The laundry is one of the hardest working rooms in the home, not just as a space to wash clothes but for storing miscellaneous supplies, too. And yet it’s often the last space that we think of renovating. Well, no more! With some simple tweaks, your laundry can be a streamlined and stylish haven. Think cosmetic changes like a fresh coat of paint or some new tapware, or more substantial improvements, such as additional cabinetry or new flooring.
BHG has teamed up with Bunnings to bring you the best ideas from its Make It Happen renovation series. In Episode 4, Lisa and Dave’s rundown laundry is transformed into a modern and functional space in a matter of days. Here are five simple tweaks you might like to make in your own laundry.
1. Give it a colour refresh
When it comes to refreshing a small space like a laundry, you can go one of two ways: Use the same paint shades that feature elsewhere in your home for a clean and cohesive look or try something completely different in this self-contained space. A fresh citrus hue can be an instant mood-lifter, while pale blue or green is calming and a natural choice for a wet room. Or how about a dark charcoal for depth and drama, such as the above space? If you love prints, skip the paint for a vinyl wallpaper.
2. Streamline the laundry routine
When revamping this laundry, the Bunnings team looked at how Dave and Lisa use the space and came up with a plan that would simplify their clothes-washing process. An extended benchtop, a hanging rod for drying and a heated towel rail were just some of the new inclusions that boosted the room’s functionality.
What does your laundry need to make washing less of a chore? Think open shelving to stow buckets and detergent, drawers for sorting, a fold-out clothes airer for rainy days or a pull-out ironing board.
3. Let there be light
A dark and dingy laundry is not a fun place to be, so consider new lighting to brighten the space. A statement pendant in the centre of the room adds a nice decorative touch, while strip lighting under upper cabinets will illuminate the sink or benchtop below. Alternatively, harness the power of natural light by installing a skylight in the ceiling or swapping out a solid timber door for one with a window in it.
4. Maximise storage
Get the most out of your laundry cupboards and cabinets with clever storage solutions. When kitting out Dave and Lisa’s laundry, the Bunnings team were keen to minimise clutter. Wall hooks for dog leads, tubs for kids’ sports uniforms, bins for dog food, labelled canisters for pegs and laundry powder and a rack system for brooms and brushes – now everything has its place to help the room function for multiple purposes.
5. Style it up
Adding a few decorative touches to your laundry will elevate it from being a place you dread visiting to one that’s a joy to walk into each day. Start with a rug or runner on the floor, for warmth and colour. Likewise, some stylish leather cupboard handles or new sink mixer in a chic finish will instantly improve the aesthetics. Create useable vignettes on shelves or benchtops, lean a cheerful artwork against the wall or add some indoor plants – they’ll thrive in a laundry with a good amount of natural light.
In The Series
Better Homes & Gardens has teamed up with Bunnings to inspire your next renovation, providing tips and tricks on a range of topics including taking your laundry to the next level. Be sure to check out the other helpful instalments in this series.
- The ultimate kids’ backyard
- How to create a study zone in your living area
- How to revamp your home’s facade
Brought to you by Bunnings. For more DIY advice, discover the Make It Happen series here.
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