Laundries: Clean Sweep

Give your laundry a bold new personality with these fresh design ideas and layout tips

- Laura Barry

The laundry is arguably the hardest-working room in the house and yet, traditionally, the design of this essential utilitarian zone has rarely been approached with as much care and consideration as our living or bedroom spaces. After all, it’s just the washing machine, dryer, sink and some cupboards, right? Not so. The way we view laundries is changing. We’ve collected some of the best design inspiration, layout advice and interior design techniques to equip you to dream up and create a laundry that’s as aesthetically pleasing as the rest of your home. From space-saving and storage ideas to appliance integration, we’ve got you covered.

HOLDING PATTERN

Colour, pattern and texture harmonise in this Sydney laundry (above) by interior designer Lisa Burdus. “I wanted the laundry to look and feel like any other room in the house, decorated with wallpaper, window coverings and a rug on the floor,” says Lisa. The space features Cole & Son ‘Florencecourt’ wallpaper (try Wallpaper Direct), blinds in Nicole Fabre fabric (try Elliott Clarke) and a Moroccan rug from Lisa’s own collection. “The fabric for the blinds is close in colour to the rug, which balances the room,” says Lisa, whose top tip is to keep surfaces clear. “Ensure what you see from the open door is as neat as possible,” she adds.

TASK MASTER