Turn your workhorse space into something functional and beautiful
By Heather Shoning
A well-designed laundry room that’s both beautiful and functional transforms a routine chore into an enjoyable experience. Aesthetic touches create a welcoming space, while smart organization and efficient layouts enhance productivity. A well-designed laundry room can make a sometimes–dreaded task more efficient and pleasant.
Smart Storage and Thoughtful Layout
An efficient laundry room starts with a smart layout tailored to the natural flow of laundry tasks—sorting, washing, drying, folding and storing. Built-in cabinets or wall-mounted shelves keep detergents and cleaning supplies tucked away, leaving the space clean and uncluttered. “There are many new [air] drying solutions available in the market that can be folded into drawers or pushed into a cabinet,” says designer and project manager Tamar Chang with Thurston Kitchen + Bath – Denver. “Just like any other space in a home, understanding the client’s storage needs is crucial as some will use the space as storage and an open shelf will work better for them.”
Stylish and Practical Appliances
Modern washers and dryers have become design features in their own right. Sleek finishes, such as stainless steel, matte black, or soft pastels, let appliances double as decor. For smaller spaces, stackable units free up room for countertops or additional storage, blending style with efficiency.
Functional and Elegant Work Surfaces
A countertop on top of front-loading appliances creates a dedicated folding station, while a deep sink adds versatility for handwashing or soaking delicate items. Elevate the look with a stylish faucet and durable materials for countertops, ensuring the space is both practical and polished.“If a sink takes up the whole counter space, you need to think about what you need that space for. Is it for folding laundry?” Chang says. “If so, a slide-out thin drawer under the machines might provide that needed work surface, or a custom wood top could cover the sink offering additional counter space.”
Floors and Walls that Make a Statement
Durable, water-resistant flooring options—such as ceramic tile, vinyl or sealed concrete—stand up to wear while adding flair. Patterned or geometric tiles can turn the floor into a visual centerpiece. Walls offer another design opportunity—bold tile backsplashes or cheerful paint colors can transform the room’s atmosphere. Additionally, using as much wall space as possible maximizes storage. “Functionally, floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry takes advantage of the vertical inches that are available while also giving the cabinetry a built-in look and feel,” says Doug Lestikow, CEO and owner of Closet Factory.
Expanding the Room’s Purpose
For added versatility, consider combining the laundry room with a mudroom or pet washing station. A built-in bench with storage serves as a practical solution for stashing laundry essentials or outdoor gear, maximizing the room’s utility. “Our client had a long list of wants and needs—she has kids so she wanted storage for coats, backpacks, gloves and more,” says designer Kimberly Foutz with Caruso Kitchen Designs. “The tall cabinet in this room is for the rechargeable vacuum and cleaning supplies along with some overflow. It’s not just a laundry room—it’s a mudroom and pantry as well.”
Designing for Visibility and Lifestyle
Whether you want to keep the laundry room hidden or make it a design highlight, thoughtful choices can adapt the space to your needs. Sliding barn doors or pocket doors offer concealment, and different levels of seen and unseen can apply within the room, too. “Not all storage items are meant to be on display,” Lestikow says. “But some things are. A nice stack of pretty towels, for example, could be a design element on display behind clear glass window doors whereas detergents, paper towels and other cleaning supplies are better stored behind solid doors.”
By blending practicality with stylish design, the laundry room becomes a space that works hard while looking effortlessly chic—proof that even the most functional areas of your home deserve thoughtful attention.
Caruso Kitchen Designs
9138 W. 6th Ave.
Lakewood
720.487.9293
carusokitchens.com
Closet Factory
8480 Upland Dr., Ste. 200
Englewood
303.690.6901
closetfactory.com
Inspire Kitchen Design Studio
590 Quivas St. 3rd floor
Denver
720.650.0500
inspirekds.com
Thurston Kitchen + Bath – Denver
761 Kalamath St.
Denver
303.399.4564
thurstonkb.com
Paradigm Interior Design
720.339.5593
paradigmdesigners.com
