Considerations When Planning a Laundry Reno

The humble laundry room — it's often not the most favourite room to visit in the house, tucked away out of sight (alongside the stash of dirty clothing). Yet, for many Australian homes, it's a room we use almost daily. While kitchens and bathrooms typically take centre stage in renovation projects, a thoughtfully designed laundry can impact your day-to-day living and household efficiency.

Planning a laundry renovation requires careful consideration to turn what's traditionally been a purely functional space into one that combines practicality with design appeal. From maximising limited square footage to creating efficient workflows, the right renovation choices can turn laundry chores from a dreaded task into a seamless part of your routine. Look, we aren’t saying your laundry will do itself (stay tuned; we are excited to see what happens in the homewares x AI space), but we are saying some simple renovations can help to make laundry time more manageable.

Before diving into your renovation project, understanding the key elements that make a laundry functional is essential. That’s where we come in — this blog is chock-a-block with practical considerations for your laundry renovation. From laundry design layouts to ensuring the laundry renovation cost pays off in the long run, let's explore what you need to consider to get it right (the first time). 

Practical Laundry Renovation Tips

In order to reduce your laundry renovation cost and love the outcome, we have a few practical tips and tricks to nail the details the first time. From appliance selection to storage solutions, these tips will guide you through planning a laundry renovation that works for your unique needs.

Consider Your Appliances

When planning your laundry reno, your appliances should be one of the first things you think about. The size, type, and placement of your washer and dryer will impact your overall laundry design layouts and any other renovation plans you may have.

Start with the basics: deciding whether you want front-loading or top-loading machines. Front loaders allow for installation under countertops, giving you more bench space, while top loaders might require more clearance but are a little easier to load. Another big consideration is whether you'll stack your washer and dryer to save floor space or place them side by side.

Don't forget to measure the dimensions of your chosen appliances, including any clearance needed for doors, vents, and hoses. This is an important step for accurate planning — nothing's worse than finishing your beautiful renovation only to find your new washer doesn't fit!

If you're upgrading appliances, our top tip is to look for energy and water-efficient models. While they might cost more upfront, they can provide savings on household bills over time. 

Layout and Workflow

To make things easy, the layout of your laundry should follow a logical workflow. Think about the typical laundry process: sorting, washing, drying, folding, and storing. Making all of these mundane tasks as hassle-free as possible is the goal when it comes to a laundry makeover (of course, alongside creating an appealing space). 

A good laundry design starts with a sorting area where dirty clothes can be organised. From there, you'll want easy access to your washer and dryer. What this looks like will differ from home to home, consider where folding will happen — ideally on a dedicated bench space. Finally, think about where clean laundry will be stored or transported to. A well-designed layout might include a door that opens to an outdoor drying area or a hallway leading to bedrooms for easy distribution of clean clothes.

Remember Ventilation

Ventilation is often overlooked in laundry renovations, but it's a top consideration for preventing mould, mildew, and musty odours. Laundries naturally produce moisture, heat, and sometimes lint, all needing somewhere to go.

At a minimum, your laundry should have an opening window or exhaust fan to remove humid air. Consider installing both—position exhaust fans near dryers or drying areas where moisture is most concentrated for even better air circulation. A good-quality ventilation system becomes even more important if your laundry lacks windows.

If you're using a dryer, proper venting is essential. While some condenser or heat pump dryers don't require external venting, traditional dryers need a duct to the outside. Make sure this is factored into your renovation plans and complies with local building codes.

Storage - Tall Cupboards

Laundry renovations should always maximise vertical space, making tall cupboards the perfect option. Extending storage to the ceiling uses otherwise wasted space and provides ample room for rarely-used items or bulk purchases. It’s always better to have extra storage than not enough, and often, the laundry is a highly sought-after place to stash bits and pieces. (Think: Beach towels, first aid kids, picnic baskets and rugs etc.) 

Tall cupboards are ideal for storing longer items like ironing boards, mops, and brooms that don't fit in standard cabinets. They can also be a home for laundry baskets, cleaning supplies, and other occasionally used items. 

When planning your tall storage, think about door styles, too. Sliding or bifold doors in tight spaces prevent clearance issues, while standard swing doors might work fine in larger laundries. Consider handleless push-to-open cabinetry for a clean, modern look.

Incorporate Drawers

Drawers are one of our favourite modern twists on laundry design, offering easier access to items, compared to deep cabinets, where things often get lost at the back. When planning your laundry renovation, allocating space for different types of drawers will significantly improve functionality.

Where possible, it’s a good idea to think about what type of items might end up living in the laundry. Consider deep drawers for bulkier items like detergents and fabric softeners, while shallower drawers work well for smaller items like stain removers, pegs, and sewing kits. Don't forget about drawer placement — the most frequently used items should be in waist-high drawers for easy access, while less-used items can go in higher or lower positions.

Soft-close mechanisms are worth the extra investment in a busy laundry room, preventing drawers from slamming and potentially damaging your cabinetry.

Bench Space

Plenty of bench space is essential for any functional laundry, providing an area for folding clothes, pre-treating stains, or simply setting down laundry baskets. During your laundry renovation, aim to include at least one continuous section of bench at least 90cm long for efficient folding. While it may be tempting while you are in the design phase to add bits and pieces, trust us, leave this space clear, and your future self will thank you. 

The material you choose for your laundry benchtop is important. Look for options that are water-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. Laminate offers an affordable solution, while stone or composite materials provide more durability and style but come at a higher price point.

Hanging Rail or Small Fold Out Clothesline

A hanging rail or fold-out clothesline in your laundry gives you a practical solution for air-drying delicate items or clothes made of fabrics that can't go in the dryer. This simple addition can extend the life of your garments.

For a permanent option, install a stainless steel or aluminium hanging rail under upper cabinets or on an empty wall. These are perfect for hanging items straight from the wash to reduce wrinkles. 

If space is limited, consider a fold-out or retractable clothesline that can be tucked away when not in use. These come in various designs, so you can easily find one that works for your space. For an even more space-efficient solution, look for over-the-door hanging racks or wall-mounted drying racks that fold flat against the wall.

Get the Most Out of Your Sink

During your laundry renovation, carefully consider your sink's size and material carefully to match your specific needs. For hand-washing delicates or pre-treating stains, a deep sink offers more flexibility than a shallow one. Consider a sink at least 20-25cm deep for practical use. If you have the space, a double sink allows you to separate different tasks, like soaking on one side while rinsing on the other.

Materials matter too — stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, while ceramic offers a classic look but may be more prone to chipping. For a modern laundry design, composite sinks provide durability with designer appeal. TileCloud offers a range of quality basins, including a large farmhouse sink and a twin option. As well as a range of accessories to complete the look.

A thoughtful renovation can turn your laundry into a space that genuinely enhances your daily routine. By carefully considering each element we've discussed — from appliance selection and layout to storage solutions and practical features — you can create a laundry that meets your practical needs and does so with efficiency and style.

For more reno inspiration, check out our laundry tile ideas and avoid common pitfalls by reading about renovation mistakes to avoid.