Our laundry room was a 5x8 closet with bare bulb lighting, builder-grade white walls, wire shelving from 1987, and a floor drain I tried not to think about. I spent four years averting my eyes.
New tall storage cabinets replaced the wire shelving. The biggest single change. The cabinets created immediate order. Supplies behind doors meant the room could look clean even when it technically wasn't.
New lighting: I replaced the single bare bulb with a warm-toned fixture and added wall sconces flanking the utility sink. The room is now bright enough to actually see what I'm doing, which I hadn't realized was a problem until it wasn't. Paint: warm white that makes the room feel connected to the rest of the house. Now it's where I go to listen to podcasts while doing something mindlessly productive.
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Sarah at The Kinney Home covered laundry room organization for a family of seven, her layout thinking applies directly to the space planning questions here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I update my laundry room cheaply?
Paint is the highest-impact lowest-cost change. Add a shelf or two. Replace the light fixture if it's fluorescent. Add a small plant if there's natural light. Under $200, complete transformation.
Do laundry rooms need special cabinets?
Laundry rooms benefit from water-resistant finishes, standard kitchen cabinets work well. Upper cabinets keep supplies accessible but hidden; a lower shelf provides space for folded laundry.
What should a laundry room have?
A counter surface for folding, storage for supplies, adequate lighting, and ventilation. Useful: a hanging rod for air-dry items, a small sink if space allows.
