors must withstand water, moisture, stains, and heavy daily use. The right flooring is both practical and stylish.
Popular options include:
- Concrete floors for a modern, industrial feel
- Ceramic or porcelain tiles
- Vinyl flooring for budget-friendly resilience
Concrete floors offer incredible longevity and pair beautifully with timber and brass hardware for a striking contemporary look.
7. Integrate a Laundry Sink for Practical Use
Image Credit: the sink warehouse
The laundry sink remains an essential part of any functional laundry space, especially for handwashing delicate garments or pre-soaking stains.
A deep, modern sink paired with stylish tapware brings both convenience and visual appeal.
Choose from:
- Stainless steel basins
- Butler sinks
- Composite or stone-look styles
Position your sink near appliances for comfortable workflow.
8. Add Hanging Space for Drying Clothes
Image Credit: houzz
Whether you air-dry items regularly or only occasionally, dedicated hanging space is incredibly valuable in a modern laundry.
Ways to add hanging space:
- Ceiling-mounted drying racks
- Wall-mounted rails
- Retractable clothes lines
- Rods under upper cabinets
These options help reduce reliance on outdoor weather and give you a convenient place to dry clothes without cluttering the rest of your home.
9. Make Use of Vertical Space in Small Laundry Rooms
Image Credit: Livingetc
A small laundry room can still feel stylish and functional with smart vertical planning.
Practical vertical solutions include:
- A stacked washer and dryer
- High-level cabinets for long-term storage
- Hooks for bags, cloths or cleaning tools
- Narrow shelving along unused walls
Even with limited depth or width, you can create an efficient laundry space that works beautifully.
10. Add Decorative Features for a Beautiful Laundry
Image Credit: Henley
Laundry rooms don’t need to be purely functional, they can absolutely be design-forward.
Decorative features to elevate your laundry:
- Fun wallpaper on a feature wall
- Stylish brass hardware
- Potted plants near windows
- Artwork or framed prints
- Decorative jars or woven baskets
A modern laundry should feel like an extension of your living spaces, not a cupboard you want to avoid.
11. Focus on Good Interior Design Principles
Image Credit: houzz
Modern laundry room ideas follow the same interior design principles that shape kitchens and bathrooms.
Consider:
- Visual balance
- Functional workflows
- Material selection
- Lighting design
- Colour consistency
- Storage integration
The best laundry rooms feel cohesive, uncluttered and thoughtfully designed.
12. Clever Additions for a More Pleasant Laundry Experience
Image Credit: Gamma Fittings
Small additions can make everyday tasks feel easier and encourage a more organised room.
Consider adding:
- A pull-out ironing board
- Stylish containers for washing powder and cleaning products
- Divided laundry hampers
- Hooks for lightweight items
- Soft textiles to warm the space
- LED task lighting under cabinets
These touches not only help keep the room organised but also create a pleasant place to work.
13. Create a Laundry Room With a ‘Wow Factor’
Even simple laundry spaces can include wow factor features that make them feel luxurious, spacious or architecturally interesting.
Try:
- Dark countertops paired with bright white walls
- Brass hardware for a touch of elegance
- Feature tile splashbacks
- Built-in cabinets with shaker or flat-panel fronts
- Arched shelving niches
- Contrasting flooring and cabinetry
Small details often make the biggest visual impact, especially in compact rooms.
14. Keep Your Laundry Space Future-Ready
Image Credit: Kinsman
Modern homes evolve over time, and your laundry space should be adaptable. Consider:
- Allowing for extra storage in case your household grows
- Leaving space for future appliances
- Selecting robust materials that age well
- Keeping the layout flexible for potential renovations
Some homeowners even use the laundry space for product releases, seasonal storage, or as a multi-purpose mudroom. A well-designed laundry can handle these tasks with ease.
Final Thoughts: Designing a Modern Laundry That Works Beautifully
A modern laundry is no longer an afterthought it’s a functional and stylish room that supports everyday living. With the right blend of storage space, bench space, flooring, colour palettes, built-in cabinets and thoughtful design touches, you can transform any laundry room into a streamlined, organised and visually appealing environment.
Whether you’re working with a compact laundry space or a generous layout, these modern laundry room ideas will help you create a laundry that feels coherent, practical and beautifully designed. From fun wallpaper and potted plants to concrete floors, hanging space and clever cabinetry, each choice contributes to a laundry room that feels both efficient and uplifting.
Design your laundry with intention, and you’ll enjoy a room that is organised, modern in style, and genuinely pleasant to use a beautiful laundry that enhances your entire home.
Last Updated: 6th October, 2025
If you like this article, check out our Hamptons bathroom ideas too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you jazz up a laundry room?
Brighten up your laundry area with decor elements, such as a rug and baskets. Don’t forget to add hampers for practical pieces like dryer lint and donations which can be used in this functional room space.
Does IKEA design laundry rooms?
IKEA provides certified design services to help create a personalised laundry room tailored specifically for you and the vision you have in mind. They can assist with designing this special space that meets your needs.
How do you design a laundry room layout?
When designing a laundry room, one should take into consideration the size and style of their washing machine. It is best to create zones for wet and dry components as well as positioning both the sink and washer adjacent to each other. Lastly, be sure to include some form of clothes rod next to your dryer in order keep things organised!
What are some innovative laundry sink designs?
In a laundry room, three of the most popular and advanced sink designs are farmhouse style, integrated or built-in sinks, as well as undermount ones. Each one is able to make an ideal option for any
How can I maximise space in my laundry room?
Making use of the space in your laundry room can be accomplished by investing in a stacked washer and dryer combo. This is an efficient way to make better utilisation of the area, as well as providing you with extra storage and workspace possibilities. Installing these appliances could not be easier – perfect for freeing up some much-needed real estate!
