Photography: Dylan James, courtest of Kaboodle Kitchen. Laundry Minnie + Me Interiors.
Doing the washing is more enjoyable if the laundry is designed with equal emphasis on functionality and style. Look at this chic pink laundry, for example. The vision was ‘playful elegance’, a look achieved by combining candy-pink cabinetry, bold floral wallpaper and simple styling techniques.
Every aspect of this space, from the affordable flatpack units to the whimsical wallpaper, is a reflection of owner Kristy Young’s personal style and resourcefulness. Kristy, founder and director of Minnie & Me Interiors (who specialise in peel-and-stick wallpaper and gorgeous wall decals), created the laundry using her own wallpaper design and flatpack cabinetry from kaaboodle. “I wanted to show that our luxury wallpaper can be used in any room in the home,” she says.
Ready to create the pink laundry of your dreams? Here are Kristy’s five tips for getting the most out of your space!
1. Functionality and storage
You need a practical space that’s easy to work in, from the way you position appliances to bench space and choice of cabinetry. Utilise vertical wall space to boost your storage capacity. Opt for closed units as well as open cubbies to showcase decorative elements such as baskets and plant life to bring a touch of nature indoors. For the wow factor, consider the whimsical Floral Fantasy wallpaper.
“Functionality comes first,” says Kristy. “Laundry hampers to hide away dirty washing, the huge bench to do our folding, and the high and low cupboards to hide away all the necessities safely, e.g. chemicals, medicines, and pet food. Everything has a place and is easy to find. The washer and dryer are positioned so that both doors open alternate ways to ensure the transfer of washing easily between the machines.”
2. Colour schemes
When choosing your colour scheme, create a mood board of the finishes – be it digital, print or one made up of actual materials. Here, the matt Tapioca benchtop, with subtle stone-like speckles, subdues the Candy Floss pink doors and panels, while the Worn Gold Salento handles add glam.
Kristy recommends you ensure it flows with your whole house. “I wanted my own home to flow, so I started with a fresh and timeless base of white and neutrals, then dotted shades of pink throughout our home, from pink wallpaper in one room, pink cushions in another, to artworks, to furniture pieces,” she says.
Candy floss matt finish doors come in kaboodle’s alpine profile, as in the image, as well as a customisable modern profile.
Bonus tip:
3. ‘L’ is for laundry
Plan for an L-shaped laundry for maximum efficiency while maintaining a sense of openness. To create a natural flow for tasks, place your washer and dryer side-by-side on one arm of the ‘L’ for easy transfer of laundry loads.
Also opt for a spacious wraparound benchtop to provide ample room for sorting, folding and ironing.
4. Balance is key
Throw in a bright and bold wallpaper, then balance it with subtly through styling.
“Wallpaper is honestly the best invention ever! Wallpaper adds colour, depth and character to a room, whereas paint can feel quite flat,” says Kristy. “Wallpaper is a very personal choice. You should choose designs that bring you joy and make you feel good about being in your home. I’m loving the idea of dopamine décor right now… adding colours, patterns, prints and pieces that bring you joy, making your home truly yours.”
But how can you ensure the room doesn’t feel too cluttered, or busy when using wallpaper? It’s all about balance, says Kristy. “The floral fantasy design in our laundry is bright and bold, therefore the styling is simple and pared bac -, e.g. a basket and jute rug to add a touch of natural warmth, greenery for soothing vibes, and towels to bring a sense of texture.”
5. Be bold!
It can be scary using bold colours or busy wallpapers in your space. But it doesn’t need to be permanent. “Removable wallpapers are a great option for DIYers or those who like to change things up occasionally,” says Kristy. “Removable wallpaper has a self-adhesive backing. It is like a big sticker that is applied in pre-cut panels, [with] a mess-free application.”
Don’t hold back – let your personality shine through your interior design. “You live once, so ‘do you’ and make your home somewhere you want to be,” says Kristy. She adds: “Don’t follow trends. Fill your home with things that you love.”
