Laundry Room Design Hacks That Make Chores Less Painful

Let’s be honest: laundry isn’t exactly glamorous.

But just because it’s a chore doesn’t mean your laundry space has to feel like one. Some of the most powerful design upgrades I’ve seen happen not in the main living room, but behind closed doors in the laundry.

And when done right? It feels less like a chore and more like a quiet moment of calm. A little corner of your home that says, “You’ve got this.”

Today I’m sharing my go-to laundry room design hacks that don’t just make the space prettier; they make the job easier. Because let’s face it: when your surroundings support you, your mindset shifts. And that’s the secret to a home (and life) that feels effortlessly elevated.

1. Add a Bench or Shelf for Style + Sanity

Most laundry rooms are designed with only the function in mind, but what about comfort?

The first design upgrade I recommend? Add a built-in bench or floating shelf.

It gives you a place to sit and sort or stack those "I'll fold them later" piles, and also provides a visual break. Add a cushion and a couple of coat hooks, and suddenly you have a mudroom-laundry hybrid that feels intentional.

🔑 Design secret: Choose a timber-look floating shelf in a warm oak or ash finish; it adds warmth, especially in a white or tiled room. Pair it with brass hooks and a soft woven basket for texture.

✨ Want the look? Our Styling Secrets: Accessories, Décor & Finishing Touches eBook includes laundry-friendly styling examples to bring these ideas to life, without needing a full renovation.

2. Use Wall Space Like a Pro

In smaller laundry rooms, vertical space is everything.

Install upper cabinets or open shelving to keep things off the bench. I use clear glass jars with brass lids for laundry pods, pegs, or dryer sheets. It’s functional and beautifully styled.

Bonus points if you add an extendable drying rack or a fold-away ironing board built into the cabinetry. These hidden elements make your laundry room work for you, not the other way around.

🧼 Pro tip: If you’re storing stain removers or chemicals, decant them into labelled amber pump bottles to keep everything cohesive and more aesthetically pleasing.

3. Lighting = Mood

If you’re still using a cold, blue-toned fluorescent light in your laundry room, it’s time for an upgrade.

Good lighting is a game-changer, especially in a space you use regularly, even if you don’t love the task. Soft, warm LED downlights or a statement pendant light can make the space feel intentional, not industrial.

💡 Design elevation: Install an under-shelf LED strip to softly illuminate your benchtop. It adds ambience and practicality when folded at night.

🛒 Not sure what lighting suits your space? Our Signature Design Package includes lighting concepts and hardware pairings tailored to your style and floor plan, no guesswork, no regrets.

4. Incorporate Stylish Storage (That Actually Works)

Say goodbye to ugly plastic laundry baskets.

Upgrade your storage game with woven hampers, cotton rope baskets, or stylish pull-out drawers in custom cabinetry. Each family member can have their own labelled section, and suddenly, laundry sorting becomes... well, bearable.

🧺 Insider tip: Add a slim pull-out between your washer and dryer for storing detergents, brushes, or cloths. It’s one of those sneaky storage hacks that makes you feel on top of it even on a chaotic Tuesday night.

Want more secrets like this? You’ll find a dozen clever storage ideas inside our Small Space Solutions Mini Edition, perfect for renters or compact homes.

5. Choose Materials That Feel Luxurious (and Last)

Laundry rooms see heat, moisture, and spills, so durable materials matter.

But durability doesn’t mean dull.

I love using textured cabinetry in matte finishes, oversized brushed nickel or brass handles, and stone or stone-look benchtops that are both stain-resistant and stylish.

🪨 Tile trick: Choose handmade-look subway tiles in a herringbone or stacked vertical layout for subtle luxury. They bounce light and elevate even a small nook.

💭 Thinking of a full redo? If you’re renovating or building from scratch, book a Floor Plan Review before finalising your laundry layout. Trust me, a poorly placed door or awkward appliance spot can cost you in frustration for years to come.

6. Make it Smell Like a Boutique Hotel

Scent is one of the most overlooked elements in home design, but it’s one of the most powerful.

In your laundry room, a soft signature scent can transform the energy from “ugh, chores” to “ahh, refresh.”

✨ My go-to: A soft vanilla and linen room spray, layered with a reed diffuser and fabric softener in the same scent family. You could even place a scented sachet inside your linen basket.

This one small change makes the entire room feel like a boutique service space instead of a utility zone.

7. Personalise with Touches of You

This is where luxury meets lifestyle.

Add a framed quote that makes you smile. A photo of your family. A small plant (snake plants and pothos thrive in low-light rooms). Even a vintage rug underfoot can make you feel like you’re in a styled mudroom, not a forgotten back room.

🪴 Small habit, big shift: Fold your towels into neat thirds and stack them like a hotel spa. You’ll be surprised how this one act of care can set the tone for the rest of your week.

Final Thoughts: Design a Life That Feels as Good as It Looks

Here’s what I want you to remember: it’s not about making laundry glamorous. It’s about making your daily routines feel like they support you instead of draining you.

Your home should serve you. Even the parts behind closed doors.

And when you take the time to elevate your laundry room through smart storage, beautiful finishes, and thoughtful styling, you’re not just creating a better space. You’re creating a better experience.

That’s the kind of design that changes how you show up in your home and in your life.

Ready to transform every room into a beautiful, functional space? Start with your laundry room today.

If your laundry space (or any other room) is in need of a design glow-up, we’re here for it.

🖥️ Explore our Signature Design Experience to receive a full design proposal tailored to your space, style, and routine.

📘 Prefer to start slow? Dive into our Curated Edition Library for styling secrets, layout solutions, and functional upgrades for every room of the house.

At Seventeen Designs, we don’t just design homes.

We design lifestyles.

And yes, that includes making your laundry room feel like a little luxury.