15 laundry renovation design ideas that will add value

• $2,000 to $5,000 for a basic, non-custom refresh. 

• $5,000 to $15,000 for a mid-range reno. 

• $20,000+ for a custom, high end laundry. 

If you’re going basic you might struggle to update your appliances, tile your splashback, or have any custom cabinetry, but a reno in this price bracket can still look great and be very functional. Take a look at kitset brands like Kaboodle, which should enable you to build a great laundry for just a few thousand. 

Mid-range renos are great for most households, and in this price bracket you can usually afford to update your appliances, replace flooring, and tile your splashback. At the upper end you might even be able to afford some custom cabinetry. 

Custom high end laundry renos feature the best-of-the-best. High end appliances, custom cabinetry, tiled floors and walls, and even an interior designer are in the budget. 

Most renovators don’t get design advice when putting together a laundry, but they do when designing their kitchen. Simply copying that kitchen design and carrying it through to your laundry is a great way to make sure your home looks cohesive and your laundry design works. 

Consider using the same tiles, benchtops, and flooring and see how it looks!

It’s funny the little things you enjoy most when you renovate. For example, my favorite thing in my garage laundry renovation is the ceiling mounted hanging rack that I pull down and use to dry small washing loads. It saves me going out to the washing line as much and tucks away neatly when not in use. 

Most laundries are compact spaces so it’s always best to choose appliances that take up as little room as possible. Choosing a washer dryer means that you only need one big box appliance in your space (and they’re super convenient). If this is out of the budget, or you already have a washer dryer, consider stacking them to save floor space. 

Laundries are usually tucked away inconspicuously in garages, cupboards, or mini rooms and usually guests don’t see them. If you were going to try something a little different design-wise it’s the perfect space. 

You could try using interesting materials like Cleanstone. Made from recycled sea plastic, this stuff makes a great benchtop, costs very little, and is completely unique. 

Ironing boards are a pain to store and usually end up leaning against a wall in the garage. To solve that problem for good, why not incorporate a fold down or slide out ironing board into your new laundry?

Speaking of inbuilt stuff, you need inbuilt laundry baskets in your laundry reno - go for two that slide out so you can easily separate whites from colours and thank me later.

Laundries are a bit like home offices - when we’re done using them we’d rather not see or hear them until next time. So it’s absolutely essential that it’s easy to close a door or slider to hide all the mess once you’re done. If you’ve got a mid-range or high end budget it could also be worth considering sound proofing the walls and door, so that when the washer or dryer are on you can’t hear a thing. 

Most laundry renos only go with cabinets, but this is a mistake. Drawers are much better for storing lots of smaller items that you access frequently, like stain removers, laundry powders, and spray and wipes. You’ll want at least one placed right next to your work spaces. 

If you can manage it you should definitely tile your splashback and floor. Other materials like vinyl look great, but nothing is as easy to clean, or looks quite as premium as beautifully laid tiles (except for maybe timber flooring). 

More space for removing stains, soaking, and cleaning stuff. Why wouldn’t you?

Your design should make doing your laundry and little jobs easier. Your washing machine and dryer should be next to your sink, stuff should be stored next to where you use it, and everything should just make sense. To make sure your layout makes life easier, think about the way you use your laundry, and design accordingly. 

Cavity sliders are a genius way to maximise space in your laundry. By not opening or closing into the room they can make your laundry feel bigger, or make it possible to turn a large cupboard into a European laundry. These cost a little to install and you will need a builder but they can make a big difference. 

Laundries are best when they’re stacked with lots of storage so don’t leave the walls empty. If your budget allows, go right up to the ceiling with cabinetry and storage space, and future-you will be thankful. 

Good lighting can make any good space look great. The priority should be bright lighting over workspaces such as your benchtop, but feature lighting, and LED strip lighting in storage spaces and cabinetry can add a little extra style.