Five ways to luxe up the laundry: trick up the most boring room in the house

Window splashbacks, metallics and hi-tech intuitive washers and dryers. Who would have thought five years ago that homeowners would have thought so much of this place?

Make the weekly washing chore more fun and less task.

Window splashbacks, mirrors, metallics and marble fixtures, along with hi-tech intuitive washers and dryers. Who would have thought five years ago that homeowners would think so much of their laundry?

But now we do, we want them just as polished as the kitchen, and that’s because we want our weekly clothes ritual to be more enjoyable and less a task.

Luckily technology has caught up with the laundry and after a good rinse and spin, beautiful sustainable materials and energy efficient appliances are drawing consumers into the utility with apps that can control machines from afar.

Of course, while good appliances matter so do aesthetics and the style of your cabinetry.

Good storage is key to any laundry, this one is designed by Hickinbotham.

Demure pastels, durable natural timber finishes and handcrafted tiles are moving in and glamorising the once plain zone. Brass and gold fixtures, recessed farmhouse sinks and clever gadgets such as easy-to-use steamers and drying cabinets are adding modern luxury.

Hickinbotham Group design director Ruth Vagnarelli says while the laundry is one of the most functional places in a home, it can also be on trend.

“Laundries are more than just for washing and ironing clothes, they are also a mudroom for children or the place where pets sleep,” she says.

“A beautiful laundry in the latest finishes can make the task of clothes washing seem less of a chore. When entertaining, laundries can function as butler’s pantries creating more benchtop space and an extra sink.”

A laundry by Three Birds Renovations.

The Good Guys laundry buyer Peter Simic adds laundry appliances are no longer clunky white boxes.

“Brands are not only embracing the latest technology in their products, but also paying attention to consumer demand for on-trend surface finishes such as dark-look stainless surfaces in shiny or matt finishes,” he says.  

“These appliances add stylish looks to a room in your home that has been previously overlooked.”

From auto-dosing washers to washer-dryer combos to the top-of-the-range all-in-one LG WashTower, hi-tech appliances have become part of the decoration and are eco friendly too.

“With extra-large 17kg wash capacity and a 10-star energy rated 10kg heat pump dryer, this product would truly be the showpiece of any laundry,” says Peter.

Then all you need is a luxury hand wash, a trailing plant that likes humidity and a designer hand towel.

An European laundry in this Melbourne property makes the most of the available space.

LAUNDRY IN A CUPBOARD

Better known as a European laundry, this compact style gives “laundry cupboard” new meaning. It’s become popular as a spacesaver in small homes and apartments, says Hickinbotham’s Ruth Vagnarelli.

“You can save space and have a smaller laundry that is still really functional. Some machines even have the technology to weigh and assess loads to determine the ideal cycle and many are quiet which means clothes can be washed and dried while the kids sleep next door,” says Ruth.

Appliances are stacked or sit side-by-side with a bench or shelves on top, making it simple to luxe up too. Barn, pocket or bi-fold doors allow appliances to be easy to access, then hide when not in use. The Good Guys laundry buyer, Peter Simic, suggests a combo washer-dryer or models designed for cupboards that don’t require venting to the outdoors.

“To maximise your usable area choose laundry appliances that stack, such as LG’s 10kg Front Load Washer with ezDispense auto-dose technology, paired with LG’s 9kg Heat Pump Dryer, perfect for smaller areas as they don’t require any external venting. Plus both these models come in the latest dark stainless finish – giving your laundry a truly luxe look.”

LG appliances can be stacked, Picture: The Good Guys

A steamer is a modern laundry must-have. Picture: The Good Guys

EXTRA HELPERS

Once upon a time the iron, a few coat hangers and a portable drying rack was as far as laundry aids went. Not anymore. Laundry gadgets and fixtures are working harder with must-haves being a steam ironing press, a long hanging rail, open shelving, baskets, plus a steamer or steam refresh butler (dry-cleans your clothes), and a drying cabinet.

The Good Guys portable appliance buyer Tania Grillinzoni says timesaving laundry devices and easy-to-use steamers have become hot items.

“These super steamers will tackle the toughest creases effortlessly. They heat up quickly and give professional results in seconds,” she says.

“A portable steamer, like the Russell Hobbs Handheld Supreme Steamer or steam station such as the Russell Hobbs Supreme Steam Generator are must-have additions.”

A long laundry designed by Fabrikate.

LONG LAYOUTS AND LIGHT

Laundries are a jack-of-all-trades space, so the key to luxing it up is clean lines. That means ample storage, plenty of benchspace, good light and ventilation, and a practical layout. The most common is a long galley or an L-shape space.

Interior designer Jess Hunter says as laundries are high-traffic, high-function spaces the layout need to be planned in advance, especially if it’s doubling as the dog’s bedroom at night or serves a dual purpose, such as a mudroom or butler’s pantry.

“When designing the space, it’s essential to consider all aspects of your laundry room needs,” she says. “From drying, washing, soaking, washing basket storage to storing linen, dog food and ironing, a lot is happening in a laundry.”

A large window, even a simple glass door, can elevate the feel of the room – and help dry washing in the sun.

This Three Birds Renovations laundry featured a dog bath and multiple appliances.

Fixtures are all important in making the feel of the laundry feel luxurious and inviting. Picture: The English Tapware Company

ON THE SURFACE

Custom cabinetry is the perfect way to luxe up the laundry. Shaker-style, VJ panelling, rattan, soft coloured cabinetry and farmhouse laundries are filling Instagram feeds and fuelling renovation plans. For a seamless transition follow the kitchen’s finishes into the laundry. “Colours and decor inspired by nature are in, such as timber style oaks, leafy greens or stone grey,” says Ruth.

“White cabinetry is always popular ensuring the space is bright and airy. Splashbacks can be an interesting mosaic, the same tile as the floor, or glass which all provide a hard-wearing and easy to clean surface.”

Stain-resistant stone on benchtops, such as Caesarstone’s marble, granite and concrete finishes pared with elegant tapware and beautiful wall and floor tiles will take the laundry up the style stakes.

While white laundries are top of the list, subtle blues and greens, rattan and natural tones are shifting in, as well as navy and matt black. Pendant lights, art and statement sinks are also becoming regular elements.

Washing machines and dryers have gone hi-tech with time delays and app connectivity. Picture: The Good Guys

ECO BENEFITS

When it comes to the dream laundry, appliances that save dollars, energy and time will always win you over.

“Innovations in laundry tech continue to help Australian families save on their bills,” says The Good Guys laundry buyer, Peter Simic.

“Auto-dosing technologies are still leading the way. With clever technology built-in, auto-dose machines automatically detect your washing load and not only choose the optimal cycle but also dispense the exact amount of detergent needed for complete fabric care.

“LG’s 10kg Front Load Washer with ezDispense auto-dose technology, Turbo Clean fast wash mode and Steam+, which assists with reducing exposure to allergens, has all the smart features any busy family needs.”

Heat pumps with 10-star energy ratings, such a Bosch’s 8kg Heat Pump Dryer, are in demand. So too, are machines with time delays and app connectivity so you can check on your washing’s progress from your smart phone.