Step inside eight laundry spaces that level up their functional and aesthetic value in the home.
The laundry is arguably one of the hardest working rooms in the home. And while it isn’t the first space in the home to be on display, the laundry’s practical grounds are equally as worthy of considered design details, premium finishes and quality materiality. In this edit, we explore how designers have approached eight different laundries, and through each element – from storage to appliances – have achieved a well-resolved space.
Bellevue Hill by Pohio Adams Architects
Reimagined by Pohio Adams Architects, this two-storey Sydney home represents a fusion of period and contemporary styles. An elegant laundry space echoes the high ceilings, brass detailing, marble benchtops and steel-framed windows featured throughout the home. Occupying a prime position adjacent to the kitchen, the laundry features 180-degree garden views and an ornate lacquered credenza.
The home needed to cater to the owner’s adult children staying home for extended periods, making way for double washing machines and dryers. When it comes to stacking laundry appliances, Miele‘s space-saving stacking kits provide maximum space and functionality while ensuring safe installation.
Bourne Road Residence by studiofour
studiofour designed an internal garden within the centre of the Bourne Road home. As such, all internal spaces feature a minimalist approach, purposefully pared back to take full advantage of the outdoor garden views. Located parallel to the butler’s pantry, the laundry features clean lines, square set angles, integrated appliances and subtle design cues. A clothing rail positioned beneath the bulkhead with heating provides hanging space and additional drying options.
Ballarat House by Kennedy Nolan
With calming lake views, this 1970s inspired home reimagined by Kennedy Nolan has a palpable connection to nature. This is explicitly reflected in the palette, in the stacked stone fireplace, timber panelling, and earthen tones throughout. The laundry space captures the same warm and textural feel, with timber panelling, soft grey penny tiles and stone benchtops. Miele appliances are integrated under the benchtop, while wooden suspended clothes hanging rails provides additional storage and drying capabilities for the winter months.
Woollahra Home by Decus Interiors
Decus Interiors‘ brief for the Woollahra Home was simple: to ensure no two spaces were the same. True to the design objective, the laundry space takes on a serene palette, contrasting with the bold stone found in the bathroom spaces. A traditional butler’s sink takes pride of place, contrasted with contemporary matt black tapware. At the same time, muted green cabinetry grounds the space, complete with open shelving that takes practical advantage of the corner space.
Danmark Point Piper by Michiru Higginbotham Studio
Michiru Higginbotham Studio were tasked with converting a space within a heritage-listed mansion overlooking Sydney Harbour into an apartment. While maintaining the timeless beauty of the Federation facade, the brief called for contemporary design details within. In the modest laundry space, bi-fold doors keep washing out of sight in the open-plan apartment. Michiru Higginbotham Studio explored how to make the most of the compact area, with features such as overhead cabinetry that complements the profile used throughout the common areas. Miele appliances are tucked away neatly under the bench, while a stainless steel rail runs the length of the space for hanging clothes.
Portsea Hideaway by Mim Design
Mim Design’s Portsea Hideaway features a calming palette of muted greys and ivory, warmed by timber flooring, reflecting a casual and contemporary beach house aesthetic. In the laundry, Portsea Grey natural stone benchtops are met with handmade ivory subway tiles, a large recessed sink and a combination of storage, including overhead and full-height joinery. An under bench area for laundry baskets is arguably one of the most convenient features to avoid congestion (and conceal dirty laundry) in the space.
Magnolia House by Arent & Pyke
Arent & Pyke’s Magnolia House, a family home transformation on Sydney’s lower north shore, is saturated in colour, texture, and natural light. The rich material palette extends to the laundry space, featuring the same duck egg shaker cabinetry and marble splashback as the kitchen. Shaped around its access to light and greenery, the laundry features a simple timber shelf and hanging rail that’s strategically tucked away out of sight behind the custom cabinetry.
Malvern Residence II by Studio Tate
What began as engaging Studio Tate to design a new butler’s pantry evolved into a complete reimagining of the Malvern Residence, a fusion of elegant colours, textures and materiality in a modest-sized home. Polished and brushed brass fixtures and fittings are carried into the laundry space, as seen in the classic cabinetry hardware and gooseneck tap. A clever mapping of space makes way for full-height custom joinery, while a thoughtfully placed pull-out bench provides ease of unloading from the Miele dryer above.
