Getting the laundry / bathroom combo right
- Gabrielle Glasson
- May 12
- 2 min read
In compact floor plans, every square metre has to work hard and this is where the laundry / bathroom combo really shines.
The laundry is usually paired with the powder room or guest bathroom, so we want it to still feel like a pleasant and welcoming space to use. Here's a few tips to get it right.
1. Go tall!
If you can, stack your washer and dryer to free up floor space without sacrificing function.
2. Take advantage of underutilised spaces
Hallway cupboards or underperforming spaces like under the stairs can become powerhouses for functionality when used well.
3. Maximise ventilation
Make sure you ventilate the space properly. Two moisture-heavy functions in one room is a mould risk, so go big on windows and powerful on the exhaust fan.
4. Hero the bathroom and keep the palette cohesive.
At our Jannali project (above left and below), we let the laundry joinery play second fiddle in the creamy 'Feathersoft' by Dulux to blend seamlessly with the tiles, which helped the bathroom vanity with fluted timber really shine. You may also consider using a feature wall in the bathroom space as a visually dominant feature to draw the eye away from the laundry.
5. Plan storage carefully for usability.
Can you fit a tall cupboard for your stick vacuum and ironing board? Where will your washing baskets stack? Where will your laundry hamper go? Plan ahead so they don't end up sitting in the middle of your bathroom floor cluttering the space.
Conceal what you can with joinery
If there's room, conceal laundry appliances with joinery for a minimalist, cohesive feel.
Consider how other spaces could pair with your laundry
Another great idea is to merge your butler's pantry and laundry to create one larger, highly functional, utilitarian space. The butlers / laundry combo is an absolute win as it allows for flexible storage and one large, multi-functional sink that can be used as overflow for the kitchen, or for doing laundry.
A pantry / laundry combo is also a great place to play with feature flooring such as natural stone tiles or checkerboard flooring to add a bit of character to your home. This can be a great work around to avoid two small, pokey spaces where one large, multi-function utility zone would be a better solution.
