Category: Laundry

Interior designer Cynthia Soda knew the issues with this laundry room all too well because she grew up in this house. In addition to a seriously awkward layout, it had green tile counters with pink grout. When her parents were finally ready for a remodel, they gave her full freedom in the design. “My mom said she wanted ‘an eclectic-modern-retro-vintage-cheerful laundry,’ ” Soda says. “I said, ‘Mom, that’s not a thing, those are just a bunch of words linked together,’ but I tried to hit each one of those words in the design.”

Laundry Room of the Day
What happens here: Stain removing, rinsing, spinning, drying, fluffing, folding, hanging, ironing, dog washing
Location: Just outside Toronto
Size: 76 square feet (7.1 square meters)
Designer: Cynthia Soda

To hit “vintage,” Soda found a funky laundry room decal for the door on Etsy and used a classic crystal knob. The frosted glass on the door adds a more modern touch.

As for eclectic, Soda used a lively 8-by-8-inch hexagonal floor tile in a black-and-white patchwork pattern. “My parents were totally down for this, and they appreciate high contrast,” she says.

Before, there was a door to the driveway where the window now is. “The washer and dryer were on either side of this door, and for some reason, they faced each other,” Soda says. “It was a very awkward layout.”

Because her parents never used that door, she replaced it with the window, which let her take advantage of all the square footage with a layout that made sense. “A lot of people have doors they never use. It’s wonderful when you can get rid of it and reclaim useful space,” Soda says.

Wall color: Chantilly Lace OC-65, Benjamin Moore; cabinet color: Gossamer Blue 2123-40, Benjamin Moore; cabinets: Colclo Custom Woodworking; appliances: Duet, Whirlpool; floor tile: St-Barth 8-by-8-inch hexagon, Céragrès

Soda worked in cozy bed cubbies for Bella and Eddie, her parents’ pups. The cabinets above hold all of the dogs’ food, toys, shampoo and other supplies.

This second window was existing, but a sink had stood where the built-ins are now. Soda moved the sink next to the appliances to make room for these hardworking pantry cabinets, which she sized to accommodate the ironing board. With the new layout, there’s plenty of room to iron in here.

Now the sink is conveniently located for pretreating stains and hand-washing. It’s also deep enough for bathing dogs.

Soda hung the rod over the machines extra high to accommodate longer dresses and skirts. “We were in the retail business, so we already had a long grab bar for hanging clothing up that high,” she says. Of course, before bathing the dogs, they make sure they don’t have any clothes hanging overhead!

Sink: 400779 Practika laundry-utility sink with built-in washboard in stainless steel, Blanco; light fixture: Glendora 14259/4, Supreme Lighting

Another retro touch is the choice of pillow-front cabinetry, which Soda mixed with on-trend brushed-brass hardware in a modern streamlined shape. The pleasing blue hits the “cheerful” her mother wanted. So do the white tongue-and-groove walls, which bring the popular shiplap look in a cleaner, more modern way.

Cabinet hardware: Lew’s Dolin Bar Series in Brushed Brass, Upper Canada Specialty Hardware

Soda mixed metals in the sink area, with champagne bronze for the faucet and stainless steel for the bowl. “For the [marble] countertops we just wanted an easy solution that wouldn’t take away from anything else,” she says. “I just went to my local stone place and asked them what they had that was easy and readily available.”

Trinsic single-handle pull-down kitchen faucet in Champagne Bronze, Delta; countertops: Cashmere Carrara, Simplex Marble & Granite

Before, the room had no workable counter space. Now there’s plenty of room to seperate and fold. There’s also scads of storage space for non-laundry-related items like cleaning supplies. “Actually, my parents are redoing their kitchen now, so it’s really convenient for them to have all of this extra cabinet space for dishes while they complete construction,” Soda says.

“My parents were always super supportive when I was growing up, letting me design my room however I wanted. But my sisters kept questioning everything I was doing in here,” she says. “When it was all done, everyone loved it. This was an exercise in trust.”

Ask any homeowner what they’d like to improve about their property, and a likely response is the addition of a utility room. The stark reality of all too many homes is an overflowing laundry basket in the kitchen, assorted linen drying on the radiators, and never being able to find a pair of socks that even remotely match.

Squeezing a separate utility area into your home — even if it’s reworking your existing kitchen cabinets to make more efficient use of the space — will help you to stay on top of the dastardly linen and hopefully reduce your household headaches to the barest minimum.

 

1. Hide it away.

Creating a space for all your household needs — such as a drying rack that tucks away into a cabinet or somewhere to hang your ironing board — and then concealing everything behind large doors will help create a streamlined home.

A separate sink for your laundry and lots of storage baskets are practical additions if you have more room.

 

2. Introduce a dark shade.

Who says the utility room needs to be bland? It’s not usually the most glamorous of spaces, but you can add some creative cool by daubing the walls in a dark gray.

Most of us put our washing machine on the floor, but elevating it to a more ergonomic height offers storage space beneath and makes it more comfortable to load.

3. Stack it.

Squeeze a utility area into the smallest of spaces by sitting the dryer on top of the washing machine. Install shelves above for laundry detergent and other essential household items.

4. Hang it high.

The smallest of kitchens can double as a laundry space if you suspend a drying rack above the sink.

Incorporating a tall cabinet into the corner of the room creates a handy place to store your vacuum cleaner, broom, mop and bucket, and ensures that a hardworking space stays clutter-free.

5. Help it work harder.

If you have a generously sized utility room, put the space to good use by adding a row of hooks for coats, gloves and bags too. Storage above and below can be used for shoes and other family paraphernalia, which can quickly turn the tidiest of homes into total chaos.

6. Have fun with color.

If you want to make laundry chores less dull, why not have fun with the design of your utility room? By painting the cabinets in a rich blue and adding an assortment of patterned tiles, this laundry space is fresh and invigorating.

7. Create a minimalistic design.

If you prefer your laundry room to have more of a Zen feel, keep the design minimal to help you tackle your household chores. Painting the drying rack in the same shade as the walls here helps it disappear, while a Shaker-style cabinet design, wicker baskets and tongue-and-groove paneling lend a country touch to this beautifully designed utility space.

8. Squeeze in a laundry nook.

If you lack space for a utility room, consider hiding your washing machine and dryer behind cabinet doors. Putting a couple of shelves above the machines provides plenty of room to store laundry detergent and other essentials.

9. Think about location.

In a busy household with lots of children and animals — cue piles of muddy boots and annoying paw prints — designing your utility space close to the kitchen and the back door makes a lot of sense. As well as being somewhere to stash your laundry out of sight, it’s a useful place to let dogs dry off after a muddy walk.

10. Plan out your space.

If you have the luxury of a separate utility room, put it to good use by including a separate sink for hand-washing. With cabinets above and below for storing detergent and other laundry essentials, and painted a soft shade of gray, this room is a self-contained and calm work area.

 

 

This countdown of the top new laundry rooms uploaded to Houzz so far in 2026 highlights how thoughtful design can elevate one of the home’s hardest-working spaces. Across a range of styles and layouts, these rooms combine smart storage, durable materials and efficient planning with color, pattern and personality. Explore the lineup for ideas on maximizing function while bringing fresh style to wash routines.

 

10. Bold, Refined Red

Cabinetry in a rich, sun-dried tomato red brings bold, tailored energy to this contemporary Houston laundry room by Flair Builders. The space features two sets of washers and dryers to keep loads moving without a bottleneck. On the right, a hardworking island has a generous folding surface and a base fitted with open drawers that double as convenient air-drying racks.

 

9. Tailored English Style

Set in the English town of Camberley, this laundry room by Higham Furniture draws on its pastoral surroundings with a soft, nature-inspired palette. Sage green cabinetry paired with antique brass hardware establishes a classic look, while wicker baskets and hampers introduce layered texture. Stacked appliances free up space for a sink, a drying rod and a practical folding counter, balancing charm with function.

8. Composed Design Elements

Pattern, paneling and refined millwork define this transitional Sunnyvale, California, laundry room by Baron Construction and Remodeling. A diamond-patterned floor, tongue-and-groove paneling and thin-rail Shaker-style cabinetry create a composed, tailored look. Function is prioritized with a sink, a drying rod and ample storage.

7. Relaxed Farmhouse

The Scandinavian farmhouse-inspired style of this West Bend, Wisconsin, lake house by Highland Builders carries through to the laundry room in the form of patterned wallpaper, a wood countertop and a woven shade. A wall-mounted drying rack tucks neatly against the wall when not in use, and a hamper on casters offers easy mobility throughout the space.

6. Polished Utility

Located in a coastal town in New South Wales, Australia, this laundry room by Lynda MacDonald Interior Design delivers kitchen-level polish with slatted navy cabinetry, a crosshatch-patterned gray tile backsplash, warm wood accents and large-format floor tile. The space is equally hardworking, featuring a pullout drying rack that disappears into the cabinetry when not in use, along with a sink, a long drying rod, ample storage and generous counter space.

 

5. Big and Bold Botanicals

Oversize floral wallpaper energizes this Traverse City, Michigan, laundry room by Kitchen Choreography. Hardworking cabinetry handles the utility side of the space with open cubbies for laundry baskets, plus drawers, cabinets and ample countertop and hanging space. An open shelving unit introduces display space for books and decor, helping the room feel as styled as it is functional

4. Laundry in a Garden

This Naples, Florida, laundry room by Daso Custom Cabinetry leans into a garden-inspired aesthetic with floral wallpaper, leafy green paint and flower-shaped ceiling lights. The layout is centered around a top-loading washer, with floating shelves above the appliances and a convenient countertop for folding beside them.

3. Vintage Flair

Tile wainscoting, leafy wallpaper, brass accents and a patterned Roman shade create a polished, traditional look in this Mercer Island, Washington, laundry room. Q Design Studio layered in high-functioning elements, including a wall-mounted vintage sink, a rolling hamper, abundant cabinetry and a long drying rod.

2. Stylishly Stacked

By stacking handsome navy appliances in this Larchmont, New York, laundry room, JWH Design and Cabinetry created space for a drying rod and an L-shaped countertop with an integrated sink. Crisp white cabinets brighten the palette and contrast with the navy appliances, while a warm wood floor grounds the design.

1. Built for Pets

This multifunctional entryway in Sacramento, California, serves as a mudroom, laundry room and pet-grooming zone. Design Shop Interiors incorporated a dedicated pet-washing station for easy, ergonomic bathing, while a farmhouse-inspired brick floor stands up to wet paws and everyday use.

This countdown of the 10 most-saved new laundry rooms on Houzz shows that even the most functional spaces can be stylish and uplifting. Check out the clever layouts, soothing colors and smart storage for thoughtful design ideas on turning a chore into a moment of calm and satisfaction.

 

10. Neat Nook

Nestled into an alcove, this laundry area saves space without sacrificing utility or good looks. Design firm Paige Lee Interiors in Michigan set a countertop across the top of the units so it can hold baskets or be a base for folding clothes. A rod for air drying is tucked between two cabinets, which are closed to keep detergents and other items out of sight. An open shelf allows for decor, while a patterned floor with a bit of blue injects energy into the crisp black-and-white palette.

 

9. Tasteful Traditional

Glossy white brick set at slightly varying depths manages to look both old-world and completely fresh in this traditional laundry room in the Washington, D.C., area. Loial Home also went “updated traditional” with the dark star-and-cross tile flooring. As for practical features, the space includes a drying rod, a generous counter with rolling baskets underneath and plenty of closed storage. And anyone doing hand-washing in the sink won’t feel closed in, thanks to a nearby window with a view of greenery.

 

8. View Master

Katie Severns Design used woven cabinet fronts and glossy handmade-looking tile with subtle variations to give this San Francisco laundry room organic flair. But the clean lines, unobtrusive hardware and neutral palette convey a modern sensibility too. Copious cabinets keep unsightly elements off the spacious countertop. Note how the black washer and dryer draw the eye toward the black-frame door and its outdoor view instead of toward the room’s workaday interior. A rug helps pick up any dirt that might make its way in from the outside world.

 

7. Row With the Flow

Stacking the washer and dryer in this narrow laundry room allowed Sustainable Nine Design + Build to pack in a shelving unit along the side. The space, in a Minneapolis row house, also has closed upper and lower cabinets and baskets perched on an open shelf, to give every product a tucked-away place. A drying rod and sink round out the convenience features, while the palette relies on soft neutrals for ease on the eyes. As in the previous example, however, a striking black window frame cleverly pulls the gaze outdoors.

 

6. Checking All the Boxes

Grid-style lines help break up the plentiful white cabinetry in this New South Wales, Australia, laundry room by Horton & Co., but just enough to create interest and not interrupt any chore-time daydreaming. The flooring design has boxes of its own and contributes grounding stone-like colors, while small wall tiles in various beige and brown tones add a complementary touch and give the eye another place to land. A drying rod, a spacious countertop and open shelves with decor complete the picture.

 

5. Glow for It

Soft gray cabinetry and wall tile in varying shades of cream and beige give this Dallas laundry room by Jessica Koltun Home a soothing yet uplifting feel. Even the checkerboard floor is toned down from the traditional crisp black-and-white version. Washed in natural light, the space almost seems to glow from within. Gold-tone cup pulls and knobs add polish and shine, while an apron-front sink and its polished vintage-style faucet bring both a countrified feel and an aura of refinement.

 

4. Purple Reign

Eschewing a light and airy color palette in favor of deep purple cabinets, walls and millwork, April Gahagan of FS Design Group gave this laundry area a rich, layered look. Because the space, brought to life by Judd Builders in North Carolina, also serves as a side foyer, mudroom and pantry — a high-traffic area, in other words — the designer carefully balanced aesthetics with practicality. For instance, dragonfly wallpaper has been placed higher up, above sturdier wainscoting, to keep it out of harm’s way. And the flooring is durable brick, given an elevated look thanks to varying shades and a herringbone pattern.

 

3. Cottage Chic

Thoughtful storage meets farmhouse freshness in this Georgia laundry room. The space was designed by Megan Bolz of MB Designs and built by MDH Design & Build, which uses Houzz Pro to manage its business. The room has drawers conveniently placed next to the stacked washer and dryer, cabinets for detergent jugs and other large items, and a tall cabinet with an outlet for keeping cleaning appliances at the ready. Baskets under the counter can keep lights and darks or dirty and clean clothes separate. An extra-long sink offers plenty of room for soaking and rinsing. And the whole space is drenched in a soothing creamy white with a few contrasting elements for interest.

 

2. Hardworking Hub

The pretty blue-gray cabinet color and fun travel-celebrating wallpaper might catch the eye first, but Surrina Plemons Interiors and Laurel McAteer of Studio Haven Interiors incorporated more than immediately meets the eye in this basement-level San Francisco Bay Area laundry room. A laundry chute is hiding in those tall cabinets on the right, a full-size refrigerator and freezer (not seen) sit to the left of the sink, and a wine fridge has a home next to the sink.

 

1. Natural Beauty

Earthy green cabinets (Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams) bring nature into this North Carolina laundry room by Susanne Ordonez of House of Maevie. But the space is far from untamed, with elegant hardware, beadboard-clad walls and white oak open shelves holding artwork and accoutrements. A built-in hamper offers convenience, while a stool can double as a waist-high basket perch or a place for resting between cycles.