The project
With our first baby on the way (and the laundry load about to triple) we knew it was time to transform our outdated laundry. While the original space had great storage, it lacked usability, warmth and style. We wanted a space that worked hard but also felt calm and aesthetically pleasing... a little haven for the everyday chaos to come. My husband and I set out to create a laundry that was both practical and elevated, turning what is often purely a utilitarian zone into an extension of our home we enjoy spending time in.
Steps
Step 1
Planning: The original laundry was impractical and lacked functionality. In mapping out our vision, our priorities were:
- Maximise bench space within the compact footprint
- Incorporate a drop-in sink for a cleaner look
- Replace the high cupboard with open shelving for accessible storage
- Modify the existing wardrobe to fit an under-bench washer and dryer
- Refresh the space with new floor and wall tiles
- Repaint throughout to flow with the rest of the home
- Add a sheer curtain to maintain privacy while welcoming natural light.
From a styling perspective, we wanted the laundry to reflect the character of our home, which is filled with antiques, curiosities and treasures from our travels. It was important that the space felt like a natural extension of our home while remaining functional.
Before
Step 2
Demolition: We removed the existing cabinetry, sink, benchtop, floor and wall tiles, to strip the space back to a clean slate, ready for a fresh layout and design.
Demolition
Clean slate
Step 3
Install: We installed a natural edge timber benchtop, sink, cabinetry and reframed the existing wardrobe to make it slightly smaller, allowing the washer and dryer to fit neatly beneath the benchtop. We laid 600 x 600mm floor tiles to make the space look larger, and chose a textured white gloss feature tile to reflect and play with the beautiful afternoon light. The walls were painted in Casper White quarter to keep the space feeling clean and bright, while adding a subtle warmth that ties in with the rest of our home. To match the benchtop, a second timber slab was cut down to create two open shelves, adding both warmth and practical storage, while maintaining consistency in the materials and overall aesthetic.
In progress
Installation progress
Shelving installed
Step 4
Styling: Frequently used items like towels were placed on display with a mix of antiques, books and plants to continue the look and feel found in the rest of the house.
Styling
Step 5
End result: We now love our laundry and the space makes what is often a mundane task enjoyable. The new layout also prevents washing from creeping into the rest of the house… and the door stays open when guests visit!
Finished product
Finished product
After
Tools and materials
Materials used in the project:
Tools used in the project:
