Remodel Laundry Room Ideas: 5 Smart Upgrades: Practical, space-saving laundry room remodel ideas from a 10+ year interior designer

I once turned a stair-adjacent closet into a functioning laundry nook because a client swore they "didn't want a utility room"—and then asked for a folding island. That chaos taught me small spaces spark big creativity, and the first step is always a clear visual room plan so you don't buy a washer that won't fit the door. I’ll walk you through five ideas I use on real projects, with trade-offs, budget hints, and practical tips I learned the hard way.

1. Stack and Conceal: Built-in Washer-Dryer Cabinet

I love creating a tall cabinet that hides a stacked washer and dryer—clients get a clean sightline and I get to play with paneling details. The upside is a seamless look and noise reduction; the downside is you need proper ventilation and often a slightly larger budget for custom doors and hardware.

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2. Folding Station That Doubles as a Desk

One tiny house I remodeled needed a work surface and a laundry folding area, so I designed a drop-down countertop that doubles as a small desk. It saves space, gives flexibility, and is great for laundry that doubles as a homework station, but keep in mind the surface must be durable and water-resistant to avoid warping.

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3. Vertical Storage & Pull-out Hampers

Vertical solutions are my go-to—open shelving above machines, a slim broom closet, and pull-out hampers that slot into toe-kick space. If you want to prototype layouts quickly, a 3D floor mockup helps you see clearances and appliance swings before you commit. The challenge is balancing accessibility with aesthetics; open shelves look great but need edit-worthy styling.

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4. Utility Sink with Prep Counter

A deep utility sink is underrated: it handles stains, hand-washing, and pet baths. Adding a folding counter above a sink creates a multifunctional station, but plumbing moves add cost, so plan this early in the remodel and consider a prefab sink to save money.

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5. Multi-purpose Mudroom + Laundry Combo

Combining a mudroom with laundry gives huge functional payoff—benches, hooks, and a small cubby system organize shoes and coats while a stacked machine keeps chores centralized. For tight spaces I sometimes test layouts using an AI-driven layout to explore configurations quickly; it's fast but still needs human judgment for finishes. The trade-off is you may need smarter storage planning to avoid clutter in a high-traffic zone.

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FAQ

Q1: How much does a laundry room remodel typically cost?

A basic refresh (paint, shelving, countertop) can be a few hundred to a few thousand dollars; a full remodel with plumbing, new appliances, and cabinetry usually runs several thousand to tens of thousands depending on finishes and scope.

Q2: Can I put a washer and dryer in a closet?

Yes—stacked units in an enclosed closet are common, but you must provide ventilation, proper clearances, and access for maintenance or consider an adjacent access panel.

Q3: What’s the best flooring for a laundry room?

I recommend waterproof, durable surfaces like porcelain tile or luxury vinyl planks; they handle moisture and are easier to clean than natural wood in wet areas.

Q4: Do I need a floor drain in the laundry room?

Not always required, but a floor drain is a smart safeguard in basements or utility rooms prone to leaks. Local codes vary, so check with a plumber or your building department before deciding.

Q5: How do I reduce noise from the washer and dryer?

Place machines on vibration pads, use insulated cabinetry, and avoid installing them on a second-floor platform unless you add structural reinforcement and sound isolation.

Q6: What appliances are most energy-efficient?

Look for ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers—according to ENERGY STAR (https://www.energystar.gov), these models use significantly less water and energy, which lowers long-term operating costs.

Q7: Is it worth hiring a designer for a small laundry remodel?

Yes, if you want to maximize function and avoid costly mistakes; even a short design consultation can save time and money by getting clear measurements and an efficient layout plan.

Q8: How do I handle ventilation in a laundry/mudroom combo?

Prioritize an exhaust path for the dryer and ensure adequate airflow to prevent moisture buildup; if the room is windowless, consider a ducted dryer and an inline fan or dehumidifier for long-term moisture control.

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