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.
