Design Inspiration

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LAUNDRY DESIGN TRENDS + ADD SOME LUXE TO YOUR LAUNDRY 

The laundry room – the unsung hero of the home, where socks mysteriously vanish and dryer lint forms its own secret society. But who says the laundry can't be a stylish affair? The laundry room has undergone a bit of a renaissance in recent years, proving it's more than just a home for dirty washing. Latest designs show that it’s a place where function and form do indeed meet; and adding a touch of elegance to this once hidden room is now a priority for many home owners. 
 

^{Taupo Show Home, Wharewaka}

In this article we’ll share some cheap and cheerful tips for adding a touch of luxe to your laundry, but first let’s explore the latest trends we’re seeing when it comes to laundry design:

Multi-Functional Spaces: More than a one trick pony, laundry rooms are evolving into multi-functional spaces that serve more than just washing and drying clothes. They may include areas for folding, ironing, sewing, crafting, brewing or even pet care. Designers are finding creative ways to maximise functionality while maintaining style and organisation.

Integrated with living spaces: Say goodbye to poky rooms and hello to laundry rooms that seamlessly blend with the rest of the home. We're talking laundry nooks disguised as kitchen pantries, seamless integration into garaging, and hidden behind sliding barn doors. Optimising space and creating a seamless flow in the home is a key consideration, while also thinking about reducing the steps from the machine to the washing line. 

Smart Technology: Smart technology has infiltrated every corner of our lives, including the laundry. Smart appliances and home automation are becoming increasingly popular: Wi-Fi-enabled washers and dryers allow for remote monitoring and control, while features like steam cleaning technology offer dry-cleaning quality within the convenience of your own home. Adding a smart screen puts a fun spin on the laundry – watch your favourite show while you fold laundry! 

Custom cabinetry: Home owners and designers are incorporating custom cabinetry, built-in shelving, and innovative storage solutions to keep laundry essentials neatly organised and easily accessible. While custom cabinetry comes at a cost, it looks slick and is worth its weight in gold when it comes to adding functionality to the laundry. 

Luxurious Finishes: Despite its utilitarian purpose, the laundry room is not immune to luxury. Homeowners are opting for high-end finishes like marble countertops, custom cabinetry, and designer lighting to elevate the aesthetic appeal of the space. A laundry benchtop is great for folding washing and ensuring that that messy pile doesn’t creep into your living rooms… God forbid. 
 

^{Rolleston Show Home, Canterbury}

Add a touch of luxe without breaking the bank:

Luxurious details can transform the laundry room into a more inviting and enjoyable environment.  It doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, here are some quick and easy ways to add a touch of elegance:

• Upgrade Lighting: Replace old or basic light fixtures with something more stylish, such as pendant lights or a chandelier. Elegant lighting can instantly elevate the ambiance of the room.
   
• Install Decorative Hardware: Swap out plain cabinet knobs and pulls for decorative ones in a metallic finish like brass or brushed nickel. This small change can make a big difference to the overall look of the room.
   
• Add a fresh coat of paint: Choose a neutral or soft colour palette to create a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. Consider adding an accent wall with a bold colour or pattern for added interest.
   
• Invest in high-quality storage: Replace plastic bins and baskets with stylish storage solutions like woven baskets or decorative bins made from materials like wood or metal. This not only adds elegance but also helps keep the space organised.
   
• Accessorise thoughtfully: Incorporate decorative elements like artwork, mirrors, or decorative trays to add personality and style to the room. Choose pieces that complement the overall aesthetic and tie the space together. Adding a dried floral arrangement or a candle to a laundry is an easy way to add a lasting touch of luxe.
   
• Install a stylish splashback: Upgrade the splashback behind the sink or laundry area with elegant tiles in a pattern or colour that adds visual interest to the room. This can be a relatively simple DIY project with peel-and-stick tiles or a weekend project with traditional tiles. Tiles also make the space much more hardwearing and easy to clean.
   
• Add greenery: Bring the outdoors in by adding a few potted plants to those open shelves. Not only do plants add a touch of elegance, but they also help purify the air and create a more inviting atmosphere.

By incorporating these quick and easy tips, you can transform your laundry room into a more elegant and sophisticated space without breaking the bank.

At the end of the day an aesthetically pleasing laundry is a much nicer space to work in, so if you’re going to have to scrub those stains and fold those clothes, you may as well do it in style. 
 

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