5 New Laundry Rooms That Work Hard and Look Good
Designers share how they turned dated laundry rooms into beautiful, functional spaces with warmth and personality
A well-designed laundry room can make everyday tasks feel more efficient and enjoyable. Here, designers share the colors, layouts and thoughtful details they used to transform dated or underperforming laundry rooms into spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional.
Designer tip. “By keeping our color palette simple with a collection of shades of blues and wood tones, we gave ourselves the opportunity to play with the patterns and textures without overwhelming this little laundry,” Christensen says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “Taking the wallpaper plunge was a big leap for our client,” Christensen says. “She didn’t have wallpaper anywhere else in her home and was worried her laundry room would feel out of place. We explored a few different directions together with variations of paint and wallpaper, and ultimately we all fell in love with this bold little laundry room design that was dripping in personality. Laundry rooms can be the perfect space to try something a little different.”
Christensen uses Houzz Pro software, especially for finish material selections. “It makes it super simple for our clients — including on this project — to approve finishes and leave us comments on individual items,” she says.
Wallpaper: Vintage Foliage in dark blue, Rebel Walls; floor tile: Annie Selke Flora in Vapor Blue, The Tile Shop; light: Berg in warm brass, Savoy House
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“Uh-oh” moment. “Taking the wallpaper plunge was a big leap for our client,” Christensen says. “She didn’t have wallpaper anywhere else in her home and was worried her laundry room would feel out of place. We explored a few different directions together with variations of paint and wallpaper, and ultimately we all fell in love with this bold little laundry room design that was dripping in personality. Laundry rooms can be the perfect space to try something a little different.”
Christensen uses Houzz Pro software, especially for finish material selections. “It makes it super simple for our clients — including on this project — to approve finishes and leave us comments on individual items,” she says.
Wallpaper: Vintage Foliage in dark blue, Rebel Walls; floor tile: Annie Selke Flora in Vapor Blue, The Tile Shop; light: Berg in warm brass, Savoy House
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
2. Timeless Touches
Designer: Alicia Torosian Design
Location: Newport Beach, California
Size: 56 square feet (5.2 square meters); 7 by 8 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a highly functional laundry room that felt elevated, timeless and thoughtfully integrated into the overall design of the home,” says designer Alicia Torosian. “Functionally, they needed a better system for sorting laundry and maximizing storage within a compact footprint. One of the biggest priorities was utilizing the existing laundry chute in a way that felt intentional and concealed within the design.”
Special features. Warm off-white cabinetry (School House White by Farrow & Ball). “We painted the cabinet knobs the same color as the cabinetry so they visually disappear, allowing the millwork detailing to stand out,” Torosian says. “The concealed laundry chute is hidden within the upper tower cabinetry, maintaining a clean and cohesive aesthetic. Additional standout elements include the tongue-and-groove wall treatment wrapping the room, integrated drying racks, a statement utility sink and a diamond pattern limestone-and-marble floor that adds movement and character to the space.”
Designer: Alicia Torosian Design
Location: Newport Beach, California
Size: 56 square feet (5.2 square meters); 7 by 8 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a highly functional laundry room that felt elevated, timeless and thoughtfully integrated into the overall design of the home,” says designer Alicia Torosian. “Functionally, they needed a better system for sorting laundry and maximizing storage within a compact footprint. One of the biggest priorities was utilizing the existing laundry chute in a way that felt intentional and concealed within the design.”
Special features. Warm off-white cabinetry (School House White by Farrow & Ball). “We painted the cabinet knobs the same color as the cabinetry so they visually disappear, allowing the millwork detailing to stand out,” Torosian says. “The concealed laundry chute is hidden within the upper tower cabinetry, maintaining a clean and cohesive aesthetic. Additional standout elements include the tongue-and-groove wall treatment wrapping the room, integrated drying racks, a statement utility sink and a diamond pattern limestone-and-marble floor that adds movement and character to the space.”
“One of the most special features is the custom-engraved sorting bins labeled ‘Lights’ and ‘Darks,’ which bring both charm and practicality to the room,” Torosian says.
Designer tip. “One of my favorite design tricks in this space was wrapping the entire room in tongue-and-groove paneling to create warmth and texture,” Torosian says. “Laundry rooms can often feel cold or overly utilitarian, so layering architectural details instantly makes the space feel more intentional and elevated.”
Torosian uses Houzz Pro software to help manage her design firm. “I love using Houzz Pro for my business,” she says. “It’s something I use daily to help run and organize projects efficiently. The platform has been incredibly helpful for managing communication, selections, project organization and overall workflow throughout the design process.”
The 10 Most Popular New Laundry Rooms So Far in 2026
Designer tip. “One of my favorite design tricks in this space was wrapping the entire room in tongue-and-groove paneling to create warmth and texture,” Torosian says. “Laundry rooms can often feel cold or overly utilitarian, so layering architectural details instantly makes the space feel more intentional and elevated.”
Torosian uses Houzz Pro software to help manage her design firm. “I love using Houzz Pro for my business,” she says. “It’s something I use daily to help run and organize projects efficiently. The platform has been incredibly helpful for managing communication, selections, project organization and overall workflow throughout the design process.”
The 10 Most Popular New Laundry Rooms So Far in 2026
3. Charming and Multifunctional
Design-build team: Katharine Hatcher of Bailey Design + Build (design-build consultant) and Katrina Moffett of KHM Interior Design
Location: Lanesville, Indiana
Size: 94 square feet (8.7 square meters); 7 feet, 1 inch by 13 feet, 4 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted the warmth and charm of Savannah, Georgia, to feel woven into their home,” says design-build consultant Katharine Hatcher. “The area that would eventually become the laundry and pantry room was the home’s original kitchen. The room now pulls triple duty as a pantry, a dedicated area for pet dishes and a fully functional laundry room.”
Special features. Warm greige cabinets (White Duck by Sherwin-Williams. Green-gray open pantry shelves and walls (Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams). Black-and-white mosaic hexagonal floor tile. Pull-down closet rod (Rev-A-Shelf). Laundry chute. “The room’s proximity to the garage and easy connection to the kitchen addition make grabbing pantry items a seamless part of daily life,” Hatcher says. “The counter was designed with laundry folding in mind, but it doubles as a prep surface when the kitchen needs extra room. All of it wrapped in that Savannah-inspired character the homeowner had been dreaming of from the start.”
Designer tip. “Before thinking about finishes or fixtures, think about how the room will actually be used,” Hatcher says. “In a laundry room, that means walking through the entire workflow. Where do dirty clothes get sorted, where do clean clothes land before they are put away and where do the baskets live so they are accessible without taking over the floor? Building dedicated spots for baskets right into the design kept the space feeling intentional rather than chaotic.”
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Design-build team: Katharine Hatcher of Bailey Design + Build (design-build consultant) and Katrina Moffett of KHM Interior Design
Location: Lanesville, Indiana
Size: 94 square feet (8.7 square meters); 7 feet, 1 inch by 13 feet, 4 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted the warmth and charm of Savannah, Georgia, to feel woven into their home,” says design-build consultant Katharine Hatcher. “The area that would eventually become the laundry and pantry room was the home’s original kitchen. The room now pulls triple duty as a pantry, a dedicated area for pet dishes and a fully functional laundry room.”
Special features. Warm greige cabinets (White Duck by Sherwin-Williams. Green-gray open pantry shelves and walls (Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams). Black-and-white mosaic hexagonal floor tile. Pull-down closet rod (Rev-A-Shelf). Laundry chute. “The room’s proximity to the garage and easy connection to the kitchen addition make grabbing pantry items a seamless part of daily life,” Hatcher says. “The counter was designed with laundry folding in mind, but it doubles as a prep surface when the kitchen needs extra room. All of it wrapped in that Savannah-inspired character the homeowner had been dreaming of from the start.”
Designer tip. “Before thinking about finishes or fixtures, think about how the room will actually be used,” Hatcher says. “In a laundry room, that means walking through the entire workflow. Where do dirty clothes get sorted, where do clean clothes land before they are put away and where do the baskets live so they are accessible without taking over the floor? Building dedicated spots for baskets right into the design kept the space feeling intentional rather than chaotic.”
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4. Farmhouse Reimagined
Designer: Kristi Hodson of Artistic Kitchens
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Size: 68 square feet (6.3 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The existing laundry room was not designed for efficient use or storage,” says designer Kristi Hodson. “If you can imagine taking out wet clothes and carrying them several steps to load the dryer, it’s not a great way to do laundry. I immediately knew that adjusting the layout to have the washer and dryer together was a necessity. I decided to center them in the room, placing the sink on the right side by the window and a tall pantry cabinet on the left side.”
Special features. “We used a fireclay farm sink to fit the aesthetic of the 100-year-old farmhouse, and also to improve the function of the laundry room by adding a utility sink where there was none before,” Hodson says. “The Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore walls and ceiling add dramatic contrast and moodiness in a room of the home that can often be overly white and sterile. We love mixing natural finishes into each space we design — in this case with reclaimed-wood shelving, a wood countertop shelf on the washer and dryer and wicker baskets. The tile backsplash and penny round floor add patterned elements with materials that feel authentic to the home.”
Designer: Kristi Hodson of Artistic Kitchens
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Size: 68 square feet (6.3 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The existing laundry room was not designed for efficient use or storage,” says designer Kristi Hodson. “If you can imagine taking out wet clothes and carrying them several steps to load the dryer, it’s not a great way to do laundry. I immediately knew that adjusting the layout to have the washer and dryer together was a necessity. I decided to center them in the room, placing the sink on the right side by the window and a tall pantry cabinet on the left side.”
Special features. “We used a fireclay farm sink to fit the aesthetic of the 100-year-old farmhouse, and also to improve the function of the laundry room by adding a utility sink where there was none before,” Hodson says. “The Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore walls and ceiling add dramatic contrast and moodiness in a room of the home that can often be overly white and sterile. We love mixing natural finishes into each space we design — in this case with reclaimed-wood shelving, a wood countertop shelf on the washer and dryer and wicker baskets. The tile backsplash and penny round floor add patterned elements with materials that feel authentic to the home.”
Designer tip. “Using a tall pantry cabinet in a laundry room is great for storing extra laundry baskets, larger items and cleaning supplies,” Hodson says. “We used stock cabinet sizes but increased the depth of the cabinets over the washer and dryer to give the homeowners more storage and make the cabinets easier to reach. Lastly, adding reclaimed-wood shelves over the sink allows storage for frequently used laundry supplies while making the space feel more beautiful and less utilitarian.”
5. Fresh Start
Designer: Julie Vails of Plucky Gal Design & Renovations
Location: Houston
Size: 40 square feet (3.7 square meters); 5 by 8 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This mudroom-laundry combo was in a very tight space with entry doors on both ends and yellow walls,” says designer Julie Vails, who uses Houzz Pro software. “The challenge was how to get rid of the drab and dated look and create something fresh and welcoming.”
Special features. Full wall and pantry cabinets in a deep blue paint (Anchors Aweigh by Sherwin-Williams). Folding counter. “Easy peel-and-stick backsplash tiles create warmth and character,” Vails says. “Overhead lighting brightens this small space. We painted the yellow walls Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound to lighten the room and soften the deep blue cabinets.”
Designer: Julie Vails of Plucky Gal Design & Renovations
Location: Houston
Size: 40 square feet (3.7 square meters); 5 by 8 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This mudroom-laundry combo was in a very tight space with entry doors on both ends and yellow walls,” says designer Julie Vails, who uses Houzz Pro software. “The challenge was how to get rid of the drab and dated look and create something fresh and welcoming.”
Special features. Full wall and pantry cabinets in a deep blue paint (Anchors Aweigh by Sherwin-Williams). Folding counter. “Easy peel-and-stick backsplash tiles create warmth and character,” Vails says. “Overhead lighting brightens this small space. We painted the yellow walls Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound to lighten the room and soften the deep blue cabinets.”
Designer tip. “We painted the floor tiles with a floor coating kit in a Coastal Fog color to refresh the aged tile,” Vails says. “Inexpensive updates can make a big impact.”
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Designer: Ashley Christensen of Lindy Design Build
Location: Castle Pines, Colorado
Size: 49 square feet (4.6 square meters); 5 by 9 feet, 9 inches
Homeowners’ request. “Functionally, the original laundry room just wasn’t cutting it for our client,” says designer Ashley Christensen. “We expanded the footprint by 15 square feet and gave our client space to incorporate a much-needed mudroom. We widened the doors, flushed the floor transitions, included a bench for putting on shoes and installed hooks at a lower height for an easy reach.”
Special features. Deep blue-green cabinetry (Riverway by Sherwin-Williams). “Aesthetically, we wanted to create a rich and moody space with an eclectic mix of textures,” Christensen says. “The geometric floral of the floor tile complements the larger-scale floral of the mural wallpaper with its old-world textile look. The walnut butcher block countertops and shelves give us a lovely variation in wood grain, and we pulled that finish to the ceiling to surround us in those lovely warm tones and break up the cool blues. The custom wall paneling also helps to tie the whole room together and add a vertical pattern to what would have otherwise been a flat wall. The brass accents we used throughout in the lighting, hooks and hardware add a touch of bright warmth against those deep tones.”